(1904) Gathering at Dusk

[Winter]

The Guardian's eyes wandered from the Libertine to the rest. He didn't object to the First Talon's proposal, at this point they were racing against time and a Sentinel was needed to teach them the basics of OPSEC.
"My observations don't align with the Libertine's own", the birdwatcher plays with the card between his fingers, "I wasn't shoot at. I spent the past two days dry cleaning myself, therefore the tracking must have been by brush contact. Either the card - but it's unlikely - or the plate of dust they dropped over my clothes", he shrugs.
"I was able to drop them off my tail while they were less than a hundred yards away. So the tracking they used against me was not a high resolution one... for now"

He turns to the Libertine, "Yes, I did have a polite conversation with the agent in charge, to elicit some information. After all, knowing your enemy is our tradecraft. From my stakeout of the area, my take is that our opponent was surveillance aware. The building was a mere backstop to draw us out and both the van and the black cars were conspicuously parked to give us the impression that something big was boiling. Hunting packs need to be inconspicuous, while those agents were outfitted with badges and trained to identify themselves. Everything implies the SSG and SOG might be involved, needless to say, they're professionals at their jobs", it was more a show of grudging respect for his fellow spooks than a jab at the Libertine. Counterintelligence was a hard and unglamorous post.
"Most agents are motivated by one of these: money, ideology, coercion and ego. In the case of the FBI, you have the three Bs - Booze, broads, and bucars", he dangled the card in front of Alastor like a treat, "It's up to you, First Talon, to discover what motivates our dear Agent Yancey. Assuming it is his real name", even though, sleepers couldn't fake their sympathetic links.
"Spying is the second-oldest profession after prostitution, they have a lot in common. One thing, is that amateurs rarely get too far", and with that, his argument was laid to rest.

[Langdon]

"Pseudo-etheric radiation... So these agents have figured out how to mimic the Supernal or am I not understanding that right? Also isn't that something our Theurgists could work with?" Unless B-grade scifi film nonsense is actually just B-grade film scifi non-sense in which case Langdon has nothing.

That is the only question the Moros asks as he shifts to hear Winter's answer to Juris's question. At the worst Winter may share how he got that information.

[Campanella]

Campanella's eyes narrow and he tilts his head (and, to a certain extent, his body) to one side as he absorbs the suggestions of his fellow Awakened. He is also trying to keep up with the developing conversation while he ruminates with himself.

Slowly, the Hierarch shifts into a more forward leaning position. Chin now supported on his hands.

"Well... If that is the general consensus..." He spoke to himself as much as anyone else.

Then, clearing his throat.

"I shall appoint Winter as Sentinel. I feel he has taken on the role of our collective conscience already; and his Order affiliations speak for themselves. So - Winter shall be our Sentinel."

A turn slightly to Alastor.

"I know that this is possibly not what you wanted. However, now you and your... Cabal... can focus more on our external threats."

At present the Arrows were both an Order and a Cabal. He chose to focus on Cabal - by implication he was suggesting that Cabals should now take a more leading role in the Consilium. Maybe he would be heard?

"And I support Winter's actions, Juris. Sometimes the only way forward is to reveal oneself and in so doing, obtain crucial intelligence of one's opponents."

It also meant the agency would be more likely to focus on the Guardian and whatever little traps and distractions he might concoct.

[Phoenyx]

Phoenyx nods along to Alastor's assessment. Shielding their glyphs was the obvious counter, if it worked. Perhaps her studies needed to lean more towards Prime out of necessity. Force would have to wait. But then...

Sentinel?!

The Arrow took pride in the fact that it took a lot to blindside her, but the First Talon had done it. Wide-eyed, she stares at Alastor, a small smirk tugging at her lips.She tries to be nonchalant, but she's standing taller, pride almost palpable around her. Of course she could do it.

Winter's information was more useful points to slot away. But she can't resist commenting. "I was told it was warriors rather than spies. But the reason was still the same."

She shrugs at Galatia. "I can show you theory. If it's Arcana you want to learn, Aurora would know." A nod to the Life master. It was hard to take Galatia seriously with that shark head.

At Campenella's announcement, the young Arrow tries not to look crestfallen, though her eyes drop to the floor. Stop. Think. Winter is older. More experienced. He's smart. He's the right choice. Titles are not important to Arrows. We do our duty.

Still. Then people would see how good I am.

She gives Winter a respectful (If somewhat stiff) nod, and turns to the Hierarch. "Winter... is the right choice. As you say, this keeps our Cabal flexible." The words, like her posture are a little forced, but saying them helps. The firebird recognises their Wisdom as she looks to the newly appointed Sentinel. "So far I am at a loose end, other than being on call. If you need hands or minds somewhere, let me know."

[Kaze]

Kaze listens calmly, showing just a little emotion when Alastor suggests either Phoenyx or Winter for Sentinal. It looks like pride.

At the Hierarch, Campanella's pronouncement, Kaze nods slightly in acknowledgement at Wisdom. He doesn't look at Phoenyx either in the moment or when she speaks, though he nods again slightly at her words.

He looks over at Shodan, judging how the Free Council man is taking things.

[Winter]

The Guardian's gaze shifts between the Ladder and the Hierarch, "I'm versed in the intricacies of the Mind. Rest assured that they won't think of the person they've interrogated any more than the rest of the witnesses they had to interview that day, considered some of the ones they caught that day bore the evident marks of the Supernal. If there was a camera recording me, all the better. Nevertheless, they didn't even ask me to show an id card or any other document. I would have preferred if they had focused their attention on me, yes", he says looking at Shodan, "it would have made my job easier".

Sentinel, he didn't like the sound of it, but he understood they were in a bind. "I will accept the appointment", he said glancing sideways toward Phoenyx, "with a caveat. It shall be temporary, until this FBI emergency has come to pass", it was really an Arrow's job.

"Hierarch, as I see it, our investigation is at a crossroad. For the sake of expediency, one group should handle the technical investigation of the device. This new cabal", he said looking at the Libertine, "seems to possess the required skill set. Another group should proceed with the tracking of the arsonist and his abyssal dealings. A third team should assist in the effort of the second and at the same time seek to apply pressure on the FBI, starting with tracking this Agent Yancey. For that matter I request the assistance of the First Talon and of another Arrow of his choosing".