The Ship Who Launched Many Words

[Conner Wells]

Conner takes a moment to think on Helen's question. Mostly to avoid addressing Helen's remark of his Sire being 'hands on'. His Sire was a fairly complex subject he'd rather not spill to the Haunt in present company. "Yes, but more 'American Ninja Warrior' style as opposed to 'Hunger Games'. Give me a non-lethal variant but keep the grand arenas and occasional gimmicks. Maybe throw in some mechanical lions for good measure." He looks to gauge the Haunt's reaction to his more sci-fi suggestion. "The technology we have access to in the 21st century, you could come up with at least a fire-breathing dragon head. Make that a team effort. All about tests of strength, agility, and martial skill." All things he'd been working on recently, if only to blow off steam.

Speaking of: it looks like the excitement in the room has died down. And Conner can't notice anyone making light of his erstwhile allies' fortunes. Good. One the Lancea have been restored to influence, that will be the time for making nice and naughty lists. "Pardon my asking, Helen; have you found a Covenant affiliation here in the Domain?" His curiosity is genuine in his voice; he hadn't recalled anything from the Necropolis meeting, and for all he knew Helen was unaligned.

[Helen Kingsley]

Helen doesn't have much of a working concept of the show that Conner brings up. She's sen a few glimpses and snippets, but that (and the provided context) is about all she can put together. The description he provides though ? It sounds a little more like stuff she knows better... Her face lights up a little as they get closer to things she's more familiar with.

"So basically 'American Gladiators', just bigger and meaner and for adults ?" Not that she has much of an idea whether Conner knows that show in the first place, but hey, it'sd the first thing that comes to mind. "Dust the 80s and 90s off it, if you have to, without making it look and feel too flamboyant and sissified, throw in some modern tech and know-how..." She taps her chin, preoccupiued in thought for a short while. "I could get behind that. I mean, you could even think about a version for folks like us, who can take a more thorough challenge. Question would be, more like a sports event or more educational..."

Her, she's always liked the 80s and 90s feel on the thing, but nostalgia is a fickle mistress for todays people who consider themselves 'modern', after all. His question about her covenant affiliation does come a little out of the left field, though.

"Took a while, but yes. We got this little Nossie girl club running we call the local Carthian Movement, but that makes it sound way less inclusive than we are, really."

She really wants to follow that up with something, that much is clear but she cuts herself off before that stuff gets the opportunity to get out

[Conner Wells]

Conner admittedly wasn't too familiar with 'American Gladiators', but he gets the gist of Helen's proposal. "Pretty much. A combination of spectacle and risk to keep people at the edge of their seats"This...actually sounds interesting. Perhaps when the Lancea claim dominance in the Domain we can turn those who fault us against each other. Watch Ventrue and Daeva and Nosferatu rip each other to shreds!

"If by 'educational' you mean training, that lends itself to a more private setting. I understand some groups might use it as a way of settling disputes, which I think spoils the fun of it." He'd read too many stories of cults and organizations who used trial by combat as a substitute to an actual justice system. That was too much for him, even amongst Vampires.

"Carthians?" Plural? And as new and vulnerable as we are? Opportunities? "It's been a while since I've seen Carthians active. I'll be interested to see how you integrate with the Domain here." He keeps his tone welcoming but his expression fairly neutral. Not wanting to set off any paranoid ideas of the Lancea being an obstacle to the Carthian agenda...if there was one. He'd never known Carthians to be a focused crew. But there is always room to be surprised...

[Helen Kingsley]

"Doesn't sound too bad, then."

Even better, looking at it from her perspective, the idea as she pictures it sounds... fun.

"Well, multi-purpose flexible, whats not to like ? Well, it's not as bad as monomacy, but I agree, too high stakes get in, the fun goes out. Might also be a little too one-sided towards those who're into that sort of stuff."

As is monomacy, to be fair. But they're not talkjing monomacy after all, just some harmless fun stuff. Well, fanger-harmless, not harmless-harmless... Conner's first question is met with a matter-of-fact repetition of the question.

"Carthians."

She laughs.

"I'm as interested as you in how that turns out, really. How's that though, no Carthians in your last city, or just a bunch of unorganized folks ?"

[Quinn Durant]

Quinn joined Helen and Conner at the Bireme. A patient smile graced her lips as she asserted herself into their conversation. She knew Conner, and she knew he would be furious if she sat on the information she had.

"I'm sorry to interrupt Ms. Kinsley, but Conner and I have some business to attend to that requires immediate attention. I'm afraid I must insist on escorting him from court." She spoke softly in a measured but concrete tone. It was not a request.

She regarded Conner then with a professional smile made for court. The smile was as beautiful as a sunset and as devoid of meaning as a lightbulb. "There is something you are gunna wanna see." She said. "It can't wait. Let's make our last goodbyes, while I get us an Uber." She spoke softly, already ordering a car for the two of them.

Quinn looked to Helen again, and apologetic smile gracing her features. "He is quite the conversationalist, is he not?" She said softly, with a little wink for Conner's benefit. As much to excuse him but also to let Conner know he wasn't in trouble.

Continued from (2201) Eternal Court...

[Conner Wells]

Conner opens his mouth to respond to Helen, but Quinn's approach halts the words on his tongue. What business is this? Conner was almost certain he'd been minding his p's and q's. Was she clearing house before someone else fell into Mable's spot of 'Memorable Mishaps of the Evening'? No. She wouldn't be that paranoid. There's something else going on...something urgent. And we've been short one Shadow all night.

"Of course, Priscus Durant." He nods in respect, clearly grateful that she gave him a heads-up. And, he couldn't lie, he was curious about her sense of urgency. He shares a sympathetic smile with Helen.
"Thank you for your time, Ms. Kingsley. I hope you enjoy your evening." The Shadow's words were sincere. He was really enjoying the company of Clan Nosferatu as of late.

Closing this side-thread. Thanks for the great scene @Helen!