(1203) Conference with Conner

[Catherine Keyes]

Catherine waited attentively, the calm authority the Reeve was so easily manipulating was fascinating, especially in contrast with the inopportune and clumsy verbalizations of the Nosferatu.

She waited patiently for the Kindred on trial to speak. At the Reeve’s words she responded: “Yes, Sir. From where I stood, Deputy Burns seemed to have the situation under control, I don't believe she required any help.” She nodded slightly on the last word.

Judge and Prosecution, Jury and Executioner.

[Dillon Connery]

Dillon is finding himself angry more and more these nights. But culling the stupidity from the domain he served is tireless, thankless, and endless work.

He is mostly stoic throughout the recounting of the altercation. A calm, mountain of Gangrel muscle, with crossed arms and a hard glare. Hard, but not thoughtless. When the nearly-staked flicks a glob of his own flesh at Zé, Dillon almost snatches it from the air, ready to cram it down the belligerent fool's throat. But Conner let's it pass. So does Dillon.

As the tale is told and re-told, nostrils flare at the man's behavior. The corners of Dillon's mouth pull down to frown slightly at José and his actions.

When "Mister Alexander" throws Invictus etiquette to the wind, and has the unmitigated gall to brand his cousins uncivilized and stake-happy... The Reeve's presence is all that keeps the Gangrel Deputy from sidestepping across to kick the stake the rest of the way through his chest.

At no point does Dillon loose control. At no point is he anything but grimly attentive. But the subtle glance to Conner and widening of his eyes plainly expresses his desire not to allow the burden of the man's existence to fall on either the Nosferatu or the Ordo Dracul. Both of which the Sanctified Gangrel has all due respect for.

Though his work for the family usually seems thankless, Dillon recognizes the fruits of his effort when he sees it. Because of all that Dillon has accomplished for and with the Gangrel of Sacramento, José not only gets to rise another night, but is allowed the choice of his punishment. The Reeve's respectful nod is met equally, with a measure of gratitude for the honored words.

Being hungry sucks. Dillon knows it all too well. But he isn't too surprised at Zé's choice to keep his ability, which he obviously carries much pride for.

[Tracy Burns]

After saying her piece, Tracy remains quiet while the others are questioned by the Reeve. When Mr. Stitches starts talking, the tiny Gangrel resists the urge to roll her eyes at his words. When he calls her clan mate uncivilized, the Beast inside of her riles up in anger, urging her to finish the job she had started. However, the redheaded Deputy pushes the Beast back into its corner, knowing this is neither the time nor place to lose control. While Jose's actions may have been rash and foolish, this idiot has no basis for speaking about that which is civilized or not. In the Gangrel's eyes, it is just a clear show of prejudice against her clan. However, Tracy continues listening to the fool's words, as painful as it is to do so.

Wait, did he just say his bad manners can be explained by him trying to avoid an altercation? What the fuck?

She is relieved once he is done speaking, for having to bear his stupidity any longer may have caused her to go into a bordedom-induced torpor of some sort. The petite Deputy listens attentively to the Reeve as he addresses the Nosferatu, and does her best to suppress the smirk that wants to find its way to her lips. As Jose's punishment is handed to him, Tracy is relieved that the Reeve is showing him mercy. After all, she knows that her clan mate acted in good faith, even if his actions were foolish and not necessary under the circumstances. The Brazilian could've ended up meeting a similar fate to Mr. Stitches, so she is happy to learn that he isn't and hopes that he will learn from this experience.