2020-05-04 Court of Hallowed Truths

Court of Hallowed Truths

Participants: Alejandro KennedyCrawley

Storyteller: Sundance

Location: Pyramid Securities

Date and Time: June 23, 201- 3:14 am

Summary: Kennedy faces tough questioning in Pyramid Securities under powerful Tremere Magick.

───<Alejandro>───────────────
	The offices of the Tremere are a plain affair. The only thing that marks the secure room as different to normal, not that any non Tremere would know, is a skull and crossbones above the one and only door. Before Crawley arrives; Strauss ceremonially faces the skull and utters a few choice words in what sounds like Parsi, performs a gesture at the skull and then nods to Alejandro. When the Primogen of the Tremere Speaks, it is slowly; deliberately; and without as much as recognising . "I herein designated my Deputy the Presiding Judge and will have nothing more to do with these proceedings in an official capacity save to ensure that no undue harm comes to Miss Wilde of the Roses. I should warn you all", he says with a pointed look to Alejandro, "abusing this power is always catastrophic for the one to do so. And no more lies can enter this room. So be very careful what questions you ask."

	Alejandro's brow furrows as he feels the weight of the Power that has been handed to him and nods at the Primogen of Clan Tremere. "I have formally been tasked with bringing you and Miss Cade in for questioning, Miss Wilde. I hereby swear that I have taken all reasonable steps to do so and that I act with no more duplicity than any vampire does by their very nature." He looks unironically vexed that he has said that much, normally a paragon of self control, "When did you last see Miss Cade, Miss Wilde and what precisely can you tell us about her current location?"
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───<Kennedy>───────────────

	To the Alejandro's initial sworn statement of duty Kennedy only politely inclines her head. The former Primogen's expression is one of passive calm as she sits, right leg crossed over the left with her hands upon her right knee and her fingers laced together. Her answer to his question is prompt. "I last saw Emily Cade after Robbie Bartok rescued her from the penthouse of the Ritz-Carlton. As far as I know, she is no longer within Los Angeles and is in San Francisco."

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───<Crawley>───────────────

	Crawley enters the room, no more dressed than he would be normally. As Alejandro address him by his title, the Nosferatu nods and then makes his way to a seat, wherever seems fitting. He would make sure to keep his distance from Kennedy, however. After all she's being questioned and he would not want to be seen as her advocate. When the goblin settles himself in, he shimmies his butt a bit.
	As the Warlock launches into his lengthy explanation of the situation the Seneschal just nods and says, "Understood, Sheriff. Your thoroughness and impartiality are noted and appreciated." He then turns his blue eyes to Kennedy.
	Kennedy's answer draws nere a reaction from the Nosferatu. He continues to stare intently at the Rose as if none of what she said was a surprise to him at all.
	He does look to the Sheriff, however. A clear indicator that this little soiree is his and that Alejandro will be pursuing any lines of questioning. If this is personal to Crawley, the cagey bastard isn't showing any signs of that.

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───<Alejandro>───────────────
	Alejandro shakes his head, though no question was asked of him, he cannot truly lie. "I am not impartial in this. I serve the Praxis loyally and through my service of the Praxis, Clan and House Tremere." Again, a moderate wince, he does not like being unable to disseminate, clearly. "Miss Wilde," he says without missing much of a beat, "what can you tell me of the sale of the building to the Kuei Jin and your involvement, if any, in said transaction?" And without much of a beat between that and the next question. "Seneschal Crawley, what questions pertinent to my direct order would you have me ask of Miss Wilde?" both questions are painstakingly chosen, as though Alejandro is weighing any possible consequence from a misstep.
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───<Kennedy>───────────────

	"I can tell you that the building was owned by (Grayson?) and when he abdicated his seat as Ventrue Primogen he left the building in the care of Miss Cade. Prior to this Prince Hastings called in a boon given by me to her in exchange for the recognition of domain to provide Emily Cade with $100,000 for the express purchase of a real estate transaction. If those funds were used by Miss Cade in any transactions related to the building it was done so without my knowledge," Kennedy replies, watching both Alejandro and looking to Crawley periodically. She seems generally relaxed, speaking easily and freely. "It wasn't until recently that I discovered the Cathayans were involved with the Ritz."

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───<Crawley>───────────────

	Crawley keeps his attention on Alejandro as the Tremere speaks. When he declares his loyalties, the Sewer Rat just nods, almost as if that too, is not a shocker.
	"I would," he responds to Alejandro's question to him, "like to know if Miss Wilde knows exactly how Emily Cade came into Robbie Bartok's 'care' and then into Isaac Abrams'? My understanding of the situation was that only two people knew about Miss Cade's connection to the Kuei-Jin AND also her location were Miss Wilde and Primogen Hastings." He makes sure to say 'Primogen' before Summer's name. "This information being provided by Bastian Fox." A look toward Kennedy, "Miss Wilde was charged by Bastian Fox with acquiring Emily Cade and bringing her to meet me. Miss Wilde never contacted me and I have not received Miss Cade."
	There is just the faintest hint of annoyance in Crawley's voice, "Yet, Miss Cade is now in San Francisco, rescued from coming into the care of the Camarilla. By Miss Wilde's admission, she saw Miss Cade after she had been rescued by Robbie Bartok. I cannot help but think, based on the evidence, that Miss Wilde had something to do with this rescue. That she helped Emily escape."
	Kennedy's words about the details of the Ritz-Carlton and Emily Cade draw his attention again. No surprises cross his features. Could be he knows, could be a poker face. The Seneschal lapses into silence again and waits on the Sheriff.

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───<Alejandro>───────────────
	"Before I proceed with your answer, Seneschal," the Sheriff says in spite of himself "I feel compelled to point out that only two people in the Camarilla knew about Miss Cade's connection to the Kuei Jin. I do not believe even your spy network can tell us how many Kuei Jin knew, or who among the Anarchs they in turn informed. I have solid reason to believe they have back channels among the Anarchs. I raise this only because I am cautious about phrasing."
	He pauses for a moment to carefully consider his phrasing and then continues apace and nods at Kennedy. "Miss Wilde, do you know the details of how Miss Cade came into the custody of Bartok and Baron Abrams."
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───<Kennedy>───────────────

	"I was never charged with acquiring Emily Cade and bringing her to meet Peter," Kennedy says, looking Alejandro in the eye. "I was informed that a condition of Bastian Fox not ordering Primogen Schultz to rip my heart from my chest was my cooperation in tricking Emily Cade into a helicopter ride where she could be turned over to Bastian Fox. I argued that Emily Cade should be turned over to the Sheriff," Kennedy looks at Crawley, "or to the Seneschal. At the time I was still an officere of the Court of the Praxis of Los Angeles and believed proper protocol should be followed, thus my questioning of the nature of the stipulation. There were two other Toreador present at the time, and I left to make arrangements for my security because I was in fear for my life." Kennedy returns her gaze to Alejandro. "Yes, and no."

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───<Crawley>───────────────

	Crawley smiles thinly at Alejandro, "A fair assessment, Sheriff. But, my experience has taught me that Cathayans in LA generally dislike the Anarchs, especially those of Hollywood, a great deal. It is possible, but not probable, that they were the ones who tipped off Abrams to Miss Cade's situation. The Keui-Jin have a toehold in the Ritz-Carlton. They have guards there as well as staff under their control. If they wanted Emily out of there, they'd have taken her out. If I were a betting man, I would say they are still trying to figure out what happened." That thought alone allows the smile to linger a bit. Silver linings.
	When Kennedy calls him 'Peter', Crawley shakes his head at her, "Only my friends call me Peter, Miss Wilde, and even then, only rarely." He narrows his gaze a touch, "You and I are not friends. And if you continue to disrespect my title with your familiarity, it will only reaffirms that removing you from the Primogenship was the right choice. This is not a time for petty games, I assure you."
	Kennedy's explanation of the series of events related to Emily seems to leave Crawley unphased as to the particulars. He shifts his gaze slowly toward Alejandro and says, "Sheriff, I understand the particulars of 'yes' and 'no' answers but such lack of detail cannot help but make me believe that Miss Wilde is hiding something now." He grows silent again, gaze remaining on the Toreador.

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───<Alejandro>───────────────
	Alejandro shakes his head when Kennedy calls him Peter, just a fraction, and then nods at Crawley. "Indeed Miss Wilde, I must insist that you adhere to the protocols of Court or you risk offending both Clans Tremrere and Nosferatu. I have put a lot on the line to assure you of the guaranteed impartiality of these proceedings and Seneschal Crawley could readily take offense at Clan Tremere if you do not grant him the respect I feel he is owed. It would be, as he calls it, petty of him to do so. This is not Elysium and such slights can cause Frenzy. While I am not without a certain degree of ability to protect you against a Frenzying Nosferatu, the personal cost would be immeasurable. There is much more riding on this going the way I have told you I hope it does for more than your sake." He looks frustrated again, one might even say vexxed, as much at the verbosity of what he intended the lightest of reprimands, "I am genuinely sorry to impress upon you the need for politeness, but you did agree to be civil and polite. Please provide the Seneschal the courtesy that his title and service to the Praxis that you would expect me to show you."
	He nods at Crawley "Miss Kennedy is undoubtedly hiding a great many things. She was the Primogen of Clan Toreador and they hold more secrets than Clan Tremere do boons. And if she doesn't know them all, I'll be very surprised. However, I feel obliged to tell you that asking her to reveal any secrets of Clan Toreador under magical oath would be tantamount to a violation of the Domain of the Toreador according to the Traditions. I mean no disresepect to your office, but I am having tremendous difficulty in phrasing the question in such a way as to ensure their Tradition Rights, unless you are asking me to suspend those rights ... and I would do so only under protest. And at that, I cannot guarantee that the magic I am operating under would allow me to ask the question without great personal harm, as it would burn out the very magic that marks me as a Sheriff."
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───<Kennedy>───────────────

	"You are of course correct, Sheriff Lopez," Kennedy says, inclining her head with an apologetic look. "I did agree to that. I meant no offense to the Seneschal in my use of the moniker, and understanding the distinction will refrain from doing henceforth. I offer my apologies."

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───<Crawley>───────────────

	Crawley nods as Alejandro explains things to Kennedy. He remains silent as the grave throughout that part. As the Warlock speaks to him directly now however, he gives the Sheriff his undivided attention. Like, really focused on him.
	"You asked," the Seneschal begins, "Miss Wilde if she knew the details of how Miss Cade came into the custody of Bartok and Isaac Abrams. Miss Wilde, to her credit, answered your question -- 'Yes and no'. If Miss Wilde has no knowledge of how that came to pass, then I believe we are done here. However, she said 'Yes' as a part of her response, which means she knows something. I am not asking you to compel her to reveal secrets hidden by Clan Toreador. I am asking you to compel Miss Wilde to completely address her 'Yes' response she gave."
	He looks back toward Kennedy, "I want to know if Miss Wilde had any part at all in helping Emily Cade escape the Ritz-Carlton, Sheriff. It is that simple, really. As his childe and agent, I assume Bastian Fox was acting under the direction of Prince Lightbourne to aprehend a known Kuei-Jin agent in the Camarilla's ranks. Such assistance by her would be Miss Wilde assisting in allowing an agent of a /known enemy/ of the Tower to escape. I do not see how such a thing would be protected under a Primogen's right to hold Clan secrets. Unless that has become a shield for protecting potential traitors in our ranks?"
	He addresses the last part to Alejandro, turning a gaze to him, brow arched. The Nosferatu seems genuinely curious to hear what the Warlock has in a reply.

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───<Alejandro>───────────────
	Alejandro shakes his head "I am sorry, Seneschal Crawley. The form of the question is important and I really have been as forthcoming as I can. I have literal blood in this game, I spend it carefully."
	"Miss Wilde, do you have any knowledge of how that came to pass that is not secret to Clan Toreador, can you please tell us what it is?" He looks at Crawley and asks, very carefully, his first direct question of the Seneschal. "And does the honest answer to that question satisfy the Court's requirements?" He can be heard to mutter under his breath "fuck I hope it does"
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───<Kennedy>───────────────

	"Yes, Sheriff Lopez," Kennedy says, looking at him from where she sits with her impeccably well-bred posture. "I can, and I will. Prior to stepping down as Primogen, I was told by now Primogen Hastings that Bastian Fox wanted my cooperation in tricking Emily Cade into a helicopter ride to lure her out of the Ritz-Carlton and turn her over to him. My failure to do so would have resulted in Primogen Schultz being ordered to rip my heart from my chest. I staged an event sufficient enough to distract Ritz-Carlton security and bordered a helicopter. While en route I witnessed the gargoyle, Robbie Bartok, feeling the penthouse with Emily Cade in tow. I was complicit in a plan that allowed Robbie Bartok to take custody of Emily Cade."

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───<Crawley>───────────────

	"Sheriff, I .. " Crawley pauses and shakes his head and smiles, as if he was remembering something, " .. am certain you are trying to navigate difficult waters here. I know nothing of your magic but I am certain it is exacting and exhausting. The Court respects Clan Tremere's efforts to adjudicate this matter fairly."
	He then listens to Kennedy as she explains and answers Alejandro's next question. He is patient, waiting with his hands crossed until the Rose is done.
	He gives Kennedy a nod, "Your honesty is appreciated, Miss Wilde. Thank you."
	A glance toward Alejandro and the Seneschal says, "There are still some gaps missing, but by her own words, she has admitted to being part of a plan that allowed Robbie Bartok to take custody of Emily Cade." He gives the Tremere an apologetic smile, "In the interest of saving your blood, Sheriff, the Court will accept this result as an indication of Miss Wilde's guilt in this matter."
	The Seneschal moves to push to his feet, saying, "I will have to take some time to consider the matter of punishment for this crime. The Prince should also be made aware." The Nosferatu gestures toward Kennedy, "I trust you can you keep her in custody a bit longer, Sheriff?" The Nosferatu arches a curious brow.
	"It should not take long," a glance to Kennedy, "It would be unfair of us to keep Miss Wilde waiting overly long to determine her fate. /That/ would be cruel."

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───<Alejandro>───────────────
	Alejandro shakes his head "Before you do Seneschal Crawley, no you misunderstand me and I have two questions that I believe need to be answered. My comment that I have blood in the game was quite literal. Miss Wilde, did you, at any time prior to the conclusion of your part in that plan, have any actual cause to believe that Emily Cade was in any way an agent of or compromised by the Kuei Jin? Were you to have found out, after the fact, what would your course of action have been?"
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───<Kennedy>───────────────

	"No, I did not," Kennedy answers, offering a shake of her head. "I would rather face destruction than betray the Camarilla."

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───<Crawley>───────────────

	"I appreciate your thoroughness on this matter, Sheriff," Crawley nods to Alejandro as the Tremere asks the additional questions of the Rose and she answers.
	As Kennedy responds, the Seneschal looks at her quite intently, blue eyes focused on the dark-haired woman for a long moment. There's this awkward silence in the wake of it, him standing there and mulling over the words that were said.
	After an achingly long time, he just says, "Thank you again for your honestly, Miss Wilde. You have successfully proven that you are not a traitor. Congratulations." He looks to Alejandro, "You should be extremely thankful to Clan Tremere and their timely intervention on your behalf. Without it, you may have very well faced the Final Death." He speaks /quite/ seriously about the matter, implying that it definitely could have been on the table and this gone differently.
	"However," Crawley says, crossing his hands behind his back, "You can rest easier today knowing that you will be spared that fate. That will not spare you entirely from the consequences of your poor decision-making. That is why I am going to have the Sheriff continue to hold you until something fitting of your situation has been decided. You will not escape this without consequences, but you will survive it." A glance toward Alejandro where he gives a nod of his head.
	Shuffling toward the exit, he stops for a moment and says as an aside to the Tremere, "Give my regards to Primogen Strauss, will you, Sheriff Lopez?" A razor's grin crosses the Nosferatu's cracked lips. There is something unspoken there.

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───<Alejandro>───────────────
	Alejandro nods at Seneschal Crawley "I would prefer it if you were to profer those regards yourself Seneschal Crawley, I would not deprive you of his response, I assume I can be trusted to organise the details of the custody?"
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───<Crawley>───────────────

	"You are the Sheriff," Crawley responds shortly to Alejandro, "As long as she doesn't leave Downtown." He glances around the room, "Roses never do well in cages."
	He then continues onward to the exit, opening and stepping outside the room.

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