Malkavian Death Race

Participants: Anya, Bartok, Jack Scar, Karner, Konrad, Queenie, Rain, Shelly, Sveta, Zebastian

Storyteller: Sveta

Location: LA River, Fremont Park, Mulholland Drive, San Vicente Mountain Park

Date and Time: April 11th, 2021 - 22:00

Summary: Konrad emerges from the shadows, meaningless political drivel is spouted, and the clan fights over a box.

Mood Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A15MoDltDOc

New construction, the development of a city already known for its sprawl, is backlit against the radiant, smoggy glow of a freshly set sun and the distant flash of heat lightning.

The skeleton of a building, bones without flesh, towers twelve stories above the barren strip of water and concrete that's only nominally a river on maps, but is a namesake of the city all the same, cutting a jagged path up through the dense urban center and serving as the delineation between territory of a variety of undead societies.

Several dozen meters below, clustered on the wide, block U slope of the LA River is a swirling pool of motorheads: quads and dirtbikes, sportbikes and trikes. While the taste level of the gathering is varied, their enthusiasm for the sport isn't. Even this high above, shrieks of joy, the buzz of engines, the steady thump of music, bassy from distance, and the scream of rubber burning out reaches a collection of licks, all of the same family.

Gathered by word of mouth, text, message, and the occasional ripple over the madness network, most of the city's more established Malkavians have opted to not attend the evening's festivities. Instead, there's just a few wayward licks beyond the Usuals and a handful of newcomer neonates.

Perhaps this absence is because of who's standing atop a pile of girders: Svetlana Serova, the politically unpopular Malkavian recluse turned Whip, in trenchcoat, jackboots, and an eye-heavy makeup splatter that's more corpse-paint than glamour, black lips and skull-like sockets.

She's holding an upturned, chubby, mangy looking, gray-brown rat like a baby in her arms, lazily stroking its belly as the undead filter in from the ragged climb through construction to reach the roof. The rodent's whiskers flutter with every bass-note from below, and it occasionally nibbles on one of the Russian's fingers affectionately.

There's a few places to sit: lawn chairs and crates, stacked wooden pallets, but these come across as an afterthought.

Shelly does technically arrive on scene in a motored vehicle... though that 'motor' is the barest minimum as it's an electronic scooter. Probably a good thing she rolls to a stop about half a block away from the motorheads, haphazardly discarding the scooter on the sidewalk as is tradition before skulking around the edge of the crowd and up and up until she finds one of those lawn chairs and //plops//, though giving a nod of greeting to both Sveta and the rat. "If I'd thought, I would have brought some more cheese-itz."

Jack Scar just sort of shows up, walking along between the bikes and looking them over, grinning. And barefoot, in spite of the construction-site dangers associated with that kind of thing. He makes his way vaguely Sveta-wards.

Who invited HER?! She's not Malkavian, truth be told and, come to think of it, her mind's presence has never really been felt in the subconscious rippling of the Malkavian Madness Network even before... But there is Queenie emerging from the shadows not far from Sveta's perch.

Wild, curly hair is arranged in a messy updo that is barely contained by the plain white hairband while a mid-twenty-something face is devoid of any cosmetics while appearing pale and deadened. No Blush of Life graces this ethereal beauty tonight. She is dressed in a pale-white, elegant dress and matching, off-white nylon stockings while a pair of plain white flats are worn on her feet.

"Oh. Svetlana. -FORGIVE- me for the other night... I almost lost my self-control and -YOU-... almost lost... everything else." Queenie greets in her enchanting voice and thick Boston accent. "May I have your rat?"

Who's that? Zebastian! Dressed in black-and-bleach-stained marbled jeans cuffed over tactical boots, and an oversized battered biker jacket atop a torn up black shirt with faded text that reads: 'I AmBien The Best Person I Can Be'. Alright then. Hair? Long and loose babes -- swooped over his shoulder as he glides on in - joined by the stylish shadow dressed in a clear vinyl trench over a black bodysuit, which is Her Benevolence, Mae. Ghoul? Puffing on a juul and looking disinterested in engaging in conversation with those mulling about here, twelve stories up. Good thing Zeb's got that covered.

"---is repressed, it is because every position of desire, no matter how small, is capable of calling into question the established order of a society, ja? Not that desire is asocial, /totally/ not - but desire is explosive; there is no desiring-machine capable of being assembled without demolishing entire social sectors - and no society can tolerate a position of real desire without its structures of exploitation, servitude, and hierarchy being compromised, without---"

Whoa; where they fuck are they? Zeb glances left and right, then laughs -- eyebrows up! as he looks around the gutted construction, grinning as he spots Shelly and Sveta - pale eyes brightening as he spots Queenie, "---oh, so //this// is where it happens." Glance to Sveta, her rat, then Queenie. Beam!

Rain just appears as well, having avoided sight even with how she is dressed. With her large brimmed hat and mirrored glasses and blue leather jack. She twirls a cane with a red demon skull on it as she arrives. "Good evening." She lifts a hand and touches the tip of her hat as she looks around at everyone.

Speaking of politically unpopular Malkavians: Karner Blue had to park his black vehicle and walk into the construction site, but here he is. He wears a collared, hip-length jacket made of blue-black leather with three black toggles, open over a blue suit and a black turtleneck. His thick-soled dress shoes, almost creeper-like, are of the same leather as the jacket. On his face are small, round, mirrored glasses with blue-black lenses.

He steps up onto a palette and stares up into the sky. What is he looking for up there?

Helicopters? Alien spacecraft? Blue lightning? Something more exotic, perhaps? And while his neck is craned and he keeps his shaded eyes turned heavenward, he says, in his loud, theater-trained voice with its Transatlantic accent: "Serova, is that the elusive Konrad you have nestled in your arms? I've heard so much about him."

Jack Scar doesn't speak as he joins the little gathering by the river. He just nods and produces his absurdly long white clay pipe from the slim case he carries in the deep side pocket of his shabby trousers. He fills the pipe from a little oilskin bag and turns his back to the others to hide the flame when he lights it.

Serova gives Shelly a little wiggle of her eyebrows, and Queenie? A knowing smile and a pouted-lipped shake of her head - an expression that forgives all but offers nothing else.

Yet.

Karner? She clicks her tongue and rolls her eyes to the side, but only squeezes her pet closer to her chest with a squeak of protest when the predatory shadow of a winged gargoyle circles the gathering. She trails the beast with her eyes, and only speaks when he's settled into a defensive presence about his charge.

And when she does? It's to the assembly at large.

"Been some time since our last huddle, mosquitoes. Have you been good? I hope not." She takes a moment to look out over those assembled, before stepping down, girder by girder, until she can land her feet on the roof proper and settle into the mob.

"Some new faces here, which we'll get to." A glance at Rain.

"Some old ones," she glances at Karner.

"Who have been assured safe passage for the evening. Call it diplomatic immunity." She looks at Jack, then.

"And some recluses. Welcomed back into political relevance."

The Russian Malkavian squares up, posture like a signpost, and rolls her jaw to the side.

"I'm not entirely sure how it happened, but our clan has made a transition from punchline to pillar in recent nights. Perhaps due to the folly of others. Perhaps due to our own diligence. Either way, we have to suffer the consequence, and that is to reconcile our position in undead civilization after a lengthy absence of leadership. Both officially, under Grout, and unofficially, in recent nights, where we've operated as an autonomous unit, shoulder-to-shoulder."

"Many of you have heard of Konrad, I'm sure. Blackest of Minds, Sculptor of Synapse. He's been making his rounds in the rumor mill as acting Primogen for the past few weeks, following Bette Bennet's allergy to commitment. So... without further ado..." Serova looks up, over the heads of those assembled, toward the elevator shaft/stairwell entrance to the rooftop.

"Konrad! The Pestilent!"

Queenie turns her hazel eyes toward the others and stares with an intent curiosity as each arrives in turn. Her request for the rat must not have been serious since she is turning away from Sveta so she can watch the growing group of lunatics form up. Zebastian is met with a sneering smile that twists wickedly as those hazel eyes move toward Mae, while Rain receives a more muted look. Karner's question brings The White Queen's attention back toward Sveta, though, and she lets out a sudden, cackling laugh. "If only!"

The laugh is cut off as Bartok arrives and the scrawny witch almost swoons in her shoes. "Oh, Karner. What ever did YOU do to deserve such a remarkable friend. -OH-. -I KNOW!-. I... know..." Queenie sneers again and moves over to stand near Shelly as Sveta draws attention to the shaft and stairwell entrance.

Shelly is surely aware of her least favorite Hollywood Clanmate's arrival for all she pointedly doesn't look in Blue's direction. But the gargoyle's arrival she can't help but notice, not rising from her lawn chair but letting out a tsk-tsk when she spots the axe in his hands. "Does nobody teach anybody manners anymore? Crashing a clan meeting that isn't your's and armed as well? This is a //friendly// family gathering. And for it to remain so, please leave any weapons at the door. You can surely collect them on your way out." Apparently more concerned with axes than Konrads at the moment.

Jack Scar grins, exhaling smoke from between his teeth. He says, "No, m'moiselle, nobody does," to Shelly. "Is maybe leel bit problem." He turns his attention to the elevator, expression going blank.

Karner nods, murmuring something back to the gargoyle before Bartok slips back into the shadows. Then Sveta addresses the assembled. When she mentions his name, one side of his mouth tics up and stays there for quite sometime, particularly when she introduces Konrad more properly. He gives the giant rat a polite little golf clap.

Queenie just gets a shrug and a slight smirk. He can't dump on her for being here and not being a Malkavian, certainly, since he brought a gargoyle. But he turns to look at Shelly with a nonplussed expression when she raises concerns over Robbie's presence. "As I understood it, 'plus ones' are welcome at this gathering, so long as the one who called it gave the 'ok,' which she did." Karner does turn to look at the axe, though. "I suppose you should've left that at home, though, Robbie. Perhaps leave it somewhere my tricky-fingered clanmates can't reach it, hmm?"

Rain leans to one side, resting on her cane as she plays it cool. With her mirrored shades it hard to tell where she is actually looking but she occasionally turns her head as she looks around at all the people who gathered for the meeting, most of who she had not met before.

Zebastian's attention splinters away from Queenie, Sveta, the rat and Shelly -- zipping on over, giving Jack an up-nod before Rain - or a glint of light off Rain's interesting cane - snags focus, and for a moment it seems like he might fully pull him in - obliterating the appearance of a well crepe-heeled vision in Blue and the inevitable shadow of a Gargoyle that eventually looms through from lightning-lit skies --- only...

Before Zeb can open his mouth and share whatever words he had to Rain about her cane? There is the thunk of Sveta's feet, and the opening dialogue -- one that has him nearly laughing towards the start, and outright laughing - hand covering his mouth, as Konrad: The Pestilent is presented to those gathered. Does he applaud? No! But, Zebastian does whistle between his fingers, then snaps them, like a beatnik at a poetry recital.

"So we've come around then, ja? Finally -- and acknowledge, the rat race needs no runners, except those inclined to form a Rat King? Let their tails get tangled, squabbling over scraps -- the Sculptor of Synapse escapes all mazes, needs no wheel - why should any of us?" Zeb chimnes -- oblivious or uncaring, to the chatter of material politics. And axes.

Those who turn to look find nothing but the haze of a light polluted LA skyline behind them. Those who keep their attention on Serova, find the Whip of Dogtown turning her attention back down to the rat in her arms and giving him a showering of little kisses along the patchwork of fur on his belly, before summarily tossing the fuzzy Primogen double-underhand toward Queenie.

"Now Konrad, in his excellent wisdom and great benevolence, has seen fit to allow me to serve in his capacity for the time being. Odds are that this disgrace to monarchical rule will only last for as long as the Harpies allow it, and I'll have to make it official. So, let's have fun with that, da?"

She pauses for a moment, looking at Bartok's axe, although she doesn't seem to fault the servitor. Instead, she addresses Karner, in aside:

"To borrow an expression from Zebastian, Karner: a bit gauche, I think." She quickly digresses, before dipping her head in appreciation for his concession.

"To those of you unfamiliar with how the clan has been operating? I don't care for your political affiliations. I don't care for your hangups on Jyhad. Here, Primogen means nothing. Whip means nothing. Harpy, Baron, whatever. I'm interested in dialogue, where it fails everywhere else. If you want. Ask. If you need, take. If you have, give. There is a network of us, running red veins through the city's sclera. The Nosferatu know how to make use of that. We should too."

"This is not a system without faults. There will be loose lips and stabbed backs, but... these are the brutal trappings of collectivism."

Sveta smiles here. Terse. Empty. She takes brief stock of the lunatics before her.

"So, introductions. New faces here. Some more new than others..." She nods toward Jack. "Gianni has been here for some time. From Milan? Or just passed through Milan on the way here? I can't remember. If you've been by the Sprawl, you've probably seen him. And..."

Serova focuses on Rain.

"You. Have a name? Story worth telling?"

+ROLL/+DICE> Sveta: Dexterity + Athletics vs. 6 -> 2 successes.

+ROLL/+DICE> Queenie: Dexterity + Celerity vs. 7 -> 0 successes. (9 6 5 2 1)

That poor critter sails right passed Queenies unathletic, yet still supernaturally graceful, out stretched arms...

Konrad squeaks!

He lands with a fat plop on a ripped open bag of concrete mix and takes a moment to recover before starting to scurry underfoot.

"Brussels," says Jack amiably. "But I am live in Milan some. Is Denver and, eh, Puntarenas. Konrad is name of the rat? I am approve, then."

"Eh, Denver and Puntarenas I pass through on me way here," Jack clarifies. He gives his pipe a look, as if he blames it, though its only tobacco burning in it.

Shelly only gives a shrug to Karner, eyes still on the gauche fireaxe. And as Konrad the Rat-mogen goes sailing, she gives a sad, sad headshake. "You really gotta work on your reflexes, Queenie. Not getting out enough lately?"

Zebastian laughs - head tipped to the side as he listens Sveta with unblinking amusement, eyebrow raised. When Konrad is lifted? Pale peepers pivot, tracking the flying-rodent -- and when it seems like Queenie might miss? For a split second - mere micro-moment - it seems like that twitchy hand might reach out to incept but... It just waves, dismissively.

Like Zeb's gonna stop a de facto Primogen from going squish.

Hair brushed over his shoulder as he listens to Sveta, Zebastian gives a speed-glance to those gathered -- what's all that chatter about an axe over by Karner, Bartok and Shelly? None of his concern -- the Norwegian just gives Jack a wink at his geographical explanations, then turns back - dreamy smile offered to Rain. "...For real; what's the story evening-glory?" Head inclined towards the cane, before he refocuses on her face; "It's giving Baton Rouge - but the Lakers shirt, I'm sensing home grown, no?"

Rain stands up straight and lifts a hand to touch the brim of her hat. "Good evening. On the streets they call me Making it Rain, because I be making it rain dollars where ever I go. People usually call me Rain for short but that is Miss Rain for business associates. I deal with pleasures of the night, both men and women, or people between if you fancy. They are for sleeping with, not eating though. Deal with a bit of drugs or weapons on the side, whatever. Was born down south in Mexico, but came up to Califorina a while ago, though to this local area more recently."

Karner snorts when Zebastian speaks, and just shrugs when Sveta addresses him. Then he snorts when Zebastian speaks again, giggling a touch, and goes to stand up on a pallet, shoving his hands into the expensive pockets of his leather jacket. Though he's still facing the gathering, he's looking around at the big, wide, unfamiliar expanse of concrete all around him. He looks eastward for a moment and a brief shadow of trepidation seems to pass over his usually expressionless face. At least, until the newcomer (Jack Scar he already knows quite well, of course) speaks, and then he turns to stare impassively at her. When introductions are done, he gives her a little golf clap as well. "Welcome to Los Angeles, Rain. May you get to do all of the wonderful things you want to do."

Rain glances over to Zebastian and tilts her head slightly at the mention of the Lakers shirt and adds. "It is street colors, Calle 18." She holds up her gold necklace with the XV3 hanging from it. "You got to represent your crew, that is how it goes. I don't care about sports."

The Gargoyle nods to the gathering of Malkavians wholesale and then to Karner. His nod to Mr. Blue is more deliberate, as if to confirm something. He then shrugs, hefting the axe on his shoulders. The monster seems to be reassure in his doubt that any of Lunatics present could carry this weapon even if they could seize it from him somehow. There was just so much Gargoyle to climb up to reach it…

Queenie's attempt to catch Konrad was made in earnest effort but athletics just isn't her thing, apparently. Her head snaps to one side to follow the rat's trajectory as it lands on that bag of cement mix. She turns back and offers Sveta a wicked little smile.

"Oops."

The Russian's words are listened to keenly, though the scrawny waif shakes her head slowly, "I'm no Malkavian, Svetlana. Oh no. Not at all. Not -anymore-. But titles DO matter. As... does... politics. We can pretend all we want."

The scrawny waif lifts her hand up in a sudden flash before she adds, "I -DO- have a topic, however. If the new kittens are done saying their names?! Joseph. Where does the Broken Mirror stand with JOSEPH?"

Jack Scar blinks, then raises an eyebrow at Queenie. "Should we to?" he asks. "Is he doing sometheeng noticable?" He paces a few feet, head bowed a bit as if in deep contemplation, but then he flops into one of the lawn-chairs.

Sveta winces as Queenie necessitates a filing with the American Humane Society. She doesn't chase after Konrad, but she does keep tabs on his frenzied scuttling under the feet of the undead mob.

"Worldly," Serova says flatly in response to Jack's amicable recounting of residency, before drawing her attention from Konrad as he seeks shelter beneath Shelly's chair to take in Rain's testimony.

"Where's the fun if you can't eat them?" Through the sardonic remark, there's a moment there that only the astute social senses of a vampire might catch - a lingering stare at the mention of Mexico, tapping her fingertips in alternation against the pad of her thumb, then, sharply:

"The city is in a state of transition. A weird lull that I can't say I'm particularly pleased with. Santa Monica lost a leader. The Tower has cycled through them like socks. Prince Hastings was good to our clan. Recognized us where others didn't. Rewarded us with more than a fair share. What Lightbourne's Tenure will bring?" Serova shrugs a shoulder.

"The same as any other twist of fate will." Sveta grins at Zebastian, full of fangs. "We will persist." Serova eyeballs Queenie from afar, scoffs, and rolls her eyes. She moves aside to police a can of red spraypaint from an overturned toolbox nearby, beginning to rattle it.

"You're asking for moral guidance, Queenie? Or a stance? I can give you one, but I can promise the other. As I said: this isn't a political affair, until it turns to expression of politics by other means."

She pauses for a moment to let the sidebar play out, though. Zeroing in on the half-of-a-Toreador as the others speak, step by step, until she can speak with a tone less suited to orating.

"Or are you just hoping to drive a stake into the works?" She claps her hands together and raises her volume again.

"How about something more -explosive- so we can keep Queenie here entertained?"

"To celebrate new beginnings, fresh chapters, I have arranged, eh... festivities. Is not often I join my personal hustle to the affairs of parasites, but - for what it's worth, and from the mouth of a lick who hated - HATED the trappings of the blood given to her for most of her time in the night..."

Sveta produces her phone and thumbs through it briefly, casting her face in sharp underglow as she shoots off a text message.

"I'm proud of what we've done together these past few months."

"Who's up for a little game?"

Shelly sits up now. "As one that has been stabbed in the back, what exactly is Konrad's stance on backstabbers bring //armed// bodyguards to family meetings? Seems more like an action designed to offend and flaunt. It's not like Bartok there isn't perfectly capable of doing any protection duties he might have with his bare hands and wings after all."

Rain looks to Sveta and shrugs, "I feed on them, then I sell their services to mortals. So it doesn't matter if it is fun for others, it works for me. Though I am not one to judge others, if they want to get freaky with a mortal. What they do is up to them, but I got to draw a line."

Zebastian tips his head to the side as he listens to Rain, giving her a slow optical once-over. Does he not get what 'pleasures of the night' might mean in English? Because the Norwegian kid seems puzzled - only to give a vague, dreamy nod at the mention of colours and Calle 18, the necklace... It does not take an empath to recognise: Zebastian might not be the streetwisest of fellows. Does not stop him from biting back a smile, before he chimes; "Of course -- to many balls in the face -- what is it, that you do care for?..."

Before the Questioning can continue, Zeb's fractured attention gets snagged by Queenie, head tipped -- expression? Amused, but incredulous. They simply do not agree, re: politics, now do they --- but? That mention of Joseph? That has Zebastian laughing breathlessly, before he clicks his tongue and looks back to her - speaking softly in that melodic lilt of his; "Oh Queenie."

What? Zeb doesn't have more to say on that matter? Apparently the motormouth is being set in neutral, in favour of glancing back to Sveta -- head tipped, listening - listening - listening -- then laughing, hair swooped out of his eyes, before he leans back on his heels. ".../Alright/ then. Let's -do- this."

All said with zero fucking idea what 'this' game might be. Who cares! Zebastian as committed -- fingers snapping animatedly as he glances to those gathered -- bright eyed, at Queenie, Rain - briefly puzzled - Jack, Shelly - ignoring the axe-talk - Karner and yes, briefly Bartok, before the Malkavian contingent are addressed; "Any chickens?"

Bartok tilts his head at the topic of discussion. His stone eyes flick around before coming to rest on Shelly. He turns around at the shoulder to peer towards her direction. The creature says nothing, he merely extracts his free hand from his hoodie pocket. Knobby fingers twist and point in the direction of the river. He nods again.

"Since when is the Broken Mirror united on anything, Queenie? We are 'Broken' for a reason," says Karner. He turns to listen to Sveta, as if to ask: what kind of game? Though the question has no words. Of course, then Shelly is saying the things that Shelly is saying, and Karner says casually, "I did ask him to put it down, Shelly. Feel free to ask him yourself." Another glance at Robbie, then Shelly. "He has it for /our/ protection -- from the Sword. Yes, yes, go on, say something snarky about me, but it's true. Will you be the one to save us when they come riding across the concrete barricades, hmm? I think not." When Zebastian looks his way, though, Karner stares back with his usual impassive stare.

A little sigh from Sveta. She dips her head at Shelly's words and paces over to Karner and Bartok. She extends a hand, patiently, toward the gargoyle. "No one is going to hurt your best friend. Not tonight, at least. You'll get your toy back after class. Which should be shortly. My game is time sensitive. Let's not waste any more of it."

Queenie adopts a straight-backed stance with her small, white flats positioned at shoulder-width and her shoulders scrunched high in her posture, all while she -stares- at Sveta. Hazel eyes flick to the phone as that text message is scent by the Malkavian Whip, then the scrawny witch is sweeping her attention toward the rest of the gathering.

"Oh Shelly. Careful. I think the big piece of rock just threatened to throw you in the river. Think he can do it before I break his mind?!" A flicker of annoyance follows at Karner's statement though Queenie's eyes remain on Bartok, instead. "The mirror may be broken but it reflects the same image, Karner Blue. Well. Except for -you-. Eyes... upon eyes... upon eyes!"

Rain nods to Zebastian, figuring that he understood it well enough that she doesn't need to explain more. Her attention turns to the talk of the game. "So is that a game to build teamwork and help make friends?" She glances to Karner, then to Sveta. "Or just one to pass time on these lengthy nights?"

Jack Scar shrugs, tapping ash out of his pipe into his palm and watching Queenie.

"Contrary to what you apparently think, not all of us hide behind whatever skirt we can find at the first sign of danger. I //have// put my own neck on the line to protect the city from the Sword and paid in blood and will undoubtedly do so again. But yeah... I'm not gonna be trusting you on what might be for our protection, since you burned any trust when you spilled our secrets to the same Sword you're claiming your bodyguard is to protect us from..." Somewhere in that talk, Shelly stood, arms crossed, but not giving up her own ground. "If someone wants to toss me in the river for pointing out some truth well... have to catch me first."

A laugh from Zebastian, at what Rain has to say -- but no comment. The Norwegian bounces on his booted feet, attention zipping around as Shelly and Queenie chatter, as Sveta moves to engage with Karner and Bartok...

...Zeb, impatient to get to the games?! The whole universe, unsurprised. He does give a breathless kind of huff though, clicking his tongue and flashing a grin over in Jack's direction. "It is a shame, Maude is not here -- she is an expert, you know? In herding cats." A beat, then Zeb tips his head. "Skinning cats?..." Head shook, eyes bright. "Herding."

Somewhere in the background: Mae puffs on her juul, scenting the air with synthetic cherries.

The roar of a huge V8 dies as a behemoth of a Lincoln is parked a couple blocks from the meeting point. A few minutes after that, the diminute girl steps in. She looks around with her pale blue and soul dead eyes, noticing a few faces she recognizes, and a lot that she doesn't. She beelines to Zeb and nods. "Glad to see a known face." She rubs he nose with the back of her hand,before looking around. A second nod is given to Karner's direction before she stops and takes in what's going on around her.

Karner levels a big grin at Queenie. "Queenie, darling. Don't you have a thorny Rose gathering to get to? I think you 'zigged' when you should have 'zagged.'" He sighs as Shelly continues her tirade, putting his hands atop his head and strolling around the palette he's stood atop. Anya gets a brief uptick of his chin as she arrives, though he then looks to Shelly, Sveta and Bartok again. "I've already asked Robbie to put the axe down, even though he wants to use it for /our/ protection, not only mine. I /could/ make him do so, but that would be a rather large breach of trust, and I'd rather not. I'd rather the rest of you didn't, either. Shall we let bygones be bygones and get on with the game before Oygard has a post-death stroke?"

Zebastian's head, it tips - it tips and it dips - it tips, dips, shakes, and the Norwegian kid bounces on his feet --- all other things in the immediate area? All Malks and Malk-Adjacents? All talk of games or prattle on conflict?

Ignored, banished from Zeb's attention after Anya speaks to him - that dreamy crescent of a smile growing positively Cheshire, as his hands come up and he glides -- woosh -- in her direction. Personal space? The personal space he usually affords every single lick, going no more than an auras-reach away? Violated, as pale hands reach out to cup the sides of her unholy head -- so long as Anya doesn't bat them away, of course.

"I //hear you//." Exclaimed as a whisper, as Zeb's eyes to a speed-scan of Anya, taking her in. For a moment? The Westsider looks to be at a loss for words -- resulting in nothing more than a laugh, very quiet - weirdly soft - surprised, or astonished, something complicated, before he adds; "How was the journey?"

Robbie Bartok stands up a bit straighter as Serova approaches. He hefts the axe off his shoulders and sets it down on the pavement with a heavy thunk. The blade rests between his crocs while a gnarled hand resting on one end rest. It was a very heavy weapon. Made for Gargoyles, even. He looks down at Sveta with a tired expression. There's a sound of gravel as words take form in his throat. He's much quieter than one would would imagine. He does stoop enough to give Sveta the benefit of marginally better acoustics. He's very hard to hear between the rough texture of his voice, the mask, and quiet speech.

"They shoul' know," the monster says, "this'd be overkill for anyone but you." He dips his head forward to Serova. There's a bit of a Burbank accent on his voice. Barely audible through the gravel, but it's there. "S'for y'know who. If they roll up." He nods to the river again. "Heard 'bout lupines commin' up here, too, but-- well. I ain't stayin' t' fuck around with that." After a pause he tilts his head towards the sky in an upward jerk.

Anya twitches a bit, but doesn't flee fro Zeb's touch. "I just arrived back, carved a little domain, and maybe I can come visit." She opens a brief smile, but doesn't linger much eye-to-eye with the Norse. She turns to face the throng of misfits, unsure if presentations were done or if any is expected from her. First time for such things. First times are always weird. She's the embodyment of a first time.

"No, bygones are not just bygones," Shelly looks horrified at the idea. "Absolution may take away the sin, but doesn't remedy the disorders sin has caused. Hasn't really looked like you've been attempting to make satisfaction for damage your sins... things don't get to just go back to the way they were just because you ask pretty please. Penance don't work like that." At least not in this lapsed Catholic's dead little heart.

Serova's eager, outstretched fingers slowly close as Robbie settles into a more passive stance. She regards him sullenly, peering up at him in momentary contemplation, then dips her head, in acceptance, and turns, offering him her back as she addresses Shelly:

"No one's asking to make amends tonight, Shelly. Those will be made, broken, or burned, in the sunsets to come."

Sveta returns to rattling the can of paint she's been toting as she moves over to the mechanical housing for the empty elevator shaft and answers Rain:

"To pass time. To kill time. To ease the monotony of eternity. The game exists because we do. We're playing it. Always." Serova answers Rain.

She begins to write letters across the structure, slowly and diligently, as she speaks. F-R-E-

"Three miles North of here, a package is being delivered. The object of the game is to prevent the package from being delivered, and to bring it to a new rendezvous point: San Vicente Mountain Park."

F-R-E-M-O-N-

"The vampire or vampires who does this first wins. Simple, da? Rules: try not to kill each other. And -" She waggles a finger at Bartok. "No wings."

"My advice?"

F-R-E-M-O-N-T P

"You'll need to borrow a pair of wheels."

F-R-E-M-O-N-T P-A-R-K

She whips an underline across the writing.

"Don't make too much of a mess. Davai."

Konrad finds Serova's ankle and scurries up her leg. She welcomes the rat back into her clutches as the game begins.

Queenie takes a few slow footsteps closer to Shelly and she almost bumps shoulders as she settles in beside the Camarilla Deputy. The skinny woman's gaze moves from Bartok to Karner and she lifts her chin slightly but doesn't reply. The interplay between Bartok and Sveta draws a glance before Queenie leans in toward Shelly, bumping shoulders after all. "I... -hate-... riddles. They are everywhere, Shelly. Let Serova have her game. -I-... am gone."

The small not-Malkavian turns around and begins to head back toward the rooftop staircase, pace quickening erratically as she departs while hissing, "Good luck... with your -FUCKING-... game..."

Twitch away - Zebastian doesn't seem to notice - care? - stop himself, from flexing those fingers against Anya's head - blue-shaved sides of her mohawk mussed, before he laughs again. "I'm /sure/ you have -- when we have the moment, yes? Until then - don't mind this fragment of the local contingent - they're all horrible, just /awful/, you'll glide right in." So teasingly said - but in every joke...

Zeb finally lets go of Anya's head, moving to thwack a hand against her shoulder as he positively looms besides her -- height difference practically laughable, as he gestures abstractly to the wider group, then points at Sveta, and chimes to Anya; "She's hosting the games -- you ready?"

No clarification on what the game is, of course -- but... Zebastian doesn't seem totally aware of /what/ is--- OH! As Sveta lays it all out for the licks gathered? Zeb laughs, glances around to get a little vibecheck, winking at Queenie as she starts to go, then turns back to chime to Anya with a wink; "/Alright/ - you get any sharper, since the last time?"

"What ees it?" asks Jack, curious. He sits up on the lawn chair, but doesn't rise.

You say "You'll have to play to see, Gianni."

<OOC> Sveta says, "Okay, so! Deathrace! Everyone can go a round more of posing, but who's going to be participating IC?"

<OOC> Zebastian holds hand up, because of course.

<OOC> Shelly would as well.

<OOC> Rain says, "sure"

<OOC> Sveta says, "everyone who's participating can roll streetwise+wits or area knowledge+wits or wits v 7 to jump the gun on Sveta's rally point and start descending the construction site"

+ROLL/+DICE> Zebastian: Area Knowledge + Wits vs. 6 -> 0 successes.

+ROLL/+DICE> Shelly: Wits + Streetwise vs. 7 -> 2 successes. (7 7 5 4 3)

<OOC> Zebastian laaaaughs.

<OOC> Zebastian says, "zeb, scattered as usual."

<OOC> Sveta says, "also feel free to team"

+ROLL/+DICE> Karner: Wits + Streetwise vs. 7 -> 1 success.

+ROLL/+DICE> Rain: Streetwise + Wits vs. 7 -> 1 success. (8 6 6 5 4 2)

+ROLL/+DICE> Anya: Streetwise + Wits vs. 6 -> 0 successes. (7 5 2 1 1)

<OOC> Anya pfffffts.

<OOC> Sveta says, "Jack? Bartok?"

Jack Scar makes a face, a funnny disgusted look, but he nods.

+ROLL/+DICE> Jack Scar: Wits + Streetwise vs. 7 -> 2 successes. (8 7 5 3 3)

<OOC> Karner doesn't want to, but is going to, lol.

<OOC> Sveta says, "that's how i get out of bed every day"

<OOC> Jack Scar is slave to curiousity

<OOC> Sveta says, "Okay, how are you all descending? Stairs? Elevator shaft slide? Just jumping?"

<OOC> Bartok says, "is it a footrace?"

<OOC> Sveta says, "the trip to the ground floor is"

<OOC> Sveta says, "if you persist on foot you might have some trouble after that ;)"

+ROLL/+DICE> Bartok: Streetwise + Wits vs. 6 -> 3 successes.

Shelly has apparently said all her piece and arms crossed and frown on face, she listens to the puzzle, her toe tapping as she watches those letters spell out and the rules of the game laid out. Her eyes light up a bit when she seems to put at least enough together and rush to the stairs, leaping down them.

+ROLL/+DICE> Bartok: Area Knowledge + Wits vs. 6 -> 3 successes.

"I've spent months making amends, and suspect I shall spend many more. Just because you haven't been paying attention doesn't mean it isn't occurring, Shelly." Karner gets that in before Sveta explains her little game. "Jack, Robbie. Come with me, will you? We'll go in my car." He doesn't seem like he's in such a hurry, though, as he heads for the stairs, adjusting his collar and cuffs as he goes.

<OOC> Sveta says, "Okay, Shelly is running. Karner is walking."

<OOC> Rain says, "I am going to take my time down the easiest path, while making a phone call."

Jack Scar shrugs, and grins his gold checkered grin to those about, finishing with Sveta, who gets a wink. "Okay," he tells Karner, rising to follow after. "But I think pretty soon I am get one of these autokinoton velocipede, and damn the consequences."

<OOC> Sveta says, "Okay, those running down the stairs, dex+ath+cel. Sliding down the elevator, dex+cel+acrobatics v 5."

Rain tilts her head as she listens. "A race, that is interesting." She is in no rush however, because she heard no rules about physically getting the package herself. So she takes out her cell and dial up her crew.

+ROLL/+DICE> Shelly: Dexterity + Athletics + Celerity vs. 6 -> 1 success. (8 4 3 3 2)

<OOC> Bartok says, "what if I just jump out the window? >.>"

+LOSE/+BURN> Zebastian burns 2 Blood.

+BOOST> Zebastian boosted their Physical/Dexterity stat!

<OOC> Shelly says, "Serious boosting, Zeb!"

<OOC> Sveta says, "Over 30 meters, so 10 lethal, unless you spend a turn looking for a softer place to land."

Anya eyes Zeb, unsure of what's cooking. "I have Behemoth parked near. Sharp is good, I reckon?" She looks to see if anyone else is joining them. "Is this a treasure hunt? I think I saw an animation about this. I think it's called Duck Tales." She points to the stairs. "Shall we go?"

<OOC> Sveta says, "Where's Rain's crew located? You might be stretching my abilities of GMing a little, but I'll try to work it in."

<OOC> Jack Scar says, "Rutch, for me"

<OOC> Sveta says, "i will note, parking around the construction site is limited. odds are that if you brought a car you'll have to take a debuff to go get it, as opposed to procuring one from the racers below"

<OOC> Rain says, "18th street gang is the largest gang in LA with 50,000 people in the US. It was originally based around 18th street and union avenue in LA but there are people all over the place."

<OOC> Rain says, "I have rank 3 in it, as a criminal organization"

<OOC> Karner says, "She's gonna get all 50k people to look for it."

<OOC> Jack Scar lol

<OOC> Rain says, "it has ties with the mexican mob too. it is a real life gang"

<OOC> Jack Scar says, "I imagine just find a few near the site"

<OOC> Sveta says, "Is that contacts? Or... a different background?"

Zebastian grins at Anya. "Yeah -- you still go fast, someone on the back? I swear I'll just scream a little." As for the treasure hunt, he nods -- laughing about the quip on Duck Tales - but when she points to the stairs? Zeb seems to be in no rush -- zoning, zoning -- then laughing, stepping closer to the elevator shaft. "Nah babes; I'm gonna slide, join me? Otherwise -- see you down there, yeah?"

...twelve stories down? Zeb must be mad -- yet, there he goes...

<OOC> Shelly says, "Rank is it's own background. But it can be used once a week for an equivalent Ally, Retainer, or Contact as makes sense for the organization."

<OOC> Shelly says, "https://liberationmush.site/resources/backgrounds/#Rank_Influence_Background"

<OOC> Rain says, "it is rank background. It is the same as if you were a police officer or something, you could get the rank and call in police and stuff. Except it is a gang"

<OOC> Sveta says, "Okay, which territory is it primarily associated with?"

<OOC> Sveta says, "Southside?"

+ROLL/+DICE> Zebastian: Dexterity + Celerity + Acrobatics vs. 5 -> 9 successes.

<OOC> Zebastian does not die. again. yet.

<OOC> Shelly says, "Does Zebastian have wings?"

<OOC> Zebastian does a lot of yoga.

<OOC> Karner says, "Why is your diff so low?"

<OOC> Zebastian says, "Because Sveta said so."

<OOC> Sveta says, "He had a thing."

<OOC> Sveta says, "Zeb nearly burns his hands off, but man does he take the lead. Anyone else rolling?"

<OOC> Karner says, "Rolling what?"

<OOC> Rain says, "central LA"

<OOC> Sveta says, "If you're taking the stairs, dex+ath+cel."

<OOC> Shelly says, "Running down stairs/sliding down the elevator shaft... think Karner was just casually walking down the stairs?"

<OOC> Jack Scar says, "To slide down, but I think we're just walking"

<OOC> Karner says, "Yes, casually walking, because who has the time?"

Anya climbed 12 floors in high heels, and seems able to follow the same path back without beaking a sweat (Kindred can't sweat, the more you know!). It takes her minutes to go down, no fancy Celerity for the tiny lunatic.

+ROLL/+DICE> Anya: Dexterity + Athletics vs. 6 -> 1 success. (8 3)

<OOC> Sveta says, "Okay, this is in the North East part of LA, but Central is closer than Rain is currently. I'll give you a group of three en-route when you finish your call at the bottom of the stairs. I'll give them a four dice pool for closing the distance (2 drive, 2 dex), but at half of the required rolls as everyone else."

<OOC> Rain says, "ok"

"I think Zebastian is have more fun," Jack tells Karner as he pads down the stairs. He does hop some two and three at a time, just for the hell of it, but he doesn't really seem to find the mission urgent.

<OOC> Sveta says, "bartok? soaking? or something else?"

Rain doesn't actually need her cane, and doesn't use it to help her walk at all, though she doesn't seem to be rushing either as she heads down the stairs. Win or lose, she is going to do it in style. She looks to the others who are taking their time and decides to hedge her bets a bit. "So anyone care to team up?"

Wheeee! What is better than throwing oneself down an empty elevator shaft? Nothin'! Though from the sound of banging metal and a swiftly descending Malkavian doing whatever mysterious acrobatics he's engaged in, Zebastian might be experiencing something that causes that quickly-zooming-away laughter to take on a delighted shrieking quality. Fun. This is fun. Screaming metal is fun.

"He just has the appearance of fun. It's all an act," Karner airily tells Jack, pulling out his phone and swiftly dialing a few numbers as he trots down the stairs. "Janice, it's me, Blue. You owe me from the mishap with Shalina's trailer and the -- yes, you know just what I mean. Well, I need one of your people, stat. I'll text you the details..."

Anya looks at Rain. "Dunno if teaming with me is a good and solid plan." She tilts her head and grins. "Anya. Resident Valley Girl. Not really with the West or the Holly crews, much less the Cam. I kinda have my own thing. You?" She extends a hand, walking side by side. Networking is important, kids.

Jack Scar gives Rain his glittering tacky grin and says, "I am no objecting any, but is M'suer Blu's car, eh? I am leel bit lazy to run /all/ that way, mesel'."

<OOC> Sveta says, "the rest of you walking, ill just mark you as 1 floor per turn"

<OOC> Sveta nudges bartok

<OOC> Sveta says, "you jumping or scouting?"

<OOC> Anya says, "Seven inches Louboutins. I'm not running."

<OOC> Sveta says, "okay, karner has a pawn on the board. 5 dice pool (2 drive, 3 dex) 1/2 required rolls to close the distance travel wise. rain, im moving your pool to three to line up with how im allocating those numbers."

<OOC> Sveta says, "ill start rolling for both of those in another round."

<OOC> Sveta says, "barrrtooook"

<OOC> Bartok says, "Sorry I have an RL distraction"

<OOC> Sveta says, "we'll do y our rolls when youre back"

<OOC> Bartok says, "Karner the dog is doing it again"

<OOC> Sveta says, "we'll come back to bartok. everyone walking still walking? zeb, shelly, anya: speed check. same roll as before"

<OOC> Karner says, "Oops, lol"

+ROLL/+DICE> Shelly: Dexterity + Athletics + Celerity vs. 6 -> 3 successes. (10 10 8 4 3)

+ROLL/+DICE> Zebastian: Dexterity + Celerity + Acrobatics vs. 5 -> 4 successes.

<OOC> Jack Scar says, "Yipe"

Shelly continues to sprint down said stairs. Maybe not as enthusiastically as Zeb's gravity defying elevator yoga parkour, but she's giving it a good shot.

<OOC> Sveta says, "okay, zeb's on the ground. shelly's halfway down."

Rain speaks with some people on the phone and they track down the nearest people in the area and gives them the details of the job. She lifts a hand and tips her hat slightly. "I am Making it Rain, or Rain for short. Miss Rain for business associates." She shrugs, "You were invited to the meeting and free to join the game, so I don't see the problem working together." She looks to Jack. "I plan on going to the finish line, someone will bring the prize there, so it saves on work."

<OOC> Sveta says, "Okay, Zeb. You going to try to sneak a ride? Sweet talk a ride? Or muscle a ride?"

<OOC> Zebastian says, "Sweet talk babes, you know me."

<OOC> Sveta says, "There's a few scattered groups of varying dispositions. What sort of ride are you looking for? Or person?"

Karner finishes texting and glances over at the conversation between Rain and Jack. "You're welcome to join up with me and ride in my vehicle if you'd like, Rain. Lovely to meet you, by the way. Karner Blue. I think I already said, 'Welcome to Los Angeles.'"

+ROLL/+DICE> Anya: Dexterity + Athletics vs. 6 -> 1 success. (7 2)

<OOC> Zebastian says, "Motorbike, with a good gullible to nice-ride ratio."

The laugh-shriek of Westside's Noise Hell Ambassador comes to a stop -- where is Zebastian? Possibly torpor'd at the bottom of a disused elevator shaft -- or bouncing around like a nutcase, on the prowl for... lord knows what. New wheels? New hands? New distraction?!

Upstairs... Mae sighs out a lungful of cherry scented nicotine, and gives Sveta a look. Expression? Inscrutable. Focus? On moving down the stairs with the entire conviction that she is not going to be on Zebastian's heels - and that this is, quite possible, part of her burden as emotional support ghoul. She'll descend the stairs, checking her phone and being oh-so-unfussed.

Zebastian, hot-hands and all, finds himself in a crowd of grease-monkies. Buzzing dirtbikes, screaming muscle-cars, and burly bikers. Some are chatting. Others are admiring one another's ride. No one seems particularly inclined to let anyone climb across their precious steed, but... no harm in asking, right? He spies a couple of old-timers talking shop, wiry and bearded and stoned.

<OOC> Zebastian says, "Stoned old-timers works. What the worst that can happen? Besides getting beat up by a bunch of bikers..."

<OOC> Sveta says, "Zeb, give me your roll than pose. I'd say it's gonna be 8 difficulty to talk a biker into letting you borrow their ride. Depending on your strategy, manip+subterfuge, charisma+something creative to match your pose, or app+seduction to be a tease. I'll start rolling Karner and Rain's influences now. Shelly, Anya, you're still going downstairs."

<OOC> Sveta says, "bartok has settled on staring off at the moon"

<OOC> Bartok was secretly a lupine all alone

<OOC> Bartok says, "I rolled area+knowledge earlier"

+ROLL/+DICE> Shelly: Dexterity + Athletics + Celerity vs. 6 -> 3 successes. (10 7 7 5 5)

<OOC> Sveta says, "was that for scouting a place?"

<OOC> Sveta says, "or was that for the initial boost roll?"

<OOC> Bartok says, "First roll you called for"

<OOC> Sveta says, "okay and how do you want to get down?"

<OOC> Bartok says, "I will jump out the window"

<OOC> Bartok says, "and soak the fall"

<OOC> Sveta says, "kk 10 lethal godspeed"

<OOC> Sveta says, "i believe in you"

<OOC> Bartok says, "isn't it 10 bashing?"

<OOC> Sveta says, "terminal velocity turns it to lethal"

<OOC> Sveta says, "you can spend a round looking for something softer to land on"

<OOC> Bartok says, "We're that high up?"

<OOC> Sveta says, "12 stories is pretty high imo"

<OOC> Sveta says, "at least 30 meters"

<OOC> Shelly says, "technically it's 10 dice rolled, not an auto 10 damage."

<OOC> Sveta says, "yer"

<OOC> Shelly says, "but it is lethal at over 100 ft/30 meters, even for vampires (v20 pg 296)"

<OOC> Rain says, "if you get knocked out when you hit the ground, we will save you."

<OOC> Rain says, "if you get there before we leave hehe"

<OOC> Sveta says, "while we wait, anya, roll your descent"

+ROLL/+DICE> Anya: Dexterity + Athletics vs. 6 -> 1 success. (8 5)

<OOC> Anya says, "Steady as a metronome. 1 succ per roll."

<OOC> Sveta says, "it's the shoes!"

<OOC> Shelly says, "Anya's future XP spend: Raise Athletics from deathrace in heels."

<OOC> Sveta says, "Karner, roll 5d10, Rain, roll 3d10."

<OOC> Sveta says, "shelly has 3 more flights to go"

+ROLL/+DICE> Rain: 3 vs. 6 -> 2 successes. (8 8 3)

Zebastian rolls out to the lot, blowing breathless gasps on his hands -- like that'd help -- looking frazzled, bedraggled, bright eyed and quite literally like he just fell down an elevator shaft. Amazing. There is a rushed energy about him as he rolls up on the stoned old-timers talking shop; gasping for breath that just won't fill his lungs;

"Guys -- guys, I'm so sorry-- forgive me, ja? I just got out some the shit with these three fucking bruisers - my girl got away, took my ride, but I need to catch up before they do - I can't lose her, gotta get there first - you gotta help me out, let me borrow a ride; I swear I'll get it back to you, in one piece, and if I don't? You can come kick my ass at Eli's off the Strip -- ask for Arden, they'll know who -- but just one bike, one night, one mission, one man, one woman, one vision, one victory -- we can do this -- help me out, and I'll owe you one, I swear -- just look out for the guys, they're fucking /twisted/ --"

All said at rapid pace, while Zebastian moves to unclasp a chain around his neck; thin gold with a little pendant - Saint Someone, just Guess - held out, as if to exchange for a set of keys or blessing, to help this frightful mess escape from whatever hell he thinks he's found himself in. Ready to chatter on, keep pushing his luck? Of course. Zebastian's batshit -- and in this moment, a passionate little slip of a thing, on some desperate mission.

<OOC> Shelly says, "even with my latest 3 successes?"

<OOC> Sveta says, "2 headstart, 1, 3, 3, I think, Shelly?"

<OOC> Shelly says, "yeah, that's been it. Didn't know we were doing a straight 1 success for each flight getting out the building."

+ROLL/+DICE> Shelly: Dexterity + Athletics + Celerity vs. 6 -> 3 successes. (8 7 6 5 4)

<OOC> Sveta says, "im very simple minded"

<OOC> Sveta says, "okay zeb, manip+subterfuge vs 8, 1 success for a bike, 3 for an escort"

Rain smiles to Karner and tips her hat. "A pleasure to meet you. So yeah, lets team up then. I think even if our people don't grab the package, we can always grab it at the last moment from whoever does bring it. Though my crew should have a large head start."

Eventually, Shelly will get to the bottom of those seemingly never-ending stairs. And when she finally manages to do so, starts scouting for someone with a fast looking bike not in a large group.

+ROLL/+DICE> Karner: 5 vs. 6 -> 2 successes. (8 8 5 3 3)

<OOC> Bartok says, "alright I'm pretty sure I can make the jump with falconer's dive but sveta might rule out that as cheating. So I'll just scurry with Karner."

+ROLL/+DICE> Bartok: Dexterity + Athletics vs. 6 -> 5 successes.

<OOC> Sveta says, "i mean if youre not flying with the wings? it's ok?"

<OOC> Sveta says, "you'll fall just as fast either way"

Shelly spies a young man with slicked back hair enjoying a cigarette while leaned against his biohazard-green Ninja.

<OOC> Shelly is gonna try and mesmerize him into giving a ride. And spend a willpower doing it. What's his willpower for the diff?

<OOC> Sveta says, "sec"

+LOSE/+BURN> Shelly burns 1 Willpower.

"Good decision, Rain." Karner favors her with a sizable grin. "I think my courier's got a decent head start on him as well. Together, our resources should do the trick." He glances briefly at Anya and her lovely Louboutins. "I'd invite Anya, but I think she's Team Oygard." He glances around to see wherever Jack and Robbie went off too. Surely they're around here somewhere...

<OOC> Bartok says, "I have a combo discipline that infers that I should be able to just negate the fall damage but rules quibbling just eats up funtime"

<OOC> Sveta says, "I'll give it to you because this isn't super serious, and you do do that whole fall on people thing a lot."

+ROLL/+DICE> Zebastian: Manipulation + Subterfuge vs. 7 -> 4 successes.

<OOC> Sveta says, "zeb had a thing to lower the diff"

<OOC> Sveta says, "bartok, let's focus on you for a moment so we can catch up"

<OOC> Sveta says, "what's your first move upon landing?"

<OOC> Sveta says, "shelly, roll your mesmerize"

<OOC> Shelly says, "what's his willpower? 3 or 4?"

<OOC> Sveta says, "oh, uh"

<OOC> Sveta says, "3"

+ROLL/+DICE> Shelly: Manipulation + Leadership vs. 3 -> 3 successes.

<OOC> Shelly says, "So 4 successes with the willpower."

<OOC> Sveta says, "go ahead and pose"

<OOC> Sveta says, "shelly roll per+alert v 5 for your ability to scout a good driver"

<OOC> Sveta says, "retroctive so i have a drive pool"

<OOC> Sveta says, "actually"

+ROLL/+DICE> Shelly: Perception + Alertness vs. 5 -> 4 successes. (10 10 9 9 4 2 2)

<OOC> Sveta says, "yea that's fine."

<OOC> Sveta says, "okay one sec"

"I uhhh... help! I need help. You'll help right? I need a ride. //You'll give me a ride//. Need to get to Freemont Park before Snow White's emo brother steals a package that's //mine//," Shelly may have practiced this a time or two as she approaches the smoker with the toxic-green Ninja, with her request/demand.

The old timers are baffled at first, then mildly annoyed, and then downright galvanized by Zebastian's tale of heartbreak and betrayal. He feels a heavy hand settle on his shoulder.

"Don't worry, kiddo. You've got Buck's Devils on your side."

Zebastian is guided toward a hog. A real, fat, V-twin hog, who a man in a bandana and an eyepatch has all warmed up for him.

And, should he hop on? They'll join his flanks to rip ass down the LA river.

Shelly, meanwhile? She just gets a blank look, a little head-roll, and then a sideways grin from the slicked-back-squid.

"Oh, uh... I mean, like... I guess? I was headed that way anyway." He swings a leg over his motorcycle and starts up the high revving crotch-rocket.

"Hop on."

Jack Scar watches the motorcycles taking off between the bones of the building, his gaze a little foxish with greed. He wants one.

<OOC> Sveta says, "alright, shelly, you've got drive 4+dex. zeb, you've got dex+drive+cel and two motorcycles on your flanks who will keep pace with you. karner, you have 1d5, and Rain, you have 1d3. 10 to reach the park for those using their own body. 5 for those of you using influence. karner and rain are both 2 in."

<OOC> Sveta says, "anya, you still chugging?"

<OOC> Sveta says, "jack, you're 7 flights down btw"

<OOC> Anya says, "Did I arrive ground level?"

<OOC> Jack Scar says, "NIce"

+ROLL/+DICE> Shelly: 4 + Dexterity vs. 6 -> 4 successes. (7 7 7 6 5 4 2)

<OOC> Sveta says, "anya, you're 5 flights down"

+ROLL/+DICE> Karner: 5 vs. 6 -> 0 successes. (10 5 4 3 1)

<OOC> Karner says, "Pssh!"

<OOC> Anya says, "Two dice per roll, it gonna take a while."

<OOC> Sveta says, "i'll just use whoever is ahead of the walking group as score for the group - and that's jack"

<OOC> Sveta says, "since youre all chatting and hanging out, yes?"

+ROLL/+DICE> Rain: 3 vs. 6 -> 3 successes. (9 9 7)

...how is this possible? How has Zebastian found himself under the wing of the Buck's Devils? Pure luck. There is an exasperated sound, and a near-collapse as the biker thunks a hand on his shoulder. Zebastian is many things - strong of bod is not one of them -- but he flips the collar of that battered and beaten up biker jacket of his, and fixes the gang with a grateful, appreciative smile. Guided to the real fat hog. Ready to ride off into the night. Because he totally knows how to drive, yes, yes, sure, sure...

Or, Zeb will just get lucky -- kissin' that gold pendant as it's hung back on his neck, zips his jacket up, and readies himself for whatever next madness is in store.

+ROLL/+DICE> Zebastian: Dexterity + Drive + Celerity vs. 7 -> 3 successes.

<OOC> Zebastian does not immediately crash and die -- but oh, oh the night is young.

<OOC> Sveta writes rq

<OOC> Jack Scar says, "mwahha"

Rain might be a young vampire, but she knows the way. Why do something yourself, when you can get someone else to do it for you? She nods to Karner, "Yeah, I feel like we got the edge on this. Unless someone can teleport and we don't know about it."

Hop on Shelly will do and the scrawny deputy clings to her driver enough to stay on but hopefully not impede his driving abilities.

Rain's boys, Jamon, Skeeter, and Miguel, roll up to Fremont Park.

The park is quiet. Empty. Most of the surrounding businesses have closed. Stores are shuttered, and the trees cast long, dark shadows from the streetlamps that keep the place at least somewhat illuminated.

As they cruise around the perimeter of the public space, rolling the volume down on their thumping stereo, they grow wise to a ringing - an alarm bell.

Following the sound, they come across a trio of shoddily dressed men, standing in front of the bolt-cutter punctured rolling steel gate of a local bank branch.

They're wearing dirty work overalls, carrying duffel bags of B&E equipment, one is clutching a shotgun, and another is cradling a safe deposit box to his chest.

"Who the fuck are you?" The empty handed-crook demands of the trio.

"You ain't our fucking ride."

Skeeter squints. Miguel frowns. Jamon holds up a single finger at them, and picks up his open line to Rain.

"Ayo, jefe. We got a situation." He fills her in.

In the distance? Sirens.

<OOC> Shelly is gonna have to peace out since it's past midnight for me.

<OOC> Sveta says, "i totally understand. this is running late. :)"

<OOC> Sveta says, "before i continue, everyone good? need clarification or anything?"

<OOC> Shelly says, "Hopefully somebody else has forgetful mind!"

<OOC> Jack Scar says, "Meep. Sleep sweet."

<OOC> Zebastian all good.

<OOC> Anya says, "Sadly I need to go to bed as I work tomorrow morning. To all effects: Anya gets into her car, drives around looking for clues, get hopelessly lost, goes home and cries to sleep before sun's up. ^^ Love you all."

Shelly has left.

<OOC> Zebastian says, "take care!"

<OOC> Karner waves!

<OOC> Sveta says, "Okay, glad you could come!"

<OOC> Anya says, "Sveta, we need to play again. ;)"

<OOC> Sveta says, "Hit me up anytime :D"

<OOC> Jack Scar fling vote

<OOC> Sveta says, "okay, rain gets the call of what to do next. shelly's out. im going to say the gang back at the construction site is on the ground now, moving to their car. karner, after rain, make your 1d5"

<OOC> Sveta says, "zeb is doing something off camera"

<OOC> Jack Scar plays with car radio

<OOC> Zebastian has a new gang, now considering a new name. Zephyr or Zadical...

<OOC> Jack Scar says, "There used to be a scooter gang 'round here called The Los Diablos. The 'The' being mandatory."

<OOC> Zebastian is The The Zeb now.

Rain picks up her phone and listens in on the details. "You know what to do, smoke those fools and jack the box. Then get out of there. They shouldn't be stealing shit on our turf." She looks to Karner, "Apparently the delivery is something stolen from a bank and the area is hot."

<OOC> Rain says, "they are all street thugs, they should be packing."

+ROLL/+DICE> Karner: 5 vs. 6 -> 1 success. (9 7 3 2 1)

<OOC> Sveta says, "I'm going to abridge some combat here."

<OOC> Zebastian says, "i need you to all know that this is the song in zeb's head: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YS3mJ5pFndk"

<OOC> Karner says, "If it's not ye ye, I'm not clicking on it."

<OOC> Zebastian says, "oh babes, you'll love it."

<OOC> Karner notes, absolutely do not click.

<OOC> Zebastian says, "i'll give you a baby jellyfish."

<OOC> Karner says, "...oh but they're so cute..."

<OOC> Zebastian says, "imagine them swimming to this absolute banger."

<OOC> Sveta says, "Okay, I'm going to assume you sent some heavy boys, so we'll give them the 3 dice pool you were using earlier for combat x 3. These guys they're sticking up aren't killers so, only one of them has a gun, we'll give him a 2 dice pool x 3. So, 1d9 v 1d6. Difference determines casualties. Whatever. I'm winging it."

<OOC> Karner hehs, is quite familiar with this one. ;)

> Command not found (Type "+help" and "help" for game command help.)

<OOC> Zebastian thumbsup.

<OOC> Zebastian lo5s Karner.

<OOC> Sveta says, "im dumb hold on, it's getting late for me"

<OOC> Sveta says, "6d10 and 9d10 you know what i mean"

> Command not found (Type "+help" and "help" for game command help.)

Karner makes an exasperated sound. "Serova is trying to make this more challenging, is she? Wonder how my courier is doing. He certainly didn't know he was walking into a minefield, though maybe I should have accounted for that." Though he doesn't sound too terribly broken up about it all.

<OOC> Zebastian nods!

+ROLL/+DICE> Sveta: 6 vs. 6 -> 1 success. (9 6 5 5 3 1)

+ROLL/+DICE> Rain: 9 vs. 6 -> 5 successes. (10 9 8 8 6 5 5 3 3)

<OOC> Jack Scar makes Karner sing: https://youtu.be/-VsmF9m_Nt8

<OOC> Karner says, "That's fair, he needs to practice!"

<OOC> Zebastian says, "...why is this so appropriate for him..."

<OOC> Karner says, "It's the blue tie."

<OOC> Zebastian says, "the directing of the colourful chorus."

"I wonder if there ees any, eh, point to eet," says Jack happily. "Is she, eh, broke?"

<OOC> Jack Scar lol, an Italian band, but except for "all right" nothing in there is any real language, they're just making fun of how English sounds.

"Hey, who the fuck - who are you calling?!" The methed out tweaker on the far left, the one with the shotgun, yells at Jamon. He raises his weapon.

Bad move.

Rain's cellphone is privy to the hailstorm of fire that's laid down upon the poor little heist team. In fact, if it's on speaker, everyone can hear the carnage.

A few moments later.

"No sweat, mami. We're heading out now."

<OOC> Karner says, "is that what it sounds like when Karner talks to you in English, Jack"

<OOC> Jack Scar says, "Of course."

<OOC> Sveta says, "One more roll, Karner."

+ROLL/+DICE> Karner: 5 vs. 6 -> 1 success. (8 4 3 2 2)

<OOC> Karner says, "Did I do this wrong"

<OOC> Karner says, "Heat has fried my brain"

<OOC> Zebastian fans karner.

<OOC> Sveta says, "You're fine. We'll say your courier arrives just as the carnage hits. I doubt he'd stick around, but he'd sure as shit call and report. Sirens are getting closer. By far."

<OOC> Sveta says, "Anyone typing? Or should I continue?"

<OOC> Jack Scar isn't.

<OOC> Sveta says, "Karner, you could tell your guy to shadow them, or try and intercept, or work with Rain maybe."

<OOC> Zebastian off camera. don't mind him.

<OOC> Sveta says, "All of you who were walking, and I'm counting Bartok, can probably be on your way to the main exchange point."

<OOC> Karner says, "What's happened exactly?"

Rain nods, "Seems like it could of been a real issue depending on who showed up first. Might of been good my guys got there first." She smirks, "Though it sounds like you made a good partern because they got the prize."

<OOC> Sveta says, "Rain's boys pulled up on a trio of robbers coming out of a local bank branch with a safe deposit box. Blew them away. Your courier saw it all from down the street and is cowering on his moped, calling you now to report the situation and say "w-w-what should I do, sir?""

<OOC> Sveta says, "While everyone who was hanging out and taking it slow back at the construction site is now leisurely cruising to the drop zone."

"Are they like to hold on to eet?" asks Jack, frowning a little. "They are killing each other, eh?"

Karner nods at Rain while he's on the phone. "Shadow those gangbangers, Kris. I'm working together with their, for all intents and purposes, leader." He looks over at Rain and gives her a big grin. And yes, he's been driving his black luxury vehicle full of Malkavians (and maybe Robbie?) over to the Westside, which is good, because he shouldn't be in Glendale. Glendale bad for Karners. "Let me know if you run into anymore trouble, hmm?"

<OOC> Sveta says, "Alright, Zeb, roll dex+stealth."

<OOC> Zebastian says, "with celerity or nah?"

<OOC> Sveta says, "Nope."

+ROLL/+DICE> Zebastian: Dexterity + Stealth vs. 6 -> 3 successes.

<OOC> Sveta says, "Rain, roll 3d10."

+ROLL/+DICE> Rain: 3 vs. 6 -> 0 successes. (7 2 1)

<OOC> Bartok says, "This is wild"

<OOC> Sveta says, "sundance may have my head"

<OOC> Bartok says, "probably"

Robbie is still in the vehicle with Karner. He's not really too certain what's going on. Is this one of those Malkavian Mass Hallucinations? Probably.

<OOC> Sveta says, "Okay, that roll was for later. Cops are on the lookout for a lowrider followed by a scared looking Kris on a moped."

<OOC> Sveta says, "We'll just go head to head with this one. Rain, 1d3."

<OOC> Sveta says, "I mean 3d10!"

+ROLL/+DICE> Rain: 3 vs. 6 -> 1 success. (10 8 1)

+ROLL/+DICE> Sveta: 3 vs. 6 -> 1 success. (8 8 1)

<OOC> Sveta says, "Odds or evens"

<OOC> Zebastian says, "Odds, always odds."

<OOC> Rain says, "odd"

+ROLL/+DICE> Sveta: 1 vs. 6 -> 0 successes. (4)

<OOC> Sveta says, "The cops are on the tail. They're kind of ignoring, but trying to wave off the moped, but Kris is reporting back to Karner as a chase begins en route to the drop zone."

<OOC> Sveta says, "Zebastian is... somewhere."

<OOC> Rain says, "I am going to call my police ally and see if I can get them to help out. maybe suggest it is best not to have a high speed chase with armed people(civilians could get hurt) or throw them off the trail or something."

<OOC> Sveta sweats

<OOC> Sveta says, "okay, what's that ally at?"

<OOC> Rain says, "3"

<OOC> Sveta says, "Karner?"

<OOC> Karner says, "Sorry I'm here"

<OOC> Karner says, "Uh...what do you need?"

<OOC> Sveta says, "Still having Kris follow?"

<OOC> Karner says, "Yeah"

<OOC> Rain says, "I dont want him going down for some street thugs but if he can do something"

<OOC> Sveta says, "I don't want to get into police influence without staff looking over my shoulder, soooo..."

<OOC> Sveta says, "We'll go 3 for 3 on rolls to see if they can get away."

+ROLL/+DICE> Sveta: 3 vs. 6 -> 2 successes. (9 9 3)

+ROLL/+DICE> Rain: 3 vs. 6 -> 1 success. (10 3 3)

+ROLL/+DICE> Sveta: 3 vs. 6 -> 2 successes. (9 8 2)

+ROLL/+DICE> Rain: 3 vs. 6 -> 0 successes. (4 2 2)

+ROLL/+DICE> Sveta: 3 vs. 6 -> 2 successes. (8 6 2)

+ROLL/+DICE> Rain: 3 vs. 6 -> 0 successes. (7 4 1)

<OOC> Sveta says, "And one more. Odds or evens."

<OOC> Rain says, "odd"

+ROLL/+DICE> Sveta: 1 vs. 6 -> 0 successes. (5)

Little by little the police start to gain on the trio in the low rider. Kris is subject to more and more desperate calls over the car's PA system.

"STOP."

"TURN AROUND."

"BACK OFF."

But their eyes are on the prize of a nice triple-homicide bust. The low rider isn't particularly fast. It doesn't take corners well, and Miguel, Jamon, and Skeeter soon see the writing on the wall.

A pistol pops out of the window, ditched in the bushes. An Uzi, a block later. And finally, a sawed off shotgun, tossed over a culvert's ledge, until the boat like sedan hits a curb and winds up t-boned by a pair of police cruisers.

It's enough to stun Jamon and Miguel, but Skeeter, keeping a cool head, grabs the box out of the back seat and darts off into the desert in the general direction of San Vicente Mountain Park.

The cops miss him, focused on the other two.

Kris, on the other hand?

Kris putters along patiently.

<OOC> Sveta says, "Alright, unless anything changes with orders, it's going to be a long walk in the desert up to the drop point."

<OOC> Sveta says, "Good with that, Karner and Rain?"

<OOC> Rain says, "yeah"

<OOC> Karner says, "Not so much a desert as a chapparel, but otherwise, yes. ;)"

<OOC> Sveta says, "I didn't know that had a term until now."

<OOC> Sveta says, "But yes."

<OOC> Sveta says, "Okay, we're in the final stretch."

<OOC> Karner says, "You're very welcome :D"

<OOC> Karner says, "Chapparal."

<OOC> Karner says, "Is what I meant."

Jack Scar looks a little skeptical, and gives Rain a questioning glance.

Meep. Meep. Meep-meep.

Kris honks their horn after Skeeter, and the pair share a moment in the desert.

Shortly after? Skeeter is holding onto Kris, riding pocket on the back of their moped, in a comically large, open-faced helmet. They bounce over mounds and dry shrubbery, trying to navigate by the dim illumination of the vespa's incandescent headlight, until they finally merge back onto Mulholland Drive and putter their way uphill, toward San Vicente Mountain Park.

Near the crest? The unmistakable roar of a trio of v-twin engines, descending from the dead of night, to corral the scooter like a wild stallion on the prairie.

<OOC> Sveta says, "ALRIGHT!"

<OOC> Zebastian perks.

<OOC> Sveta says, "Kris, 5 die pool on driving. Zeb, you have the drop. Drive+dex+cel."

Long distance to Nisha: Sveta nod

<OOC> Karner says, "What am I rolling?"

<OOC> Sveta says, "I think we should just head-to-head it. Unless there's any other opinions?"

<OOC> Zebastian does not mind.

<OOC> Zebastian says, "also, i think that's a +roll 5 vs 6, karner - is that right sveta?"

<OOC> Sveta says, "yep"

<OOC> Sveta says, "people fading?"

<OOC> Zebastian spends wp, b/c psyched self up to be nutso.

+LOSE/+BURN> Zebastian burns 1 Willpower.

+ROLL/+DICE> Zebastian: Dexterity + Celerity + Drive vs. 7 -> 2 successes. (10 10 9 6 4 2 2 1)

+ROLL/+DICE> Karner: 5 vs. 6 -> 0 successes. (9 5 5 1 1)

<OOC> Karner says, "Oh could I have done WP :P"

<OOC> Sveta says, "you can spend one if you want but maybe save it"

<OOC> Karner says, "ok"

<OOC> Sveta says, "Kris is knocked off with Skeeter. Skeeter is a particularly large man. Confused. Angry... and now facing down a trio of retirement-home-aged, over the hill, glory-days-gone bikers and a wildcard Malkavian on their bikes, with a similarly befuddled but monetarily incentivized Kris by his side."

<OOC> Sveta says, "Zeb, your ambush, your call. Dismount and slug it out? Or something else?"

<OOC> Zebastian says, "Zebastian is going to psyche them out via Intimidation, while just circling in tight big fat hog circles around them, taunting to drop the shit and scram."

<OOC> Sveta says, "The bikes help. The age of the bikers doesn't. Roll manip+intimidation."

> Command not found (Type "+help" and "help" for game command help.)

<OOC> Sveta says, "Roll Manipulation + Intimidation in a re-sisted action against the subject?s Willpower (difficulty 6 for both rolls); the target must get more successes or"

<OOC> Sveta says, "Can someone more rules savvy than I break that down?"

<OOC> Zebastian says, "That'd be Manip+Intim vs 6 for Zeb, and then number of dice equal to NPC Willpower rolled at 6 for the NPCs."

<OOC> Sveta says, "We'll say Skeeter is WP 3, Kris is 5 (because why else would you chase down a car full of armed gunmen on a vespa)."

+ROLL/+DICE> Sveta: 3 vs. 6 -> 0 successes. (7 4 1)

+ROLL/+DICE> Sveta: 5 vs. 6 -> 4 successes. (8 8 7 6 4)

<OOC> Sveta says, "go ahead and roll zeb"

+ROLL/+DICE> Zebastian: Manipulation + Intimidation vs. 6 -> 2 successes. (9 6 4 3 3 2 2)

<OOC> Zebastian laughs!

<OOC> Zebastian says, "He's fresh faced and batshit, he'll just grind and grind away at poor Kris."

"Man, fuck this, ese! FUCK THIS!" Skeeter drops the box and tumbles down the side of the embankment the road is overlooking, not to be seen again.

Kris scrambles for the box and tries to break left. Right. Blocked on every side.

<OOC> Sveta says, "Karner, anything you want Kris to try?"

<OOC> Karner says, "Uh...he'll try to distract them with something so he can get away."

<OOC> Karner says, "Also I got like 30 left"

<OOC> Sveta says, "I'll try to wrap it up."

<OOC> Sveta says, "Kris is pretty boxed in though."

<OOC> Sveta says, "Shall I wrap it up here?"

+ROLL/+DICE> Sveta: 5 vs. 6 -> 4 successes. (8 8 8 8 4)

<OOC> Sveta says, "Zeb one more roll"

<OOC> Sveta says, "for intimidation"

<OOC> Zebastian peppers in a little WP, as a treat.

+LOSE/+BURN> Zebastian burns 1 Willpower.

+ROLL/+DICE> Zebastian: Manipulation + Intimidation vs. 6 -> 7 successes. (10 10 10 10 10 8 6)

<OOC> Zebastian says, "...oops."

Yeah. Zebastian is on a motorbike at this choke point, and the Norwegian Malk is riding circles on that big fat hog - bright eyed and, screaming? Singing? Shouting at Skeeter even as he scrambles, and absolutely howling at Kris -- but hell, maybe they're made of stronger stuff, and this is just fucking .weird., not some kind of nightmare?

Who knows what Buck's Devil's are doing -- maybe given Zebastian a very strange look or reconsidering their life choices, as Zeb corrals the scrambling courier? This is not Zebastian's problem -- he's only got eyes for Kris, now that Skeeter has scrambled -- around and around he goes, when will he stop? Not even Zeb knows.

<OOC> Sveta wraps this up.

Buck's Devils started with the circle-spinning pit of death, but little by little, the louder Zeb gets, the more he bellows? They start to idle down. One stops. The other does as well. And soon, it's just Zebastian, screaming and circling and screaming some more. Kris doesn't even look scared - just weary. He takes a step, cut off by a squealing tire - then another. Screech. Scream.

"My god, man! Take it! Just take it!" He tosses the safe deposit box onto the ground and takes a few steps back.

As Zebastian presumably leaves the bike with the bikers, for them to remount with the one old fogey who'd been riding side-saddle, he can hear one of them ask:

"So you put the boots to his old lady or what, fella?" Another: "Nice ride, hoss," nodding to the Vespa.

By this point, Rain, Sveta, Bartok, Jack, and Karner are listening to the revving and shouting from the otherwise serene park overlooking the streetlight-dotted landscape, only for Zebastian to make the final trek on foot, up to them, carrying the safe deposit box.

Sveta puts out her cigarette and steps forward to greet him, prompting him to hold the box up for her, so she can dial in the combination. Three sixes.

It pops open, and she reaches inside to produce an iron Shinto temple bell, about the size of a tennis ball, on an old length of hand woven rope.

She uses the knocker on the end of the rope to ring the bell, and circle it around Zebastian's head.

"A stupid game. Really."

Ding.

"But you did win."

<OOC> Sveta says, "Alright, I'll stop holding you all hostage :p thanks for tolerating my tenuous grasp on this game's rules."

<OOC> Rain says, "I have my last minute plan though, I am going to try to convince everyone, that we won as well!"

<OOC> Zebastian says, "Thank you for hosting, Sveta."

<OOC> Rain says, "it is real quick"

Rain twirls her cane as she walks over with a smile. "Looks like we both won huh?" She looks around, "As I recall the rules were whoever stopped the original delivery, AND then deliver it here wins. I must put emphasis on the AND there because it was two tasks, and clearly we..." She motions to herself and Karner. "Accomplished the first task, and..." She motions to Zebastian. "He accomplished the second task. The rules specifically stated, that all vampires who accomplished the task win. Thus, it would seem since we each achieved half the task, and together completed the full task, we all win."

<OOC> Sveta says, "Sure, NP Rain. Shoot."

Jack Scar just watches. He doesn't smile now, but he does seem interested.

"She's right, you know." Karner gets out of the car, sauntering up, arms folded. "I suppose you'll have to separate that rope into all of its individual components in order to make a proper prize, Serova. But you did indeed use the article 'and,' and you never said that the end result about who delivered the package at the end of the route was the most important facet." He suddenly grins. "Team work /does indeed/ make the dreamwork." Then, he stops grinning, just as abruptly, and looks at his watch.

Zebastian, at this point -- having scuttled up that path perhaps a little faster and a little more crooked that one might want -- looks... Looks like he's jumped down an elevator shaft, coned a bunch of bikers, went hell for leather across Los Angeles on a hog with no name, talked a lot about stoner shit with old men on a darkened ridge, then went absolutely fucking batshit bonkers at a skittish gangbanger poor, luckless courier, until he got whatever symbolic tchotchke is hidden in this box that apparently - and unbeknownst to him - people went to jail and died for tonight.

In other words, Zebastian looks like he had fun - but he also looks absolutely fucking off his head. Laughter finally dying out when Sveta rings the bell --- his eyes half-lidded, ears turned to resonate with the Shinto bell's toll. There is, simply, a look of reverence at the sound.

...and then the voices?

Distracted, and turning --- then laughing, nose wrinkled with fond amusement as he looks at Rain and Karner in turn to listen, tips his head with a bright smile, glances back to Sveta, and winks.

Is the bell his? Because Zebastian is exchanging that bell for the safety deposit box. Who cares about that?! Or talking about ohmygod rules, regulations, restrictions!? Not Zebastian -- it is time to drift, drift, drift - ring the bell - drift, drift, drift; like he was in walking meditation - over to wherever Mae has, inevitably, driven the car. Zeb won't drive. He might not even have a licence.

<OOC> Zebastian says, "coned? conned? words are for ppl who sleep."

Sveta diverts her attention from Zebastian, swinging the palm-sized bell as it continues to ring, softer and softer, and looks Rain up and down, followed by a glance toward Karner.

"Weird, like... maybe... there's a message in there? Somewhere?" She shrugs her shoulders, helplessly. If there is, she didn't plan it.

Honest.

Ding. Another percussive clap on the side of the bell. She dangles it in front of Karner.

Ding. Once more, for Rain's ears.

She twirls the artifact in a rapid circle and hocks it into the night.

"Whatever it is? It's ephemeral."

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