Carson Tower

[Xaos]

With a soft *beep* the elevator's floor display shifted to 7.

It had been nearly a year now that the Sword of Caine had been secretly, cautiously and slowly building up a presence in Oddhaven. Not an easy task, keeping a Sabbat presence in a city hidden. It's like herding cats...bloodthirsty saber-tooth tigers, of course, being the sort of cat in question. None-the-less, under careful oversight, the growing invasion force infiltrating the city bit by bit had escaped enemy eyes.

With a soft *beep* the elevator's floor display shifted to 16.

The other side of this coin had been the imperative to gather information on the holdings of other Sects in Oddhaven. And the man the Eyes of Anunit pack was here to see tonight was a key part of that operation. Michael "Spanish Mike" Alvarez, a Lasombra from America who had made a name for himself during the tumultuous days of the Fourth Sabbat Civil into which he had been embraced. Spanish Mike was a member of a Lasombra faction called the Monarchs of Night; their purpose being the establishment and expansion of control networks among mortals. Out of necessity to this task, the Monarchs often maintained Humanity rather than following a Path of Enlightenment and, as a result, were treated with a certain amount of derision by other Sabbat.

With a soft *beep* the elevator's floor display shifted to 21.

But it was in operations like this preamble to the Oddhaven Crusade, that the Monarchs of Night proved their indispensability. As Ductus of his pack, Nightly News, Spanish Mike had led an effort that saw the rapid establishment of a wide information network and a minefield of misdirections that had kept the hated Camarilla blind to the coming storm.

With a louder *beep* the elevator's floor display flashed 24.

As the elevator doors opened, they revealed Spanish Mike with his usual too-friendly grin, "Welcome, my friends."

[Luz Elicia Apaganza Bastilo]

"Buenos noches, my good sir," replied the tall, dark haired woman in between a tall, stoic man and an oddly tall and thin blonde woman. These were the Eyes of Anunit, a relatively small but impactful Sabbat pack. The woman smelled the air. Cologne. This man wears their stink. 

"It is good to see that you are well. I am Luz Elicia Apaganza Bastilo. It isn't usual that I run with... your circle. But I suppose some wolves must... wear fleece. Anyhow, you and your associates are doing good work. You have kept the Camarilla off our backs many a time, so it is good that we can finally meet." Luz smiled back at the man, attempting to hide her contempt. Working with, and alongside, humans was a despicable offense. Ricardo never would have embraced this man into clan Lasombra. Even still, after these hundreds of years, the Sword of Caine found it necessary to remain in the shadows. So it was that this sort of man was a disgusting necessity, and worthy of some semblance of respect. 

"Should we find an office where we can talk and do... proper introductions? I'm sure my Brother and Sister here would love to introduce themselves without risking any prying eyes." Luz was not used to hiding her true nature. Even though it was late, and the building was fairly empty, it would be a terrible tragedy for the Sword of Caine to be found out just because a stray cleaning crew walked in at the wrong time.

[Ava Tarasovna]

With her arms crossed behind her back the Tzimisce gave a nod in silent greeting to the Lasombra. Ava remained silent while Luz introduced herself and suggested to move to more private location. "I second that," she responded. She was interested in what the man brought for news, it wasn't every day an American Sabbat made their way to Isle to speak with the pack personally.

[Xaos]

"My thoughts exactly," Spanish Mike replied before gesturing for the pack to follow him on a short walk to one of the offices, "I had both this floor and this office swept for both listening devices and less mundane means of observation before your arrival. We are free to talk here."

[Hisato Zaitoichi]

Hisato remained deadly quiet as both Luz and then Ava spoke. He was a man of few words when it came to busines, ever a strict professional when it came to such matters, when he did speak it was never without intent, caution or wisdom behind the words. Like other members of the pack he didn't fully trust the man known as Michael "Spanish Mike" Alvarez.

Mind you he didn't trust many outsiders as it was, like most trained samurai. The only reason he was even willing to listen was the fact that the man had served the Sabbat well in the past and the information network and misdirection that had kept the hated Camarilla from discovering the truth had served the Eyes Of Anunit pack well. When 'Spanish Mike' entered he simply bowed his head in respect as was expected, yet never once did he take his eyes from the man as he did it.

As was his code and tradition, as a man once told him 'never take your eyes from your opponent, even when you bow.'

As they entered the office and the american finished, Hisato finally spoke.

"I hope so. Regardless of that fact I don't much like hanging around these sorts of places, even now...they are too exposed. And to easy to ambush. That said, I am curious just why you requested us all here, it is most unusual. Unless of course you have something worthwhile to tell us, something that required us all." 

[Xaos]

"Well, my friends," Spanish Mike exposited in his quick but clear manner of speaking, "As you know, my pack has been at the center of covert action against the Camarilla in recent months. One of my packmates, a Toreador named Mehmed, has been infiltrating the enemy for some time now, gathering useful information for the eventual launch of the Oddhaven Crusade. In recent nights Mehmed has made the alarming discovery that the Toreador Primogen is secretly in contact with a traitor from within our own ranks. By Caine's providence, the Primogen is holding on to the information, waiting for an opportune time politically to curry favor with the Prince. But we know the Primogen will not sit on this information for more a week or two, so immediate and ruthlessly effective action is needed."

"Mehmed is currently in the Toreador Primogen's manor in Mayor's hill. There also are the few associates the Primogen has trusted with knowledge of our presence in the city. This is an opportunity, if you can slay all those in the manor it will not only prevent us being discovered but provides the perfect opportunity to extract Mehmed; the Camarilla will assume he died with the others. But this will not be an easy mission by any means. The mansion is heavily secured both with mundane security and mortal guards, and by the Camarilla presence. Most Cainites in the manor are just the Primogen's sycophantic weaklings, but Mehmed tells me there's a warrior from some strange African Toreador bloodline there, and do not under estimate the Primogen himself."

"But fighting will be the least of your concerns. The attack must not leave behind any evidence suggesting that the Sabbat performed it. To help you in this regard I have two items. The first is a rosary once owned by a Hunter, to be left behind there. The second will facilitate the speedy and complete recovery of the ashes left by the slain Camarilla," Mike then produced the rosary and a device that, to the aged eyes of Luz and Hisato, seemed to be some sort of highly advanced medical suction device...but to Ava it was very clearly a dustbuster.

"Further, you will need to remove the bodies of any mortals you kill and dispose of them as well. Do not burn the house down and if any items in the house see use in the fighting then take them with you. This all may seem like a bit much, but with the powers of Auspex at the enemy's disposal, and Necromancy a payment to the Giovanni away, we cannot be too careful in covering your tracks."

"And it gets even more complicated than that. Because the traitor will no doubt go to ground when they hear of the attack on the manor, the investigation to find the traitor must also begin immediately. I would do it myself, but I'm worried that if the traitor happens to see me snooping and asking around then the game will be up. I can tell you that Mehmed and I have narrowed down the possible packs the traitor could be in. It's either Black Sun Rising in the old prison in Van Buren Works, Baptism of Fire in Bright Shore, the Cave Dogs in Roeststadt or Dark Enlightenment, they have a compound just outside the city."

"I'd recommend that one of you investigates while the other two attack the mansion. When you recover Mehemed he will probably have more information useful to the search."

[Luz Elicia Apaganza Bastilo]

"As much as I love to kill traitors, Hisato is far better at it." Luz mused, thinking aloud with her pack. Normally they moved as a cohesive unit when hunting, and usually near the Haven, for they were conscious of Ava's... fixation on their collective home. This was a new puzzle to solve. As small an operation as they were it would be difficult to function as two separate units.

"I guess it falls down to who wants to do the sweet talking with the other packs. I know that its none of us," Luz said curtly. Both Hisato and Ava knew that Luz didn't like exerting energy regarding pleasantries. It tended to make her crabby and... unpleasant. "But one of us must fall on the sword."

Luz decided it was time to get down to brass tacks. "As much as I admire your social skills, Hisato, you get your point across better with a blade. No offense, Ava, but you would need to manufacture your nice face, I just need to put mine on. I also don't think the other packs would take nicely to Mya knocking at their door."

Luz did not know how to feel about Mya. The Human was not yet a ghoul, but had been augmented by Ava, and proven herself desperately loyal. But Mya was human nonetheless. This made Luz uncomfortable. The notion of remaining friends with algae, after having evolved to a higher state of existence, didn't quite make sense to Luz, for it was inevitable that Mya would wither and die unless embraced. Luz had faith, however, that Ava would eventually get over the fad. Mya would lose her novelty and Ava would come to her senses. That is, if Ava knew what was good for her, and Luz's patience with this weakness was beginning to run thin.

"So the politicking, again, falls to me." Luz said, frustratedly. It had been a long time since Luz had been tasked with killing a traitor. With the Camarilla pressure in Oddhaven, it had been difficult to hunt down the dogs, traitors and Camarilla alike. Quiet rage simmered behind her eyes. The first interesting thing to happen in months and she was stuck with duties as usual. "Unless somebody feels that they would be better suited to the task, by all means the investigation is yours." Luz hoped that one of them would speak up and take on the investigation. The likelihood of that was low, but Luz deeply desired to fight the Camarilla dogs.

[Ava Tarasovna]

Ava could hardly believe one of the Sabbat could betray the Sect for the Camarilla vermin. Their ideologies were so plainly wrong. The Tzimisce hoped she would be lucky enough to shred the traitor to pieces although she knew it to be unlikely.

"I agree with Luz. Hisato, your fighting skills are certainly your strong suit" Ignoring the remark about her human friend, she had been chastised enough about her weak spot. Ava knew both Luz and herself both were capable fighters and either one would be well rounded in the two tasks. Turning to Luz, "As much as I dislike working with others, I am up for partaking in the investigation." Ava had noticed the anger building in her, an emotion like that could easily ruin the calmness that was needed for an investigation. "I will work up a new appearance to make myself more suited for any wondering mortal," she grimaced at the thought of appearing so normal. The time out of the haven may indeed be good for her but she would be bitter the entire time.

"If you permit, I would still like to bring Mya. She may not be a ghoul yet but she certainly knows how to play the part. If anything she can sit in the car and shoot the bastard if he tries to flee."

[Luz Elicia Apaganza Bastilo]

This response surprised Luz. Ava typically did not take well to talking with others, and more often than not, when given the opportunity to mutilate and dismember she would jump on it. Luz's style of investigation involved lying and tricking others into revealing information unknowingly. Perhaps Ava would use different, more effective methods.

Luz began to feel somewhat ashamed. She stepped back and looked at her own behavior. This could have been an opportunity to lead better; to delegate a less suited task to one of the others and facilitate growth. Ava seemed to be taking this route, choosing to grow and focus on new skills rather than go with her desire for violence. Luz found herself humbled by her family yet again. Somehow, her sire, Ricardo, had always managed to make leading look so easy. Also, Ava was also right about Mya. The human was a pair of eyes Luz had not considered, but a pair of eyes nonetheless.

"I think this kind of task will be good for you, Ava. Use it as an opportunity to grow. In regards to Mya; she's your ward and has not yet proved problematic. Where she goes is under your charge."

She turned to her Priest and raised an eyebrow. "You remain quiet as usual, lonely Ronin. What do you think?"

[Hisato Zaitoichi]

As Spanish Mike spoke and explained the situation, Hisato never missed a heartbeat. He listened intently trying not to miss any detail less it be important later. His attention only stirred when Luz beckoned he speak up, requesting his thoughts on the matter.

In truth his mind was deep in thought throughout. Considering the various variables involved, and weighing the risks before talking. The mention of a strange warrior of an African Toreador bloodline working for the Primogen did not go amiss either....it rather intrigued him. 

Who was this man? And was he the warrior Spanish Mike proclaimed him to be? These were questions he asked himself. He would soon find out it seemed, lifting his head, he finally spoke, his American accent becoming apparent. 

“Your passion once again enthralls, just as your compliments of my skills with a blade are most welcomed. Forgive me Ductus, I was deep in thought on the matter. Hearing of such a traitor disturbs me greatly...that one would break a sworn oath and betray the very bloodlines they were sired into and serve is unthinkable. Such a traitor must be brought to account and fair judgement and made subject to the ritual of 'Contrition Ritus' as has been our way for centuries. We cannot break from this now, all who betray the cause will be held accountable in the eyes of Caine. 

All who would undo our work will be torn asunder. I am most pleased Ava has decided upon this act, it is an opportunity as you said Ductus to grow and find her strengths. I shall travel with you Ductus, it seems again we work together..much like our first meeting if I recall”

He offered a slight chuckle at that comment, knowing it would no doubt elicit laughter of his Ductus as well as they recalled the memories of that encounter. 

“Regardless this warrior intrigues me... I would much like to meet him and see if his skill is as remarkable as is stated. That aside I go where needed, and if fate dictates I go elsewhere so be it. That said let us cleanse the Camarilla scourge from the mansion and extract this...Mehmed. But I say this with a warning...this had better be worth our time and effort Spanish Mike, I dislike my time being wasted on a fool's errand.”
 

[Xaos]

"Oh, believe me, brother," Spanish Mike said, "If there's one thing I do not deal in it's wastes of time."

[Luz Elicia Apaganza Bastilo]

"Very well. Ava, you and Mya will drop us off outside Mayors Hill. There's no reason for us to spend the whole night walking. Of all modern contraptions, I quite like cars."

With that, Luz turned towards the door and started heading back to the elevator, and pressed the button leading down to the parking garage where Mya waited in the car for the pack.

"I assume you brought your sword, Hisato?" Luz asked offhandedly in the elevator. The soothing music playing behind them in the shining elevator did not foreshadow the violence about to commence.

[Hisato Zaitoichi]

Hisato gave a nod as Spanish Mike answered, the ancient vampiric samurai hoped he was telling the truth. If not his sword would soon have another notch to add. That reminded him...he would need to pick up his katana and his bow and arrows from the car's boot before they arrived at the manor. He enjoyed using his new bow, technology sure had improved and this new bow was lightweight and flexible. Yet didn't lose accuracy in his expert hands, it was just what a samurai of the modern age needed for a long range attack if needed. 

He smiled a little at the thought of potentially using it.

Following Luz, Hisato departed swiftly. As the elevator descended to the parking garage, Luz spoke up catching his attention and taking him away from the most annoying music. He much preferred the music of old, this new stuff was so dull.

“I am glad you asked. I rarely leave without it my Ductus, I even elected to bring my new bow, some arrows and some wooden stakes just in case we ran into any trouble, I didn't think I would need it however quite so soon, but needs must I suppose. I do like this new modern bow, its more accurate than I initially pondered, and so flexible. In that regard I am pleased technology has developed so. But I am not so sure about the cars, they are useful yes...but noisy and the drivers are sometimes most unpleasant when one tries crossing the roads correctly. I miss the horse riding...or the horse and cart, at least those drivers had some respect and showed common knowledge of their surroundings. 

None of this hand gesturing and insult hurling. Those I would happily slice into small chunks if time permitted it.”

[Luz Elicia Apaganza Bastilo]

"Good. It pays dividends to be prepared."

The elevator came to a halt at the parking level. The dimly lit garage was empty save for one silver Honda Odyssey parked near the elevators. A woman with mousy brown hair sat behind the wheel with headphones in, staring down at a phone, seemingly playing a game of some sorts. Many rows of colorful shapes fell from the top of the screen to the bottom, as the woman absentmindedly tapped at it. She looked up to see the three step out from the elevator, and pressed a button inside the car making the side doors slide open for the three vampires as they approached.

Ava went around to the passenger side seat in front, while Hisato jumped through first and buckled himself in behind Ava. Luz stepped in to the seat behind the driver. "Take us to Mayor's Hill, Mya." Luz said sharply, punctuating the command with a click of the seatbelt. "Safety first! Everybody is buckled, yes?" Luz asked seriously, checking each passengers seat belts. After She was satisfied with her check, Luz nodded and slapped the side of the drivers seat with her hand. "Ok, we're ready to go now."

With that Mya started the engine of the Mini-Van and pulled out of the parking Garage towards Mayor's Hill, first to drop off Luz and Hisato before moving on to further investigations with her master.

[Xaos]

The car trip, which passed through Penngrove Heights, Hanover Downs and Scarsborough, lasted about an hour and a half. As the van began to climb up the hills which held the neighborhood, its occupants noticed a gatehouse at the apex, clearly meant as a security measure for the affulent residents of Mayor's Hill.