Apr 30 21:54:35 106 PA
From Chronicles
Apr 30 21:54:35 106 PA
Golden Carafe - Leonard's Room
Vixen is actually not expecting anyone to come around. She's dressed as usual, though her heavy, armored coat is in the closet and her boots are near the door. She's laying across the couch, legs dangling over one arm of it, one arm behind her head, the other holding a book over her, opened to the middle. Quietly reading the novel, she's about as relaxed as one can get. Entirely unaware of what's coming.
Leonard has the distinction of the first in the door, if solely due to the fact that Vix is unlikely to leave the door unlocked. The dangling feat are noticed and he chuckles. "I'm home, and we have guests.... Please, come in." The latter is to those behind him as he opens the door fully and steps aside to allow entry.
Flare nods, "Um, nice place." she says softly, of course she lives in the dregs and that is where she has been living most any place that she ends up. She glances around.
Ema slides through the door easily, her eyes dancing around the place, an eyebrow arching as she notices the large number of changes that have gone on inside this once familiar place. Still she takes it in stride as she allows herself to take a few more steps inside, offering Vixen a brief, half-hearted wave and a more genuine smile, before turning to wait for Leo to enter.
Vixen always locks the door. Always. And when the door is unlocked, her head tilts to let her look towards it. A light grin coming when Leo's heard, though it slips some at the mention of company. It's enough to get her to slip herself upward some and slide her legs from the arm of the couch, the book casually slid against her side. She glances at Flare, then at Emayn with a steadiness of expression. "I guess it's planning time then? I'll be right back." She rises up and turns, taking her book with her as she goes back, into the guest room for a few moments.
"Yes. I'm sorry for the short notice... still getting accustomed to everything." Leonard offers Vix a belatedly apology as she slips off before closing the door behind him and look to the others. Flare receives a smiling nod at the compliment. "Thank you. Bek had a few quick tasks to attend to, but should be joining us shortly. Make yourselves comfortable. To be honest, I'm not sure where best to begin, other than learning what we have between us to work with. Strengths, limitations, etcetera.." He moves to towards a chair, leaving the couch for others.
Flare actually without thinking about it moves to lean against one of the walls. She peers a little and then smiles and nods. She shrugs a bit, 'Do we want to start, or wait for everyone to get here."
Ema finds a seat and plops her self down, skirts flashing as she makes her self comfortable, only then worrying about her modesty. She nods over at Flare as she speaks, eyes darting Leo's way as she regards him questioningly as her hands fold in her lap, her head tilting ever so slightly.
Vixen comes back out of the room empty handed and glances towards the gathered idly as she moves towards the kitchen space. "The traditional thing is to offer drinks. So whose interested in what?" Asked casually as she moves. "We got a decent enough selection." Because when she moved in, she brought her personal bar with her. She keeps a little bit of everything on hand.
Leonard chuckles as Vixen proves she is more adept adept at hospitality and entertaining than he. "Oh, yes, drinks. I'm not the best of hosts, I'm afraid. What would you care for?" He looks between the guests once more. "I suppose it would be best to wait for everyone before beginning."
Flare cocks her head to the side, "Something non alcoholic, now would not be a time to lose control so better to keep everything under wraps." she smiles a bit.
Ema looks over at Vix as she enters, eyes following casually as she moves around, "I wouldn't mind a Bourbon, or any ol wiskey if you don't have that." her smile softens a bit, less forced as she crosses her legs, hands grasping the top knee as a booted leg bounces slightly. She moves about a fair bit, but her belled earrings remain silent, even as she does not, her eyes on Leo, "Hopefully some of her manners can rub off on you, hmm?"
"Whiskey is better," Vixen decides, simple decisiveness on that point as she starts to rattle glasses and bottles casually. Though there is a brief pause in the action when Flare speaks. Brief before her activities resume. It'll take a few moments before she emerges again, going about the pouring and the like with a deliberate slowness.
"I can only hope," Leonard admits to Ema, more genuine than jest, "as she does have all the better habits." He then nods to Flare, offering a smile in reassurance. "We've no intention of making you uncomfortable." He resists the urge to mention much of the furniture is new.
Flare smiles, "oh I am okay, but better to not take chances." she says and looks at each of them in turn, watching.
Ema waits patiently, something she's actually quite good at, she watches Leo and Flare, smiling politely. "So mind if we start at the beginning, what exactly is our criteria for a successful mission here?" she looks at Leo, her face taking on the rare, "all business" mask.
Vixen comes out with two glasses first, going over to Ema first, by nature of nearness, a tumbler of chilled whiskey handed over. She then goes to Flare, a similar glass of a popular cola presented before she heads back towards the kitchen again. She emerges once more with a glass of water for Leo, which she hands down to him once she's stepped up next to his chair, leaning lightly against the back of it.
Leonard considers the question a moment before responding. "In lieu of anything more specific... harassment. Supplies, morale, any way that we can give the Coalition forces pause. Slow them, at the least, by mucking up the works. Unfortunately, I don't know the current situation there, and we might not until we arrive. I am open to suggestions, of course, which is the other reason I invited everyone here. Military tactics are not my specialty."
There comes a light knocking at the door; two raps, a pause, another rap, a longer pause, and three more raps in rapid succession. The last rap pushes the door open, slipping the loose latch and letting Bek poke her head in through the widening opening. A quick look inside confirms it's the room she's looking for and she lets herself in with a murmured, "Sorry I'm late." Care is taken to close the door behind her and making sure that it sticks.
Flare nods and cocks her head to the side, "mine either, that sort of thing was frowned upon where I was at, cause I wasn't human." she says and smiles a little, "I have a bit of wilderness skills, fencing training, and some gymnastics, sword and archery, mostly my abilities as a burster is what I get by on." she turns towards the door and smiles as she sees who it is and waves at her.
Emayn looks up and reaches for the glass as Vixen approaches, a nod an "Thank you" offered to the woman as she dips a finger it to give it a stir, and then a taste. Seemingly satisfied, she takes a small sip, glass held before her as he leg continues its slow, rythmic bounce as she listens to Leo, head shaking a bit, "Well, hopefully we can define our parameters a little bit more before the night is through, vague is never good when working with fresh team," she pauses as the door is knocked upon, eyes lifting from Leo's face to the source of the sound, smile flashing Bek's way before, attention turning to Flare and her list of assets.
Vixen looks up when someone knocks and enters. She'll give Bek a simple nod and ask, "So what'd you want in your glass?" Casually done before she straightens from leaning against Leo's chair, turning to move back towards the kitchen area slowly. Leaving, for now, the talk to the group members.
"Vague is rarely a good thing at any time... Hello, Bek." Leonard lifts a hand to the late arrival. "Please, make yourself comfortable. We're just attempting to get everyone familiar with everyone else, and attempt a plan of some sort." He then chuckles to Flare. "I sincerely hope that swordplay will not come into use against the Coaltion."
"Why do we need glass...?" Rebekkah starts to ask, but her eyes dart around at the others and the table between them and she stops herself short. "Oh, nothing for me, I'm fine but thanks." Her eyes flick back to Vixen, shining like steel, and she turns up a small little smile before coming further into the apartment.
Flare smiles a little and nods, "There is a bit I can do with Fire, and so you know I am completely immune to any sort of Fire, even magical, or dragon flame." she says and giggles a little, "And only really powerful lightning type stuff hurts me either." she looks at Rebekkah and then the others and goes quiet sipping her soda.
Ema takes a good look at those around her, the likely team for this operation. She takes each one in turn, eyes moving slowly as she appraises those around her, "We'll, this is quite the team you've put together." Ema offers, her glass coming up in mock toast before taking a sip, "Quite the rag-tag band, looks like." she grins, no malice in her voice, though more than a little mirth, "Should be good times..." she leaves that hanging, eyes moving to Leo as she waits for him to take the reigns and give them a bit of direction.
Vixen goes back into the back anyway, returning this time with a glass of water and settling once more beside Leo's chair, casually leaning against the back of it. She looks at Leo and suggests, "Maybe you should tell them everything you know first. Go from there." And for now that will be all she adds to the mix, sipping her water lightly.
Three sticatto knocks rap on the door.
Leonard nods to Flare's self-assessment and Ema's comments, eyes remaining on her a moment. "What is it you are talented at, Ema, other than picking fights and the occasional telekinetic trick?" His tone is mildly wry to match before he looks to Vixen with a smirk. "That isn't much, unfortunately... and we seem to have more company..." The knock draw his attention and pauses his discussion as he moves to the door to answer it.
Rather than taking up space at the table, Bek glides on long-legged strides to the couch and flops herself down comfortably on it. Slouching scandalously, those same long legs thrust out in different directions in front of her, she rolls her head against the couch's back and directs her gaze table-wards. "So did Mister Creepshow give us anything at all? Like... a map? Photographs? A drawing on a napkin in lipstick?"
Flare smiles a little and moves from the wall a little to go and lean on the couch a bit, in between Ema and Bek, though she is behind the couch. She listens and looks back and forth a bit.
Ema leans back on the couch, her bells chiming to life as she considers the question put to her, "I guess I'm a talented survivor, but I guess I'm not a bad scout, when it comes down to it, and a half decant marksman. I can get down and dirty if I have too, but I guess what i'm really good at is getting things done before anyone knows I'm there." she shrugs, and more delicate tinkling of her bells before she takes another drink from her glass, her smile barely registering on her lips as she once agian looks at Leo, curious as to what information he does posses.
Vixen keeps her feet as Leo goes to the door, eyes flicking towards each who speaks. "Sounds pretty bad if this guy you're talking about didn't show you much at all," Vixen replies generally. "But that don't mean nothing. Just means you gotta think more generally. Might even be better, since you can think about a few situations and just sort of plan broadly."
The door opens to reveal Tirzah smirking lightly. "Leonard, good to see you again. Hate to be pushy in my impromptu visit but Bek said you know about a job against the coalition." She explains stepping in past him to take in the others present. "Oh you're here Bek. Feeling rested?" She asks taking in the others she knows or at least recognizes.
"Hello, Tirzah. Please come in." Leonard chuckles as he allows her in before closing the door. "Yes, I do, and we were just here discussing that, in fact." He motions vaguely to the room as he returns to it, nodding to Vixen before looking to the others gathered. "Mr. Norwick was vague on many things, but I will seek him out, now that I have something to tell him of those interested. What I do know, is that he's offering twenty thousand credits to each individual, and has other materiel that we can use, as well. He wasn't specific, but if we can get a list of supplies needed or desired, I'll see what can be obtained. Our task is to assist Tolkeen by hindering the Coalition forces as much as we are able. That is what I know at this time."
The warlock's announcement summons of an elemental groan from Bek, who slinks down on the couch even further (yes, it turns out it -was- possible) and covers her face with one hand. "Nice," she mutters dismally. "Nice and subtle." She presses her lips together into a bloodless white slit and rubs her cheek fitfully, then slaps the hand down against her thigh and looks up again. "Well, what -I'd- do is take a little trip, you know? It would probably only take a day or two for me to fly up there, just kinda chill out under a nice big tree or something and listen in to their radio? Maybe cruise around and get pictures of roads and however they're moving stuff around? I mean, their robots don't eat or anything but the people still need to. If we had some good maps we could pick a place for a flash-wiz ambush and get them with their pants down." She glances around, smiling slightly, silver eyes shining bright. "I've been thinking about this for a while," she admits in a more subdued voice.
Flare looks at Rebekkah, "I could join you if you wanted, two pairs of eyes can be better than one at times, and I might notice something missed, grew up around coalition forces." she shakes her head a bit. She smiles and then bites her lip. She does glances between Bek and Tirzah, and gives the warlock a little wave.
An impressed look registers on Ema's face for the briefest of seconds, her body shifting, angling to better face Bek as she tilts her head, earrings strangely silent, "Spoken like someone's who's made a plan or two before..." she says softly, curiosity in her voice again, "Where abouts up north did you get your training?" the question casual. Ema tilts her head back briefly, a quick, nearly upside down glance at Flare, her head rolling forward quickly as she takes in Tirzah now, "Quite the group indeed," she says, snickering softly.
Vixen is softly amused with what goes on around her, keeping her lips sealed for the moment as she sips her water lightly. After a few moments, she looks towards Tirzah and makes a simple offer. "You want something to drink or are you good?" She's comfy with taking a back seat to the talk for now, lingering by Leo's chair still for the moment.
Tirzah smiles returning the wave to Flare as she takes in Beks reaction with a slight giggle. Turning to Vix with her questions she nods. "Sure if you have anything convenient." She accepts before looking to squeeze into the couch somewhere. "Recon sounds good, I'd offer my help with my cycle but it wont be available if I'm coming. I've come into.." She pauses unsure how to word her phrase. "Guardianship I guess of a large mountain giant. Very big, strong, slow witted, hates the coalition but seems good natures. Got her off an unappreciative slaver." She explains quickly. "my interest in this trip is actually for her, as offerings of a chance to fight the coalition is what won me her favor."
Leonard hmms and considers Bek's suggestion, nodding to it before arching both brows at Tirzah's tale. "Interesting... At the risk of inviting the entire group along, I would like to go with you, Bek, for several reasons. First, if something does go wrong, I can get the both of us back to Kingsdale, or close to it, far more quickly than any flying time. Second, when we do find a suitable location to for an attack, all of us can return there, in force, at a moment's notice. No approach to be noticed by sentries, nor long trips to tire anyone. I agree with reconaissance, but we should keep those going to a minimum."
Rebekkah looks around, a sly grin that starts as a faint, inward thing growing bit by bit as each person in the room - save Vixen and Emayn - volunteers to accompany her. "It's probably better if I just go alone, yeah? Unless your... mojo stuff lets you fly along at three hundred miles an hour." She takes a breath and focuses on Leonard expressly. "I really would only need to worry if I get on the wrong side of a SAMAS patrol, but I'll be fine. I know how to do this kind of thing. Really." Her lips widen in a smile meant to be reassuring, and she adds, "Doesn't mean the rest of you get to sit around on your thumbs waiting for me to get back, though."
Flare raises a brow and glances around and then sighs softly and nods. She moves back from the couch and leansa gainst the wall again.
Tirzah's admission brings arched eyebrows to Emayn's face, a pensive look washing over her face as she looks more serious than most have seen, her eyes flickering around the faces in the room, "Good Video is as good as my being there, so i don't mind sitting back while ya'll go scout things out." she leans back, straightening once more on the couch, nearly empty glass in her hand as her arms cross before before her, crossed leg still bobbing slowly, "Have to admit though, a merc in power armour is an easier story to sell a patrol than a merc in power armour and her magical friends." she finishes her drink and looks for somewhere to place the empty glass, failing, she holds it, swishing the ice around idly.
"You know, you might want to see what the guy paying you is after before you go too far making plans," Vixen suggests casually. "I was thinking more general plans." She turns then and goes into the kitchen. She comes out a few moments later with a glass of cooled water, bringing it over to offer to TIrzah before she retreats back to where she was before, back into observe mode.
Tirzah nods, accepting the water from Vixen as she listens to the idea's. "If Leonard can drive it he's welcome to borrow my cycle, it gives over 200 miles an hour." She offers in solution to part of the dilemma but shrugs helplessly at the other points.
"That is true..." Leonard concedes Ema's point about brushing away potentially dangerous encounters. Then Vixen's, as well, as he reaseats himself and glances up to her. "and that, too. Not that planning ahead isn't wise." He considers a moment before smirking. "Presuming that you're volunteering, if just for your ...new friend, Tirzah, it seems we have a range of options available between us. She is right, as usual, in that I should get all available information from our financier before anyone puts themselves in harm's way. Does anyone have any reasonable suggestions for equipment we don't already have? As I said, I'll take that to him, as well." Leonard is in no way the military commander, and is thankful that Vix is holding up more than his chair.
"The guy paying us told me to ask Leonard all of my questions, and didn't tell Leonard anything more than that either, it sounds like. So..." Bek shrugs a little. "I'm going to improvise, because that's why people hire mercenaries. If he had something particular in mind he would have mentioned it, you know?" She lifts her brows at Vixen and gives a small shake of her head. "I think he just wants to see the Deadboys hurt, and he doesn't care how. Vendetta, right? It's kinda sexy."
Flare has gotten quiet now and is just listening, her features expressionless at the moment as she listens to ehat everyone has to say. She has since finished her soda.
Ema rests an elbow on her knee as she chin falls to rest on her hand, eyes on the floor before her, staring thoughtfully as she listens to the crowd, piecing things together in own mind. She looks up after a time and takes them all in once more, but remains silent as she listens and watches, curious to see how the dynamic of this diverse crowd seems to play out. She offers nothing for now, not wanting to contaminate things, her posture relaxing as she sits back once more, bells chiming softly.
"Couldn't say, never ran into the guy," Vixen replies to Bek. "But there is plenty to talk about without specific action. LIke situations. Think of a scenario, then see how everyone's skill apply to it. How would you approach an ambush. How would you approach a larger assault.. things like that." She shrugs her shoulders a little. "That way when you find out what might be what, you'll already have a sense of what to do and how people fit into it. Makes sense, right?"
Tirzah smirks at Vixen silently once the conversation has gone full circle. "I never would have guessed you a tactition Vixen." She notes before considering the rest in the group. "From who i see here, two maybe three of us could be really good at drawing attention and getting noticed by the cs, bait if it were." She points out to help them further and see how that develops.
Leonard chuckles. "I'm sure that we could attract all manner of attention. Either way, I'll contact Norwick before we do anything. We might not be compensated otherwise, and I could use the funds, even if it isn't everyone's primary motive." He then looks slowly over those gathered, in turn. "Hypothetical, generic planning, then. The top of my list of concerns would be the worst case scenario: Our ambush is reversed, and we find ourselves staring down far too many Coalition barrels. What do we do? I can facilitate our escape, but we'd need time to get everyone out, and we'd be grouped together."
Rebekkah breathes out a noisy sigh and rolls forward, throwing herself up off the couch and rising to her feet. "We can sit here all week and dream up hypothetical. What if giant Rift monsters decide to eat us? What if space satellites shoot hydrogen bombs at us?" Her back pops barely audibly as she arches it and she guides her hands back over her head to smooth out her hair. "You're just playing make-believe without knowing what's actually there, and if Norwick can't tell us then someone needs to find out. Make plans after that."
"There are very few constants once a plan is put into action, but there should be, if nothing else, two constants. The criteria for which the mission is a failure, something we can all recognize and act on, and 2nd our extraction points, at least two, in case one becomes untenable. Everything else can change in a heart-beat, but having a common idea of what failed means, and a common place to leave from, those should be set in stone." she looks over at Bek, "And she's absolutely right, all of this is moot until we have a better idea what we're doing, where we're doing it, and who exactly we're doing it too." Ema's hmmms softly, shrugging as she lets her eyes fall back to her booted foot, leg bouncing.
Flare cocks her head to the side and watches the one who gets up off the couch and nods as she speaks. She looks at the others, "So recon and then gather again?"
"You learn to think a certain way when it comes to life when you've lived how I have," Vixen replies casually. "Problems get dissected and you learn to plan ahead for some eventualities." Her eyes flick towards Bek and she frowns faintly. "Maybe you can't plan for every eventuality, but you can plan what happens when the shit hits the fan, like Leo said. Cause when it comes to a mission, that's one constant that may well happen. So what's your part of the retreat? And every one else? Who has what means to get the hell out? Who is going to need help and who can give it.. stuff like that."
Tirzah shakes her head patiently at Bek but looks understanding to her fatigued state. "Leonard's not trying to plan the trip, he's trying to understand all your capabilities. Without knowing that all the recon in the world wont tell him how to use the resources he has." She explains before considering the shit happening scenario. "If were ambushed I can blind the most powerful offensive sector of their forces. Meu, the giant, will probably draw a lot of fire from the rest too." She offers.
"I'm sorry. I do have a tendency to overplan matters, at times, but I don't wish to venture in blindly." Leonard exhales a sigh as he rises to his feet. "Nor do I want anyone else suffering for that. As much as I'd like to halt Prosek's idiots, having everyone make it back here intact is my criteria for success." Tirzah receives a nod at her offering. "Exactly. We have offense, and apparently, defense, via a penchant for fire..." He motions from Trizah to Flare. "Bek has the hardware, speed, and the skies. Ema can do the same on the ground. My talents are more defensive and general than offensive, but Tirzah and I can also share resources, as it were, as needed."
Rebekkah's hands join at the back of her head, fingers lacing together around the knot of her ponytail. She pushes her elbows back, stretching again, eyes closing for a brief moment while she thinks. "Well this is what I can do. I can get the information we want to have if we want to accomplish anything useful. We can be all Boing-go and march up there with a bunch of guns and bombs and shoot everything that moves, but even if the only thing we plan ahead of time is where we retreat to, we're gonna need a map so you can point at it and say 'here'." She lets her arms go limp and they slither down to her sides as she looks around, fixing her eyes on each person in turn. "So I vote for more information, and -then- worry about the little stuff."
Flare nods and shrugs and apparently doesn't really have too much to add at this point, "Sounds about right." she says and almost seems to watch Bek more than the others, maybe just cause she was the last to talk.
Ema brings her glass to her lips, drinking a bit of the melted ice that has been steadily building up. She tilts her head back slowly, attempting to coax a single piece of ice into her mouth without bringing its friends, and manages to succeed with a small piece, which she proceeds to crunch on briefly. She looks almost sheepish as she makes a fairly large noise, her eyes lifting from her glass and over to those around her, "Well then, I guess the only question left is when do you leave," her smile Bek's way, "And who, if anyone, you're taking."
"How about what you two can do?" Vixen indicates Tirzah and Leo. "With your magic." She looks to Emayn then and adds, "And you too. Cause knowing what other can do with their special skills means if someone sees a tactical use of it, it can get called out. Or suggested in more detailed planning." She reaches over to pat Leo's shoulder lightly. "Nothing wrong with planning." She eyes Bek again then. "Knowing what your people can do is useful. Flying out to get random information isn't. Where are you going to look for info? What if you go off looking one place and the guy has a mind to do something else? Did he say he has no plans at all?" He looks between Bek and Leo, since they're the ones who seem to have met the guy. "If he don't that's fine.. what's your hurry anyway? Not like the Coalition's going to stop fighting shit tomorrow."
Leonard lifts a hand to his face, rubbing it before he runs it through his hair. "Maybe it is best if we reconvene after we have some more information... Now that we have an idea of capabilities, I can see what our benefactor has in mind. If he has specifics, we can plan further. If not," A hand motions to Bek, "we have our reconaissance expert, who won't have every psi-hound pack in the area baying at her. Either way, we can get as much information as possible before we go, with as little risk as can be managed." A somewhat wearied smile pans those gathered. "Does that sound acceptable?"
Rebekkah blinks in disbelief a couple of times at Vixen and her arms slip across her body, hands cradling the opposite elbows. "No, they're -not- going to stop fighting shit tomorrow. Which means people are going to -die- tomorrow. People are going to lose their -homes- tomorrow, their children, their mothers, their fathers. So, okay, maybe if you're fine staying here and talking about it on the radio, yeah, what's the hurry? It's not your sweet little dream house they're driving over, right?" She huffs, eyes roiling to a ruby red behind another blink as she focuses on Leonard instead. "So are you in charge or is she? Because I gotta know... we all gotta know who we're listening to." A pause, a slow dip of her head, a calming breath as she nods assent to Leonard. "So we gotta find Norwick, figure out what he wants, maybe if he stops being such a creepazoid for five minutes he can tell you, and we can try this again when we know something."
Ema looks over at Vixen and smiles, "Thats really half the issue, the longer they have to setup, the harder it gets. Attempting to disrupt them while they're still getting their act together is going to help us be safer in the long run." she rests her glass on the arm of the couch, her legs uncrossing as she scoots forward, attempting to smooth down her skirt before continuing, "Caution and being prepared are of course important, but waiting too long could outweigh the benefits." she shrugs, "Though in the end, its all pretty vague, isn't it? Get supplies? Disrupt them? How do 5 people disrupt a million man army intent on leveling a city?" she leans forward, elbows rested on knees, "Do you play the long game or short? Is their something specific we're after? Or just random "supplies"" she uses fingers to add the quotes, her current thought process dismissing the direct question, though Tirzah's list seems to have brought it back to her forbrain, "Me? I'm a hunter. My Psi is what it is, a little telekenises here, little energy blade there, a healthy sense of when I'm in danger, zen like focus, and of course, i can make myself a bit bullet proof for a bit." Her list is short, but to the point, "Other than that, I have a sniper rifle if it goes that way, and a killer smile if we want to go in that direction" a grin flashes across her face, her jest is, hopefully, obvious.
Vixen stares at Bek as she goes off. "Look, back the hell off, chick. Won't do no one any good running off to get your ass shot cause you don't know what you got on your side. Hell, you might have a better idea what to look for after knowing what you got too." She turns, taking her glass back into the kitchen. "Not like I'm going on this little trip anyway. And not like you got one little hint about what I'm working on for those people that got their shit taken. I've been busting my ass trying to help those refugees, so you can stuff that shit right now. You want to yell at people? Yell at all the fuckers doing their damnedest to ignore them. A few days to plan ain't going to change things. Not like any of you people were rushing out there to do anything before this anyway, right?" She snorts, emerging again to start collecting glasses.
Tirzah sighs as the two women butt heads over wether to tie the right shoe or the left first. Standing up she shrugs having made her contribution to this and not looking to really want to stay for the bickering. "Let me know as soon as you can when the main assault will happen." She says to Leonard as she makes her way to the door, downing her water to leave it on the counter on her way. "Thanks for the brief guys."
"Well..." Leonard's smile is forced a little wider, and looks as much. "On that note, I'd like to thank everyone for their time and input, but it seems best to continue another time. I'll be in contact as soon as I've learned anything further. It's getting late and I don't want to keep anyone..." A hand sweeps for the door before he heads to it so that he can unlatch and open it for those departing. Handling the door is apparently one of his better hosting skills.
"Yeah," Bek utters at Leonard's promise without letting his smile erase the scowl from her voice. "Aces." Her eyes sweep towards the door, catching on Emayn and staying there for an extended instant before they tug free and continue to their goal. She stalks across the room and slips through the opened door, leaving Leonard with a, "See ya."
Ema stands carefully, grabbing her glass and putting it on the kitchen counter before adjusting herself and smiling at those left, "Thanks for having me over, Guess we'll be seeing you soon?" she waves at both Vixen and Leo, her cheeks a bit rosy as she slides gracefully towards the door, "You know where to find me if you need anything." she offers before sliding out into the hallway.
Vixen takes the glasses into the kitchen, quiet and largely unresponsive as she settles them into the sink. Only after the others have left will she emerge once more, Well, partly before she pauses, leaning against the wall to glance towards Leo. "I'll keep my mouth shut next time. Shouldn't have been horning in on your show," she murmurs lightly, a soft frown worn.
Leonard latches the door once he closes it and sighs. Her apology, of sorts, causes him to shake his head. "Had I not made such a lousy performance of it, you wouldn't need to." A smile blooms as he steps her way. "I was thankful for the help, Vix. Taking charge isn't exactly my thing, remember?"
"Well, you should get practice at it. Next time I'm stepping over you, just tell me to shut up, babe. Sometimes I just.. get carried away." Vixen goes to him then, coming in to offer up a hug. "It's true though.. doing something now.. something tomorrow.. next week. Won't change much. If there was a certain target already, it would, but you guys don't even have a target yet. I don't see what's up with them rushing things. Don't make sense and its just going to get someone killed."
Leonard meets the hug halfway with one of his own. "Working on it. The practice that is. I don't think I'd ever tell you to shut up. It's a balance, I know. I don't want anyone hurt, so I don't want to rush in, nor wait too long." A sigh is vented. "With any luck, I'll find and talk to Norwick in the next few days and get everyone back together. Then we can plan, execute and be back here knowing that we accomplished something."
Vixen nods her head a little against his shoulder, laid against it gently. "Yeah.. hopefully it won't be something too rough." She lingers against him a few moments more before her head lifts a little and she looks him in the eyes. "can you use your magic to get everyone back here if you need to? LIke back in the undead world. Cause if you can, I guess it isn't so bad, thinking about the worst of the worst."
"Yes." Leonard nods. "Like the trip to the beach, as well. It's much easier on the same world, in fact." She receives a soft squeeze. "If nothing else, I'll be getting everyone back here. It might be my only useful contribution, but it's a good one, I suppose."
Vixen looks at him curiously. "From the sound of what you were talking about before, you got something.. with Tirzah and the shadow man.. and her." She draws back, but her hands seek his to draw him towards the couch. "Tell me about it.. what happened. I'm curious and I want to know just what you can do." She'll be drawing him towards the couch, to settle down there.
Leonard takes the hand, and the lead, rather welcomingly. "Many seem to think that magic is all about flash and bang. Balls of fire, bolts of lightning, that manner of use. While some can do that, my talents are more ... subtle in some ways. The means to deal with the varied supernatural creatures, predominantly." He settles onto the couch in a similar fashion and position as the previous night. "The 'shadow man' pinned Ema to the wall, enthralled with her tattoo for some reason. He refused to let her go, so, with a bit of help, I convinced him otherwise. Will and magic are tied together. It takes the will to work it, but magic can also influence the will in return. I simply subjugated his to mine, and had him do what I wished."
Vixen decides to get cozy tonight, so with his settled, she'll slip astride his lap and rest her arms upon his shoulders, leaned in a little as she listens. "He's a supernatural something?" Asked with her brows furrowed slightly. "Why didn't she.. do something to him? Hell, I wouldn't want to have some jerk holding me against the wall like that. That's asking for a knee in the soft spot." She does smile lightly as she says, "I guess that's what you meant by having 'em eating out of your hand.. didn't know magic could effect someone's mind like that."
"He certainly isn't human," Leonard chuckles, "but I don't know precisely what he is." He attempts to make himself as cozy as possible, but can't really improve upon her efforts, save to wrap his arms about her. "It is what I meant, but it's not something to do lightly. Even if it isn't resisted, it isn't forgotten, either. Most don't like people mucking around in their head any more than you do. That was the first time I even attempted it, outside of that last fight against the undead."
"That's what I was thinking.. best you watch for that one and I will to. What's he look like? So I know what to look for. Don't think I ever seen a shadow man before." She considers and wonders, "What other spells you got? If we're going to be together, I think we should know a lot about what we can do.. cause when push comes to shove, I want to understand how things work for you. We'll work better together then if things ever get rough." Vixen leans in to lightly brush her lips against his. "I'll tell you about my skills. Don't got no special powers or anything like that."
Leonard smirks. "Trust me, you'll know him when you see him. As far as I can tell, he absorbs light around him, so unless you're in a very dark alley, you'll see him." Like the rest of her, the kiss is welcomed. "You know, I don't think anyone's asked me that before, at least other than another mage seeking to trade knowledge. Primarily repelling or protection from the undead and other creatures, even angry housecats." Leonard can't help but grin at that. "That and manipulation and travel, such as through rifts. Of course, I can also attempt to invite something through one, but that is a risky proposition."
Speaking of which, Tiger comes prancing out of the bedroom, with the noise of before gone. Stragers are threatening. He hops up onto the back of the couch, looking towards the two humans. Vixen grins at him and leans over to lightly stroke two fingers over the top of his head lightly. "So you can ward off nasties and effect minds," she murmurs. She pauses though and looks to Leo. "You can.. bring things through RIfts? From where?" Her brow furrowed a little.
"From whatever realm they dwell, but it's not something I've done." Leonard offers a prompt smile in answer to her wrinkled brow, and looses a hand to stroke Tiger. "Not outside of a very brief demonstration in training. It can be, quite literally, making a deal with a devil. I have considered recruiting some outside help, as it were, for our journey, though. An extra hand, or claw, could be useful."
Vixen furrows her brow at that. "Don't sound all that safe to me," she comments. "Making deals with things like that. Demons?" She's obvious about her concern, her hands returning to Leo. "CAn they.. break free. I'd assume you control them or something.. I wouldn't trust something like that unless I had real control over it.. like you did with the shadow guy."
Leonard considers how best to explain the nature of the thing. "Technically, demons are a very small sub-group, but, semantics aside, yes. They are sentient, and have their own agenda, so I guess it's not that different than you trying to convince others to help the refugees. They can be bargained with, threatened, or otherwise convinced to help. Many just welcome the chance to bask in all the energy that flows here, and can't get here, otherwise. Some also realize they might be not be attacked on sight if they have an ally. It's not without risks, though. If negotiations go badly, it might take offense, or decide it's hungry."
Vixen frowns a little at that and shakes her head. "Except these things aren't just guys with guns.. they're monsters with crazy powers." Tiger hops down onto the cushions, rubbing lightly against Vix's hip. She glances down to him, then leans back a little, pulling the cat up to be cradled in her arms. He looks at Leo, casually pleased while Vixen speaks. "What do you hold against them? I assume you gotta have some kinda of leverage to keep 'em in line. That's how deals work.. you give something the other person wants to get what you want.. how does it work with this?"
"Magic and will." Leonard explains, if vaguely. "It's a bit difficult to explain, but they are tied to that energy even more than we are. They can do amazing things with it, strengthened by it, but are also limited as well. In a very general sense, it's similar to why a wooden stake can ruin a vampire's night, but he can shrug off a railgun." His shoulders roll. "Of course, it is still a mental and social contest. If things turn out poorly, then they can resist, or break free, and probably won't be very happy. One of the reasons I haven't had a reason worth the risk. The other would be that showing up at the gates with something large and frightening behind me would not make a very good first impression." He looses a soft chuckle, despite the somber subject.
Vixen nods a little at that, lifting Tiger up a little to rub her chin against his belly lightly as she listens. "Sounds hard to deal with. I don't think you should do it unless you really need the muscle.. cause a lot can go wrong." She gives Tiger another squeeze before she leans over and 'pours' him out of her arms gently. Leaning into Leo again. "I want you in one piece.. and I think dealing with the girls is going to be rough enough without some demon added to the mix." She grins a little at him.
Leonard grins at the use of the cat before Tiger is released then sighs. "Admittedly, I didn't think of attempting it until recently, and that was more as a personal challenge. Do it, on my own, just to prove that I could." Her last comment causes his mirth to return. "Are you sure? Some days, I think I'd take dealing with a demon over a woman. They're easier to understand."
Vixen snorts faintly at that. "Yeah, but we won't tear you to pieces.. only your ego," she murmurs. Though the playfulness fades a bit as she murmurs, "I don't think you should play around with that.. maybe if you get back up, so you can blow apart whatever comes out if you can't hold it.. first time seems like a good idea to hedge your bets. In a lot of things, first times aren't so clean usually."
Leonard looses a short laugh, but it doesn't prevent him from giving her a squeeze, and a brief kiss. "I think I have enough trouble on my hands without inviting more, you're right. One thing at a time. There are other was to achieve similar results, with less danger." His grin widens. "With the demons, not the women, of course. So, what talents of yours haven't I discovered yet?"
Vixen leans into the kiss and after she'll lay her head down on his shoulder while she's speaking. "Well, if it has to do with a computer, I can screw with it. Use it, program it, hack it, repair it.. hardware and software. I can take 'em apart, put 'em back together, write a virus or clean 'em off. Crack through security.. all that sort of stuff. And I know the streets.. well, as well as anyone can. I can hunt down information, get word on the street and such. I know how to use surveillance gear and how to scan for it. Not too bad at disguise, even tried my hand at some forgery now and then." She lifts her head, looking into his eyes intently. "I suppose I could be a pretty good spy when it comes down to it. Though I never really went whole hog on that sort of thing. Just picked up a lot of little skills."
Leonard arches a brow. "When my pocket comp acts up, I know who to ask... or blame." He grins. "Sounds like you took to running, and moved up from there. I don't need to worry about all my secrets finding their way to the highest bidder, do I?"
Vixen smirks a little and shakes her head slightly. "Private life is private, babe. What we do is for no one but us." She leans in, touching her nose to his. "But when you want to find something out.. you know who can help you with it. I'm also good with fashion and art. Some people think I can sing too, but I don't know.. in the shower maybe."
"I guess that means I need to be careful with my camera, too." He gently teases from all of an inch away. "I would also be very glad to give my opinion of your singing, in the shower. You still haven't shown me any of your art, you know. Not quite sure if I'm going to try drawing, myself, but I did start a journal."
Vixen smiles faintly at that and lifts her head, lightly kissing the top of his nose. "Hold on," she murmurs before she slips from astride him and moves back into the converted guest room. It'll be a minute before she emerges again and drops in beside him, a well worn sketchbook in hand. "I haven't drawn in this for a few years," she says as she opens it up. The first few pages are full of misshapen things that could be people or places. Really hard to tell. "These were from when I first started to learn."
Leonard looks to the revealed masterpieces, studying them a moment. "See, these are the sort of designs that I could aspire to create, with enough practice. This is why I chose a journal to start with, as typing takes less work." His smile lifts to her briefly before returning to the book. "Did you have alot of time on your hands, or just do small pieces here and there?"
Vixen laughs lightly at that. "This was when I was twelve. Living in the Dregs, didn't have time for much.. got this when I was a kid so I started scribbling down things." She flips a few pages of more scrawls. Animals.. buildings, attempts at people. All very raw and misshapen. "got better when I was fifteen." She flips ahead a bit to where there's an image of a woman. Familiar, but older than the one sitting next to you. The image too rough to tell more. Though when Vixen sees it, she quickly flips the page again a few times to something else. "This is a good one.. this cat used to wander around the Dregs a lot.. I sort of adopted it a little.. fed it some scraps I scrounged up."
The images are viewed with interest, and some amusement, though less of the latter with the briefly seen woman. Still, Leonard does not comment, instead chuckling as the cat comes into view. "So you've always been a cat person, then? I never had anything resembling a pet, myself. Not until meeting my sarcastic friend, at least. Who's still perched on the top cabinet in the corner, wondering how high Tiger can climb..." All of this is noted without a glance over his shoulder to confirm.
Vixen glances up to wards a little towards the bird before she grins idly. "Cats are cleaner than dogs. And cuter, though I suppose some dogs are cute too." She looks to Leo and grins a little. "I even tried to draw the Dregs market once.." She flips forward a few until she reaches the image in question. An abstracted sketch, done with sweeping marks of the the pencil she used. "That was one of the last ones I did before I left. Didn't draw too much after that."
"I've never liked dogs. Probably never will." Leonard's mirth dims and he shakes his head, smile returning as he focuses on the page. "Looks like it's changed alot since then, but it might change daily... or it could just be the picture."
"Yeah.. the Dregs market is always changing. Only one or two places there I remember well." Vixen frowns a little and closes the pad before looking to Leo. "It's been odd in some ways, but I feel like I'm back home again after all that." She leans into him, Tiger hopping up again to sneak onto her lap. She smiles at him and lifts a hand to lightly stroke along his back. "This place wasn't feeling too bad tonight either, before the guests. Won't have no troubles relaxing." She smiles at Leo.
Leonard drapes his arm about her as she leans in, even adding his own fingers to hers and Tiger's back. More hers, however. "Next time, I'll remember to set a time, or warn you first. Still wasn't quite used to sharing, I guess, and invited everyone over unannounced."
"You're just lucky I wasn't running around naked or something." Vixen teases lightly. "It's alright, really. Just a little reality check about sharing for both of us. We'll get used to it eventually." She leans her head against his shoulder and breathes out a soft sigh.
Leonard turns to grin rather widely. "Actually, I think I'm lucky when you /are/. Speaking of which, I'd still love to hear you sing. I'll even offer to wash your back, and massage your feet again, for leverage..." One minor boon of these accomodations is the full-size tub and shower, and he seems intent on making use of them.
Vixen laughs lightly at that and nudges him with a little bump. "Keep talking, babe, you're starting to get me interested," she murmurs, leaning over to him for a shared kiss. Not the first, but not the last of the evening, even if they don't get to the shower thing.
