Jan 01 02:22:38 107 PA - Gameplan on a napkin

From Chronicles

Logfile from Rifts.

The current game time is: Sun Jan 01 02:22:38 107 PA. Kingsdale - The Alibi

"Well I guess I'll take what luck I can get. My life has never been paticularly lucky, so I have just relied on hard work." Erica says as she leans back in her bar stool and takes another drink of her cocktail. "So stick around why don't you." Giggling softly she smiles at Cel and nods toward her drink. "Can I buy you your next drink?"

"Sure, once I finish these two," Celaeno says, lifting one as she nods towards the other sitting on the bar. "I'll do what I can, then. But, speaking of all that upcoming shenanigans, you know anything else - I mean other than what Sage said the other day. You've got your big bad coven, your inter-dimensional hideaway, your virgin sacrifice..." she pauses for a moment at this, taking a drink, "And what?" Desmond seems to conclude what business he had with the bouncer in question, sending the armored man on his way with a pat on the shoulder and bob of his head. With the business done, he turns and returns along the same path he took to depart. "Pardon for the sudden departure." He moves back to just the same spot that he held before, turning and lifting his arms to cross his chest.

To those near the door, cold air announces the arrival of Sage into the building. A routine stop at the check point near the door only delays her a moment before she wanders slowly into the club. Her gaze shifting as if expecting to see someone or looking for a possibility to spend some time on.

"Don't forget the giant spider. Your forgeting that." She giggles softly as she shrugs her shoulders quickly. Turning to Desmond she smiles at the the big feline. "Quite alright Desmond. Welcome back." She reaches up and pats him on the shoulder briefly. Raising her drink up to her lips she takes another sip. At the sound of the door opening she turns her head and spots Sage. Squeaking happily she sits up quickly and gives Sage a quick wave.

Celaeno brightens at Desmond's return, taking the moment to finish her beer. "Perfectly fine! Don't suppose you'll have a drink with us while you stand about. The lady here was just offering to buy, so you won't have to steal a few bills from the till." A wink is given as she replaces her glass - the empty for the full. "Oh right, the spider," she mutters to herself, turning fully away from the bar, scowling at nothing for a few moments as she considers it, turning at last toward Desmond. "So, if a giant, evil spider were to suddenly barge its way through the front, refuse to pay the cover, and just start being an all around nuisance, how would you deal with that?" Another sip, "The spider may also be Magick."

Desmond arches a brow as Erica mentions spiders. The pat is weathered without comment, though her response to Sage's arrival also draws some of the big male's attention an leads him to look over and notice Sage's presence. Cel's note of drink is responded to with a shake of head. "I rarely drink," he explains briefly. The follow up question, however, prompts a softly confused look and deeply furrowed brow. BUt after a moment he rumbles, "Any who cause trouble are ejected," he falls back on. "So it would be."

The waving motion catches Sage's gaze as it passes near the bar, bringing her attention towards the source. Recognizing the people there, she offers a small smile as she approaches. Her gaze ends up settling on Desmond and she angles her approach a little towards the man. "Desmond..." She greets simply once she's closer.

Erica laughs softly in her little voice and shakes her head. "I think I would be ill prepared for a giant spider attack at this moment. My heels only do so much damage and there is little penetration." She waves down the bartender and turns to Sage. "What do you want to drink Sage? It is on me." She offers Sage a warm smile. Celaeno considers Desmond's response for a moment, "So if it relented and paid the cover, it'd be fine?" The question hangs for the slightest of seconds before she adds, "Keep in mind. Pure evil. Probably." Another lift of the glass comes at Sage's entrance, "Well, I think my lucky might only go so far, because it seems to have wandered over. On its best behavior, maybe."

"Good evening Sage," Desmond greets the woman politely. He then considers Cel a moment before he states, "As long as the rules of this place are adhered to, it matters not who or what you are. You are welcome here. Just as, if you violate the rules it likewise does not matter who you are. You will be handled just the same. It is that which makes this place neural ground, where any may come, regardless of their grudges or troubles outside of these walls."

"I hope you and Aimee are well." Sage replies, before seeming as if she's considering making a comment about something else. Then, the offer by Erica draws her attention. "A real drink or a warm me up beverage?" She asks with a little humour in her tone, before glancing towards Caleano with a raised brow. "And, I definitely missed some topic of conversation..." She adds with a little musing. Erica shrugs her shoulder again as she keeps laughing softly. "Well as long as the rules are applied equally that is the important thing. Although I am curious as to what the giant spider would order to drink." She regards the bartender for a moment and then orders a glass of vodka and soda for Sage. "Well I don't know what that is considered but I hope it warms you up and gets you going." Giggling softly she takes another drink of her own cocktail

Slowing down on her drink, Celaeno repositions herself so as to keep the club at large within her view. "We were just discussing the impending assault by arachnids on the club. The consensus is that it would be fine, so long as the beasts paid their money and kept the fuss to a minimum." A deep breath, a loud sigh, and she focuses in on Sage, "So, tell us again of the rescue attempt, hmm? There's a spider, and a sacrifice, and a coven, and... anything else worth knowing?" Desmond nods his head once towards Sage, stating, "We are well, the both of us." Though after he says as much, he falls silent, but is watchful of the three women and obviously paying some attention to what they aim to discuss.

An amused but dubious look is given to Celaeno's explanation of the conversation topic forms in Sage's features, "Well, I guess they can give Erica a challenge for lightest on their feet on the dance floor." She comments, before moving to settle into a position near each woman. She glances towards Erica, "Get me going where?" She asks with a little amusement. Then, she takes up a napkin and pulls out pen that she warms briefly with her hands before scribbling at one corner to make sure it'll work. "Well, based on my vision..." She begins to draw a rough diagram of a village, "The village on the outside will likely look as if it had been abandoned ... but further in closer to the town hall." She draws a rough outline for the town hall that's deeper into the village - her drawing is only things that she saw and the rest is left vague - is where I saw the bodies of the defenseless people that are intended to be sacrificed. They don't seem to have any equipment or armor of note." She comments, "Inside is where I saw Alistair being held... the spider's web being what holds Alistair in place for his part in the sacrifice... and of course the four robed figures chanting... that's about all that comes to mind right now."

Erica says, "Well get you buzzed is what I meant Sage." Erica says before she leans in to look over the cocktail napkin. She gnaws on her lower lip as she looks at the sketch and ponders it for a moment. "Well I have some stun gernades. Seems like we could stun the whole place and go in and take out the chanting figures. Then deal with the spider." She shrugs her shoulders quickly while still looking at the napkin."

"Just take the free drink," comes Celaeno's plaintive statement, though she too is eyeing the napkin critically. "If you're sure they don't have anything worth salvaging for the assault, we should probably just move directly in. Are there any alarm mechanisms that you know of? I mean, if it were me performing some sort of sacrificial ritual to bring about the end of the world, I'd put up a perimeter." Another sip, another grin, and she c ontinues, "Though depending on the Robes' actual power, it might be better to finish the spider once we've thrown a wrench in the party - maybe off one, then deal with it?"

Desmond observes quietly what is said, glancing towards the sketching, but not paying too much attention to it. More he considers the words shared before he rumbles deeply, "Something has happened to Alistair?" Not that he sounds worried, his deep, steady voice does not allow for such things. But there is interest at least.

To the comment about getting her buzzed, Sage playfully pokes Erica in the side once the other woman starts to lean in to look at the napkin. "I wasn't arguing the acceptance of it... just the motives." She adds the second part with a little bemusement before taking the drink that's set down for her by the bartender. She doesn't drink from it yet, though. "I imagine the location of people will likely vary from the vision... but, I would imagine most of the people will be further into the village rather than near the outskirts. Although, it may not matter if they aren't able to physically league that particular village." She shrugs faintly, "I only saw what may happen... what brought around that particular result is hard to say." She glances towards Celaeno. "I'm not sure if the vision could be trusted with that sort of detail, but I'm not sure that Alistair knows either. It may be better to assume that they'll know the moment we arrive." She brings to raise the glass to her lips before she pauses, and looks to Desmond. She nods faintly, "I believe there was a trap set for him or perhaps anyone with above average energies that could be used for a magical ritual. Likely one of the rumours he encountered."

Erica gasps and trys to look as innocent as possible. "What I haven't tried anything with you at all Sage. I know you are with Tirzah." She giggles softly as she sticks out her lower lip and pouts at Sage playfully before turning back to the discussion. She nods at Desmond quickly and tells him. "Alistair is being held hostage." Turning back to the napkin she frowns at it for a moment before speaking. "I still think peppering the place with stun gernades and then going in fast and hard to break up the ritual. It is hard to do a magical ritual when a flash bang goes off near you. Then once we have broken things up we can take out the hostiles."

Celaeno takes the uncertainty into consideration, nodding. "Alright," she says, growing quiet, letting Erica have her piece. "I'm just saying, we should be flexible when it comes to down to it. Either the magic's going to be a big issue, or it won't be - so we either make a concerted effort to split them, take them all out, or just leave them be before dealing with the spider. Either of you want to take the lead, or are you fine with following me?" Another sip, "Or are there going to be a few others coming in with us?"

Desmond nods his head in reply to what is shared with him. "I see." And then he offers after a few moments. "You should not plan too deeply before you know the strength and position of the enemy. Premonitions are not to be taken literally. Bring all the resources you have to offer and, when you arrive, see how they are best employed to lay low your foes." The advice offered simply, his eyes flicking from woman to woman.

"I didn't say you had." Sage replies as her gaze shifts to fall on Erica as she responses. She gives the other woman a mock suspicious look, but there is a little amusement in her eyes before she finally sips from the drink. She considers the comments being shared. "There will be one other person coming. I believe he likely has special abilities and above average energy... what all he can do, I am unsure." She comments, "But, if this is a trap to gain more energy for the ritual, it may be best not to go in with guns blazing... or tossing around stun grenades for that matter. They'll be interested in grabbing one or two of us." She comments, "Rushing may just force them to take off the gloves and give us less time as a result." She purses her lips, "So, it may be to our advantage to go in as if it weren't a trap but a watchful eye. In the end, the more energy we deny them... the better for us." She glances towards Celaeno, "If you have experience with leading people in situations like this, it may be best if you lead."

Erica laughs softly as she nudges Sage while she sips the drink. "I've got you now." Giggling to herself she gives Sage a quick wink. "Well I think of everyone I likely have the least amount of energy so to speak, so maybe I should go in first to look around. I mean with I don't think I would be worth much as a sacrifice with my cybernetic implants, but I'm not entirely sure. I can sneak so I can go in then take a look around and if I get in trouble use my jump pack to gain altitude."

"That would be foolhardy," Ahriman rumbles nearby. His voice echoes from nowhere, eyes sliding right past him without catching -- wait. Like the cheshire cat, it's not as if *pop* and he's there. He's suddenly noticeable, as if he's always been there. The impeccably-dressed dark alien tilts his head. "The jet pack will draw attention. The only reason they have to keep Alistair alive is as a trap. You would serve yourself to them on a silver platter. You don't need to travel all that way to die helpless, little Erica. Stealth is the word of the day."

Celaeno gives a shrug, "As the cat says, the situation's going to be evolving as we move, and it's better to plan in free-form than to plan for a bunch of situations. If you're all good following my directions, I'm more than happy to do it." At the statement, Ahriman pops into being - bringing a slight snarl and fixed stare from the woman. One breath, two breath, red breath blue breath, and she's settled again, "Stealth's only as useful for setting up the hammer-drop, on this one," she states, perhaps biting back too hard on the suggestion. "If he's set up as a trap, then there's no way you're going to be able to sneak him out without setting something off."

Desmond seems content to let he ladies speak over the topic for a bit without further comment from him. His eyes dart towards Ahriman's voice unfailingly, ears perked forward. He tilts his head slightly, studying the dark being for a few moments before his attention becomes more general. "Not necessarily," he rumbles to Cel. "Though it would depend on how good they are at setting their trap. If they are not good at it, then they will leave holes to slip through. That too cannot be determined until it has been examined properly."

Sage's gaze shifts back to Erica with the nudge, with a faint raised brow but she's still mildly amused judging by her expression. She doesn't rush with the drink, she simply nurses it slowly as she listens to the conversation around her. "I would be content to follow your directions." She decides simply as she looks to Celaeno.

Erica lets out a little sigh and rolls her eyes. "Well if you had actually listened to what I said Ahriman you would have heard that I would use the jet pack if I got in trouble. Try to pay attention now." She turns her attention back to the others. "I'm just saying I could sneak in report and sneak back out, but whatever you wish to do. " Lifting up her own drink she takes a little sip of it and gives Sage a quick wink.

"Humans are weak beings," Ahriman speaks simply. "And magi do not wrap themselves completely in steel. If I can simply reach --," He presses a black hand slowly through the air, towards Celaeno's throat, a little smirk on his face, "and grasp ahold of one, I can tear out her life before the others can react. I'm not worried about a mystic alarm. I was dodging those before man made steel. If one has your new psychic precognitive powers, maybe that could be troublesome. But let us not make them out as bogeymen."

Celaeno turns to Sage, her scowl fixed against Ahriman's actions. "Is This our fourth?" she asks, her drink becoming her most immediate source of comfort as she finishes it. "If you're so capable," she nearly spits, "Then surely you'd be happy to undertake the entire mission on your own? I mean, if it's so simple an action as to slip in, steal the cheese from the trap, and slip away unnoticed." Desmond's statement - for the moment - goes unnoticed, as does most of the rest of the world.

Desmond is comfortable in being unnoticed. He seeks no extra, but does monitor the talk still. Of course, when Cel shows an obvious dislike for the dark one, Desmond gives their interplay more scrutiny. THough he does feel compelled to rumble a simple, "Remain civil." The owner's hat going on for just a moment with that reminder.

As the conversation seems to shift towards a potential argument, Sage sets her glass down. She nods slowly to Celaeno, "For the time being... he came recommended by Tirzah, but I imagine I might be able to get Leonard if this...arrangement will be problematic." She mentions, glancing briefly to the newly arrived being. Erica laughs softly and shakes her head at Ahriman as he ignores her remarks. Giggling softly to herself she takes another drink of her cocktail and leans back. "Like I said actually listen." She mutters to herself. Turning back to Desmond she leans in towards the feline. "Well most magic users I have found don't expect non powers in their net. Might be easier for me to sneak in." She shrugs her shoulders quickly before glancing at Sage. She clinks her glass against Sage's glass and gives her a warm smile. "Not to worry Sage. I'm sure things will work out."

The dark being's eyes narrow at Celaeno, and he curls his fingers in the air. "I don't want to," he speaks imperiously. "Moreover, I probably could not. I can ambush one, Celaeno. I can protect the rest of you from the brunt of their attacks. Perhaps I can even distract them, a little. I can be quite ... consuming, when I want to be." The dark being's white teeth form a perfect line as his black lips split at that remark. "But I could not get him out alive. And I think my Little Sister would see the mission as a failure if I returned him in parts."

Celaeno quickly slaps down enough money for another drink as she takes another deep breath - a quick pat of her pockets, "It all right to smoke in here?" directed at Desmond as she produces a cigar - another breath, a sip of her newly delivered drink, and she turns to Sage, "It's fine." The statement sits flatly as turns toward the dance floor, her vision just barely keeping Ahriman in the periphery, "He's fine," she says, maintaining her gaze on the floor. "I'm sure he'll be an asset," the words are said bitterly before she turns back to the group, losing much of her intensity. "Maybe they'll be amateurs, unable to spring an effective trap. But, nonetheless, I'd rather plan for it being a rushed job, and if it turns out otherwise to back off of it on the fly. If we can hit them with one ambush, and then quickly with another, then it'd be for the best." Another deep breath, "If eventually the trap must be sprung, then it would be best that we finish the situation on our own terms. Unless we plan on being back again next month, when they pick up their next sacrifice."

Desmond turns his attention to Erica and dips his head once in response to her words. "Perhaps, though I am no expert on such things. Even so, I would take care before attempting an infiltration. It does not take a large mistake to draw attention." He then nods once to Cel's question. "Smoking is allowed." And he is quiet again then, listening thoughtfully to what is said as the group of them stand near one end of the bar.

With the talk of tactics, Sage simply listens for the time being. It seems there are enough opinions being offered. "I may be able to use telekinesis to place grenades or whatever in a particular position." She comments, deciding not to go into the potential for her to develop new abilities, "Otherwise, my abilities are primary sensitive and healing when it comes to my nature." She adds, deciding to merely inform than offer a suggestion of tactics. She glances over to Erica with a small smile, "Let's hope so." She comments, taking up her glass to sip a little more from it.

Erica digs out some credits from her purse and hands them over to the bartender. "I unfortunatlly need to get going. Just tell me if we come up with a good plan. I will of course do my best to rescue Alistair." She flashes a warm smile at everyone before she climbs down from her stool. "I just want to get up early to prepare." She gives everyone a quick wave before heading to the door and grabs her coats and boots and starts bundling up.

Ahriman's already lost interest in Celaeno, apparently, as his head swivels faintly to pass over Desmond, eyes silvering. The darkling brushes away from the group, having never ordered a drink, and as he walks he gathers a few startled looks from the regulars, a berth being drawn to give him a good eight inches of personal space. His head turns towards Erica, watching the woman, paying her the attention she asked for just minutes ago. And as she stands to leave he simply winks out, fading into the darkness amidst the crowd. Following her? Likely.

Celaeno shakes her head again, muttering again - half to herself, "He'll be fine." And then the cigar is lit, and the radius of smoke begins constantly expanding. "I'd say, if you're all about the healing powers of love," puff, "Then you should likely move in directly to pull out Our Alistair. Cut him down - if you need help with that, we'll do what we can - drag him outside, bring him up to snuff, and then come back." Puff, quaff, puff puff. "I'm being civil," she says to Desmond, squaring off, "Quite civil. If I weren't being civil, I'm sure you'd have pulled me outside to break a stool or two against me." Puff. "Words - words are fine." Desmond dips his head towards Erica in parting, then returns Ahriman's attention steadily for a few moments. But is content to let him wander off as he will. Instead the big feline looks to Cel and Sage. "The stool would only be needed if you were to respond with the same. Though even then, I wouldn't need it. I believe will leave you to your considerations. Though one last question.. Cali knows that Alistair is missing? I shall, perhaps, go to visit her. I do not wish to concern her if she is not yet aware."

"I'd hardly call them healing powers of love." Sage replies, "And, I'm not sure waltzing right in would work... but I suppose stranger things have happened." She comments, before glancing towards Desmond and gives a faint nod. "She was the first to learn of it, I believe." She comments, before offering a small smile. "She probably needs the company... and feel free to badger her about taking care of herself. You'll know why if you spend enough time with her."

"I meant," Celaeno explains between nicotine fixation, "That once the shit hit the proverbial fan," more fixation, "that instead of, say, joining in the fun, you'd instead slide over and babysit the stupid motherfucker." The phrase is nearly lost in smoke, the occasional twitch sending up a larger-than-average puff. "But if you could bring him up to any sort of fighting condition, it'd be for the best." An extended break is taken as she takes the time to drain off the remains of the glass, "And if not," she begins, a brief exhalation of ethanol breaking up the sentence, "then at least he'd be ready to run away while we did our best." "I know Cali well," Desmond assures Sage with a dip of his head. "I will see her soon. Enjoy the rest of your evening." He glances towards Cel, but after he simply moves past the two women to begin a circle around the edge of the club, which leads him to the back office. He unlocks the door and slips inside.

Vargus slips into the club from the street entrance and pauses in the foyer long enough to check his long pistol. Receiving the check ticket, he makes his way into the club, a small revolver still tucked into his bandolier holster. He looks around the room as he moves over toward the bar, bopping a little as he walks in time to whatever music happens to be blaring. He stops at the bar, drumming his fingers across the counter top and then just shrugs and takes a seat. Swiveling out on his stool, he glances around at those nearby, just taking note of who might be out and about at this time.

"Ah, that could work a little better." Sage replies before chuckling a little at the reference to Alistair. "Although, I hope that he wouldn't be too far gone... I'll pack a kit in case it'd be faster to patch him up the old fashion way." She comments, before pursing her lips. She glances towards Desmond nodding faintly, before considering her drink for a moment. "I think I'll go prepare a few things." She decides as she rises to her feet, "Until later." She adds, before she starts to head off.

"Go, go," Celaeno says, apparently to the world at large. Each draw on the cigar is savored - if only for the briefest of moments - while the drinks from her glass are increasingly desperate. Something from the recent events having shaken her, she lays down the money for a rapid-fire order of three more drinks. It's either going to be a quite long night, or a very, very short one.