The group arrived just as the sun was setting in a grassy area surrounded by a circular driveway. The seven-pointed star glowed beneath their feet, but the glow faded and all that was left was green grass in the lengthening shadows. The air is fresh and warm. A light breeze rustled the leaves on the nearby trees as the birds began to quiet down for the night. Close to you are seven tall pine trees, three on the left and four on the right side, to the covered walkway, standing as guards. The walkway crossed the drive and led to the double doors of a building. A large three-story mansion loomed before the group. It was constructed of brick and cut stone, old in design, circa late 1800’s, but in very good condition. Soft warm light glowed from the many windows. From the covered entryway, a tall male figure dressed in a well fitting suit stepped forward to greet you.


“Good evening and I bid you welcome to Cornerstone. Please all gather round and follow me. Come inside and I will quickly show you around and then leave you in peace, for I am sure you are tired.” He stopped partway across the drive and beckoned you to come forward. Then he turned and fully expecting you to all follow, strode smoothly toward the couple of steps up to the Terrace.

“Please wipe your feet and gather round me on the Terrace.” he said. The man had a British accent and a generally commanding tone that was at the same time subservient. Once all had done as he instructed, he continued.

“Are we all ready? Right then, I am Hornsby and I want to be the first to congratulate you on your stunning performance. Many had tried to solve that mystery and you are the only ones to have survived. I have been instructed to show you around your new post, see that you are settled and then leave you to your duties. I shan’t be long since warriors such as yourselves need no coddling, but I do feel that proper introductions to ones new home deserves the … um oh yes, the “Nickel Tour” as you Americans say. How quaint. Now, I do not tolerate interruptions, but I will take intelligent questions and comments as I complete the showing of each floor. Very well, follow me,” he directed. Hornsby turned and started to walk to the door, but as soon as he turned, the clamor from the group stopped him short. “Ladies, Gentlemen. Pssst!” he hissed. “I will NOT tolerate interruptions!” He strode to the big double doors and opened both doors with a practiced flair, ignoring any protests from the group. There was no swagger in his step as he walked with perfect posture. He went up the few steps into the Entry and turned to face his tour group.

“Straight ahead we have the Grand Hall. But first follow me to the right, into the Office.”

The office was elegant with a large wood desk, leather wingback swivel chair and seating for seven additional persons. A gas log fireplace dominated one wall. “In this room, you can meet with clients and discuss the particulars of their case. All business transactions usually can be completed here, so there is no need to have strangers traipsing around your abode. You may leave your packs and extra gear here. It will be safe and secure, I assure you. Follow me into the Grand Hall.” Hornsby opened the door in the back of the office and entered the Grand Hall.

As every one filed in, he spoke. “The rich wood paneling is oak and the former owner would always greet personal guests here. Behind you is the piano and at the end of the hall is the Main Fireplace. Originally, this was the primary source of heat for the first floor, since the Office and the Parlor were not always in use. This makes an excellent location for gatherings prior to formal dinner parties. Holidays are especially cheery. Over there is the large freshwater aquarium. And across the hall is the Parlor. A fine room for relaxing and enjoying a snifter of brandy before retiring for the evening. Also there is a hand crafted game table. Challenge each other to a round of chess, or flip it over for backgammon.” Hornsby then turned right and moved down the hall, passing the aquarium. Continuing to the hall’s end, he entered the formal dining room. “Dining room, of course. Seating for eight normally, but can be extended for twelve. And through that door is the kitchen.” He exited the dining room through the door on the right and into the kitchen.

“Here you can make your culinary creations in this exquisite combination of modern appliances and classic cabinetry.” The kitchen was indeed complete with the best of appliances, an island that was both for food preparation and also served as a breakfast bar. “We have even included a computer for meal planning and recipe file. This cooler will hold most of your needs, but we also have this smaller cooler over here in the pantry for your one member and his special… dietary requirements. We would not want to confuse that, would we? Walking briskly out the other side of the kitchen, he walked down a short hall and as he turned right, he waved with his left hand, “Screened patio, good for Barbeques. And here is the access to the basement. Downstairs is the Tahitian Room and the Grizzly Bar. Great for larger parties and gatherings.”

Entering the Great Hall again, he cross it and went through the double doors on the left side. “Here is the Media Room. Cornerstone is equipped with a sound system in each room, so you can always have your musical tastes, but this room is equipped with a state of the art surround sound. The fireplace is a fully working one, as are all of the fireplaces in the manor. The leather massage chairs are quite comfortable for playing your PlayStation II or X-Box on the wide-screen plasma TV or just some movie viewing. With several settings, you should be able to relax those muscle knots away. And that set of doors goes to the Jacuzzi on the side porch. A short walk beyond that is the pool.

Come now, to the second floor.” Hornsby exited the Media room and into the Great Hall again. Across from the aquarium was the Grand Staircase. At the foot of it, he waited for all to regroup. “Questions so far?”

Dren said nothing as he examined the remote control he had casually "secured" while in the Media Room.

“Yes Hornsby, I have a question. I hope you don’t think it impudent of me, but: Who are you? And while I’m at it, Where are we? Why are you showing us this place? I mean, there’s that whole ‘new post,’ ‘new home,’ and ‘your duties’ thing. Care to elucidate?”
This message was last edited by the player at 08:53, Fri 08 Oct 2004.

   Stunned with the beauty of the manison, Johnny exclaimed in amasement: "This place is...beautiful!" Granted, his parents had been rich, but not filthy, over their heads prosperous. He inspected the piano in silent awe, carefully examining everything but the keys. "This Steinway must he decades old - amazing craftsmanship."

   He eagerly followed the tour guide, commenting under his breath: "I almost expect to find Grotesques in the bathroom."

Alex followed their guide around the mansion at a dawdle, hanging at the back of the group.  While it was all very impressive, beautiful and well-equipped, almost every sentence Hornsby spoke raised at least two questions in her mind.  When they reached the kitchen, and the englishman pointed out the fridge designed for Iain's blood, she felt the hairs on the back of her neck rise.  This place wasn't just well-equipped; parts, if not all, of it were designed specifically for them.  How much did their host know?  And how did he know that?

Feeling more than a little uncomfortable, she continued to trail behind, waiting to hear the questions and Hornsby's answers.

Raven had some of the same questions Pieran had just asked, but she found herself distracted by the furnishings in the house. Her eyes scanned the various antiques as she resisted the urge to examine some of them more closely.

Hornsby sighed. “I suggested that you query me with intelligent questions. I am Hornsby, you are in Cornerstone… Oh you mean … Right then. You are in St. Louis, Missouri… the United States. And I am showing you around because I was instructed to. You have an appointment to have a complete briefing tomorrow morning 10 o’clock sharp. I was informed that you would be bedraggled and in need of rest. I understand you had a rather intense and long day.”

Turning to Johnny he said, “I assure you that there are no grotesques in the loo.”

Hornsby looked from person to person. “Any other questions?”

"What day of th'week is it?" responding to a few reactive looks he explained by first waving the remote "I'd like t'know when Smallville comes on! I mean le's face it. Some of us were in Egypt an others were in England..." pausing he stole a glance at Pieran before continuing "Some of us might have even fallen of th'cover of a romance novel, an now we're all 'ere. I dinna think questionin' th'time zone is a dumb question. An while I'm at it, is this supposed t'be our reward?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:06, Fri 08 Oct 2004.

Iain looked at Dren: "I'll see your day-of-the-week and raise you day, month and year. According to our subjective time, we may have been away for only about a day, but that merry-go-round with the sun made the time jump back fifty years or so..."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:20, Fri 08 Oct 2004.

For Pieran, the overwhelming surge of newness had begun to subside and his concerns returned to more important matters. The identity of Hornsby's boss, a scheduled debriefing in the morning, romance novels, calenders 'Roman or Mayan?' and the presence or non-presence of grotesques in the baños would have to wait. 'Gargoyles, not groestques.' ..."I have one more question. This is all very nice but, Where can we get medical attention for our wounded? Now, please."

He looked over at Dren, bewilderment veiling his eyes.  "Smallville?" He waved him off. "Nevermind," he said, looking back at Hornsby, waiting for a reply.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:44, Fri 08 Oct 2004.

Ah, yes, you have been out of touch for a bit and the confusion is understandable. It is Thursday, the 7th of October 2004. If you would be so kind to reset your timepieces to the current local time of 6:45 in the evening.” :ding dong Chirp!: :ding dong Chirp!: Hornsby reached into his suit and produced a PDA. Tapping the screen a couple of times, he then placed it back inside his pocket. A quick little smile briefly crossed his face and then it was gone.



“Quite right … Mr. Swift, let us see to your wounded. This way please.” Hornsby turned and proceeded up the stairs.

As Hornsby reached the first landing on the staircase, he turned toward the group and continued his tour with practiced ease. “The Grand Staircase, with hand carved banisters that circle up to the third floor. Suspended in the center of the stairway is a 1902 crystal chandelier. Each crystal is hand cut, no two are exactly alike, and placed into the fixture to give off the most brilliant light and shine. When the morning sunlight hits it, the floors are covered with rainbows. The high-beamed ceiling has lots of headroom for tall people and creatures.” The red carpet with golden trim on the stairwell and in the Grand Hall was lush; like walking on thick moss. “By the way, Mr. Short, the manor is equipped with window panes that are, shall we say, friendly to your particular sun allergy. As are the company cars. It would not be fitting to have you bursting into flame inside the home every time you pass a window.”

On the second floor there was some seating available in the hallway. He turned to his left and headed to a set of double doors and said, “Right, this floor will be where you can conduct most of your work. Through these doors is the Conference room and access to two of the rooms with the highest security levels. 

The Conference room was just that. With a large oak oval table, black leather swivel chairs, and fireplace, it looked very much like a corporate boardroom.  Sliding doors on the left and right were closed, but Hornsby continued the tour and went to the one on the left; sliding it open and stepped inside. It resembled the look of the Starship Enterprise.

   “Here we have the Computer lab and estate security and surveillance room. I know all the computers, monitors and the consol look intimidating, but I assure you it is user friendly. We have our own T-line connectivity and all the computing power you would need for any… ahem, electronic research shall we say.  Every room in Cornerstone can be viewed from here as well as most of the out buildings and some of the grounds, with the notable exceptions of the bathrooms and bedrooms, of course. Security monitoring is mostly automated and can page you if there is something it detects that will require your attention. Observe.” One of the monitors had a blinking red light on it and the screen was frozen, while others scanned their charges. Hornsby hit a couple of buttons and then operated a joystick/trackball panning the image and then zooming in. Clearly centered on the screen was a remote control. A hand moved in and snatched up the remote. Hornsby froze the image as it was being cupped in the hand and then panned the image back and reveled Dren claiming the remote control.

The demonstration complete, Hornsby tapped a series of buttons and the screen snapped to a live shot of the Media Room. Continuing his tour guide role, he said, “The main gate on the driveway is equipped with license plate scanner and face-recognition software. It compares DMV data with the driver and then also compares it to the appointment book to ensure no surprise visits. The F.B.I. and Homeland Security database is queried as well for nearly instant criminal background checks. Last one to leave, close the doors please.”

He went back into the conference room and rounded the table to the sliding doors on the other side. Sliding that door open he announced, “ The Library, for your more conventional research.” Stepping into a well-carpeted room with an impressive collection of occult books, scrolls, and tomes. A comfortable couch, fireplace and a desk with a flat screen computer completed the room. Several antiquities decorated the room giving it an old, but comfortable feel. “Here you should find most the manuals required for your trade. Legends, lore, demonology, poltergeist and other things that go bump in the night should be referenced here.

This room and the Computer room are protected by the highest level security the manor wards can provide. No one unauthorized will be able to simply wander in to these rooms.” Hornsby headed to the conference room again and then out into the hall. Crossing the hall, he entered the Science Lab.

“Here we have a rather nicely equipped scientific lab with some equipment others only dream they could have. Of course the standard centrifuge and autoclave, microscopes, elemental spectrograph, most of the tools a technical researcher would want to break down the elements of a soil or tissue sample. And since it closely relates, in the adjoining room we have the medical clinic. Adequate for treating most of what ails you. Both have their own entrance, just in case privacy is an issue. Follow me.”

Hornsby entered the clinic through a side door in the lab and then passed through to the hall again. Turning left he walked into a fitness room with free weights, a multi-gym for a wide array of exercises, and aerobic machines. “Those rooms were for the mind and this is for the body. Standard equipment to keep you in shape and over here,” he went through the door on the right, “we have a training room where you can practice hand to hand, martial arts and general weapons training. Say hello to Bob, your impact trainer.” Bob, Body Opponent Bag was a mannequin designed to practice hit placement.

“And what is combat training without weapons? In here you have access to your tools of the trade. Many of the previous residents would leave their weapon of choice here and we now have a nice collection.” Inside a weapons closet was battle-axe, swords, pole arm, clubs and mace. Several practice weapons were available so that training would not cause the need to go to the clinic. There were also guns and crossbows in the armory.

Crossing the training room, Hornsby stepped out onto a deck. As he crossed the deck, he looked to see that everyone was still following him and then went into the hall again from another door. Reaching the stairwell again he said, “Questions about your working accommodations?”

   Looking around himself, Johnny's initial eager was fading away: "The medical facilities are really superb and, well...I still can't really see why we are all here - what work we are going to do. Last thing before somebody tore me into his dimension, I was heading of for the University of California, and perfectly satisfied with that."
   Raising his hands to express the slightest bit of submission, he explained: "Not that I am turning anything down, I just want to know what we are going to do around here."

Dren quickly pounced on the appendageless BOB grabbing the foam ruber head and pulling it into a solid knee strike using his elbow for leverage since his hand still held the media center remote. Stepping back he smiled and pointed at BOB and looked to Raven as if going to say something... but his smile faded and he just waved her off without so much as an exchange of primal sounds as if it was suddenly unimportant, so he went about setting his watch asking "W'ere's m'room?" It was clear he was leaving the difficult questions to the more enlightened of the group.

Hornsby said, “Those details, Mr. Hope, will be discussed at the briefing.”

“Shall we see the living quarters?” he turned and started up the steps.

Once they were in the hallway of the top floor, he continued with his tour. “These are the living and sleeping quarters for the manor. Each one has a unique quality to the room and their arrangements. But due to limited space, some elements of the rooms required some… sharing.” He moved to the first door on the left, opened it and began a rapid showing of each room.

“Starting on the left is the Asian Room. Five antique Chinese carvings create a dramatic headboard for the queen size bed in this room while cobalt blue tiles frame the bed This is the only room that has a private bathroom, but this is also the only room that has just a shower instead of a tub/shower combination.” It is furnished with a chest of drawers, chair with ottoman, desk, and loveseat. “It has the smallest closet of all the bedrooms, but it also has a fireplace and access to a screened porch, furnished with a pair of chairs and a small end table, that it shares with the African Room.” Moving to the next room via the screened porch, Hornsby continued.

“The African Room. Decorated in a traditional safari motif, this room will let your beast roam. With the colors of the African plains as our guide, this blend of browns and tans is soothing for a good nights sleep. It has a fireplace and a closet.” It was furnished with a chest of drawers, a chaise lounge, a chair, and a desk.  “This room shares the loo with the Swan Room. ” He passed through the bathroom into the next bedroom.

“This room is the Swan Room  and is decorated in a theme to match the estate’s swan pond. White and cream colors match the lovely plumage of our own swans. It has a shorter but deeper closet, a fireplace, and a lovely window seat in the large bay window.” It is furnished with a chair and a chaise lounge, plus a desk and a smaller chest of drawers.

Stepping back out into the hallway, Hornsby point to the next three doors on the left. “Community screened porch and the laundry room. No lugging baskets up and down four flights of stairs for this group. And attic door, but there is nothing of interest up there.” He rounded the laundry room; the black marble topped credenza and kept on with the tour.

“This European Room  has a fireplace and the largest closet of all the bedrooms. It shares a loo with the River Room. It is furnished with a settee, chest of drawers, chair with ottoman and desk. Ornate carving and touches of brass accent the bedroom on a grand scale. Crafted of rich oak it is a solid bed frame done in the style of the Kings of Old. This has an elegant presence worthy of Beacon Hill. Subtle touches of class come from wrought-iron candelabras, the hand-tufted wool rug and vintage vases.” Hornsby again moved through this bathroom into the next.

“This room is the River Room. Taking the design of a Mississippi Steamboat suite back when paddle wheelers thumped up and down the watery highway. They were the queens of the Big Muddy. And this room will make you feel like royalty. Complete with authentic pottery decorated in blue with scenes of paddle steamboats and other such river scenes. Suitable for the Captain’s Quarters. This is the only room that does not have a fireplace, but it does have a lovely bay window and access to a private screened porch; furnished with a pair of chairs, a small end table, and a two-person glider. The closet is shorter but deeper than most of the others.” It was furnished with a desk, chaise lounge, small boudoir chair, and a chest of drawers.

Exiting the River Room into a narrow hall, he entered the next room.
“And finally, we have the Old World room. This is actually a two-person suite. When you first enter the room you see we are in a small sitting area with a fireplace and access to a private screen porch, furnished with a pair of chairs, a small end table, and a swing.” The sitting area is furnished with two desks, a small bookcase, a small boudoir chair, loveseat, coffee table, and chair with ottoman.

“The two bedrooms each have their own closet and are furnished with a small boudoir chair and a chest of drawers. The suite has a bathroom and small closet that are shared by both bedrooms.” In the suite, there are several artifacts that have been collected from all over the world. Mayan crystal, Egyptian cat carvings, Greek vase, Siberian furs, Australian boomerang, and a collection of daVinci’s notes.

Hornsby moved to the two bedrooms in the suite. “This one closer to the door, the Greek Room  is designed with the temples of ancient Greece in mind. The mural of the night sky as one would look out of the temple door inspires dreams of heroes, goddesses, and young maiden nymphs. All you need is the lust of a Satyr and the scene is complete.”
He made a flare of the hands as he presented the final room.

“And finally this one is reminiscent of the sights and collectables of an around the world tour. Several one-of-a-kind items are gathered in the World Tour room in such a way to complement each other into a one of a kind room. Egyptian sheets, hand woven Asian rug, Tibetan comforter, the bed frame is hand hammered and crafted from the armories of Scotland in much the same fashion they used to make their swords.”
He headed back out into the main hall and the marble-topped credenza. When everyone gathered near him, Hornsby cleared his throat.

“That completes the nickel tour of Cornerstone.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a handful of keys with tags of the bedroom names on them.

“Here are a set of house keys each and the bedroom keys. I suggest you claim a room, wash up and get some rest. If you are hungry, the pantry and cooler is stocked. Please help yourself. I know this has been a bit rapid, but all of your questions will be answered at the briefing in the morning. 10 o’clock sharp in the conference room.” he reminded them.

With that, he bid them a good evening and departed down the stairs.

Dren leans over the keys, "There'r 6 rooms an 7 sets of keys 'ere." he looked up to Raven as if the remark were directed toward her, "Ladies first?" then stepped back.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:16, Sat 09 Oct 2004.

"I believe the suite has a separate key for each bedroom..." Iain commented. "Is that right, Mr. Hornsby?"

He loked at all the others in turn: "Anyway, I especially like the Swan and the European rooms... Not exceedingly sunny, maybe, but that's kinda part of their charm. What about you guys?"
This message was last edited by the player at 13:29, Sat 09 Oct 2004.

Hornsby called out from down the stairwell. "Yes, Mr. Short. Seven sets of keys, each with a full set for the mansion, grounds and the individual bedroom keys.   Pleasant dreams!" He continued quietly down the stairs.

“I’m partial to the River Room, myself. I have no interest in having a fireplace in my room.”

Dren leaned over and snatched a key as if taking a cue "Nothin' like a drink by a fire. S'I'll take th'European Room." looking to Alex and Iona he shrugged "Nothin' personaly ladies. But I'm sure y'two'd m'comfrotable knowin' I share a restroom with 'er, 'less I'm wrong." he finished with a devlish smile which he dropped before addressing the guys "An I aint sharin' a tub with any o'you."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:29, Sat 09 Oct 2004.

   Occasionally whistling and dropping his jaw in surprise as he was guided through the third floor, Johnny was obviously shocked with the comfort. However, Hornsby's last answer left him quite disgruntled, and whilst the others were already deciding on rooms, he said: "They are all stunning, but...let's wait until we hear the catch. There's always a catch."

Iain grinned: "'Course there is, Mr. Bee... Just don't eat anything, you should be safe. However, as far as I can see, we can choose between sleeping in one of those magnificent rooms, on the floor - which is really beautiful but looks kinda hard - or, for those of us who can afford suntan, in the garden. Me, I'll take the Swan room. Well, unless Alex or Iona want it, that is..."

Dren failed to not laugh when Iain went for the Swan Room, chocking back his outburst he looked aroud and tightened his jas saying "Sorry."

Conceding defeat, Alex wearily walked over and picked up a set of keys.  It seemed that trapesing around the house had taken what little energy she'd had left; her skin was pale, her shoulders slumped, her arm still held over her midriff.  "Greek room."  She mumbled before trailing off in the direction of the two-person suite, hoping to god that there were towels and bathrobes in the bathroom.

Iain raised an eyebrow at Dren's outburst, then shrugged: "Well, I admit it's not exactly my style, but I always considered myself a pragmatic person, and that is the second best room for a vampire. Not that I don't trust our host when he says that the glasses would allow me to walk in full daylight without finding myself with the sudden ability to fit into an ashtray, but better safe than sorry..."



"Uhm, thinking about it, there is a thing I need to check out... Goodnight everyone, see you in the morning." With that, Iain took his keys and left to the second floor.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:42, Sat 09 Oct 2004.

Dren shrugged "S'th'only two questions left are, who want's to share a flat wit' Alex and who wants to share a tub wit' Iain." looking back at the remote he smiled and stuffed it in his pocket while leaning back saying "This is better than th' Gauntlet."