A wry smile works it's way across Ms. DuBois' face at Fey's words.
"I rather prefer you all with your throats, our last batch of helpers were only staked forty years ago.", the words are followed with a wink. Her eyes quickly go to the clock again and her face tightens for barely a second.

In reply to The Storyteller (msg # 4):

Albert takes off his jacket and sets it down on the arm of the couch before sitting down. He pulls out a cigarette and lights it, pulling a drag before blowing smoke rings in pulsating patterns. He picks up the papers and looks through them, analyzing the targets.

"I do have a question, Angelica. What do these people do for a living, well, a job? I don't see anything in here about their potential connections or personal lives. Oh, and what do we do with any loose ends they bring with them? The usual?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:02, Mon 26 Oct 2020.

Sauntering in through the far more mundane entry of the doorway, Matthias accepts his folder with just a sketch of a half bow and a bright little grin before sidling up to the other side of the couch and draping himself across the cushion.  Offering his fellow employees a cheery wave, the Serpent flicks open the dossier with the silver-bound end of his cane and skims a finger down the columns of neat typistry.

"Seems like the same-old-same-old for me.  A few names to keep in my good books and one little tot who's been naughty enough to earn a demerit."  He opines, rolling his walking stick through his fingers as he stares just a tad more closely at the profit projections that run alongside his timeline for the month.  He might have been tempted to deem the  caterer's love of detail obsessive micromanagement if it weren't terminally ill-manners to espouse such thoughts.  "No questions for the work darling, but you must tell me when you'll be stopping by again.  I have just the drink to help soothe a secretary's woes."

Jo leans back in his seat and quietly chainsmokes, as he watches Angie work, his eyes following the taps and clicks of the typewriter.
Quickly fetching his folder, he lights up another cigarette, but doesn't snuff his previous. Instead, alternating between the two with quick snappy movements, as he pores over the folder.

Stopping at the third page, he looks back up."Say, What's the Miss meeting the Bishop for ?"
"Cauza this ?" he says, tapping it thrice.

Looking between Albert and Jo, Angelica shrugged lightly.
"This is what I've been able to discern from her goings on, she should have the finer details for you", walking over she started to collect the folders back, "You know I hate for you to be surprised, it means I've missed something".

Stopping at Matthias, Ms. DuBois' smirk grew briefly to be a more vapid smile, "Well I have heard Lucre has the finest drinks in town", her wide eyed innocent look fading quickly back to a tired smirk.

"I'll make sure you have ample warning before the Madame visits you, but I find myself with little time to enjoy your lovely establishment these nights"

"See, Matthias? It's not that she doesn't like you. She's just very busy. She doesn't have an eternity," Fey leans on the modifier. After her sentence ends, she takes a beat. Eyes turning up to the ceiling as if she'd just noticed something in her own sentence. But quickly, they turn back down- whatever concern she had dismissed.

"But I would drown in a celery gimlet once we're released. I mean, again." Fey drops the paper in her hand back into the folder. Sitting back in her chair, obviously having some fun.

Albert places the papers back into his folder and hands them to Angie as she comes to collect them. "I think Matthias is the most likable of us." he says, looking at his pocket watch "No offence intended to the rest of our undead conference, but he does own the only place with good entertainment that serves decent Jenever."

"That promise is worth nearly as much as your company gorgeous."  Matthias remarked easily, the accompanying wink belying any harsher sentiment as he relaxed into his usual flirtatious teasing of his employer's favorite go-between.  Angelica's ceaseless efforts to keep the Caterer's slaves as comfortable as could be managed were as admirable as ever, even if it left her without much time for fun.  "Guess I'll just have to take what I can get."  He added with a laugh and a dazzling smile that was quickly turned toward his compatriots.

"Mmm, speaking of good uses for juniper, I have something new down from the North that you'll have to stop by and try.  Our neighbors are taking full advantage of their more relaxed and views and turning out some truly divine gins."  The Serpent opined, preening just a touch under his couch-mate's praise as he flipped his dossier closed and settled back into the cushions just a tad more languidly.  As awful as having to deal with the aftermath of human refreshments might be, he could easily see himself indulging in more than a few after this particular meeting.  Dealing with the Caterer tended to demand 'some' sort of nerve-tonic afterward, and since nobody of note had stopped by lately booze would just have to do.  "You're both welcome to pop by after this is all tidied up, I'll whip you up something that will settle all our appetites."

The stench of Chesterfields and the harsh staccato of stilettos on a hardwood floor precede the Caterer. A second set of heavier footsteps, no high heels, follows after, but barely a step behind.

The speed and stealth that Angelica uses to grab the remaining folders and end up back behind her desk belies her supernatural nature as surely as her sudden fading into the background. Her eyes speak of no surprise, the second set of footfalls is expected.

Exactly 16 minutes and 49 seconds after Angie's initial warning, the Caterer rounds a corner and stalks towards her office door. In great contrast to the placid mannerisms of her assistant, the Caterer's nostrils are flared and her mouth twisted in a scowl.

Eleven seconds later, the Caterer is sat behind her own, lavishly brobdingnagian, desk and a sharp "Well?" snaps out from within.

The scene within is a nightmare of perfume, glitz and glam. It is as if the office itself strives to be dignified, for the business held within it to be taken seriously, while being at war with the desires of the Caterer herself. Dark wood and somber lighting conflict with garishly colourful tapestries that cover every window. The bookshelves full of ancient tomes fight a losing battle against ostentatious knickknacks on every surface and a plethora of crystal ashtrays.

A lazy gesture towards the man who came in with her is a brief reprieve from what is surely another pointless meeting.

"This handsome specimen is Lucious Antony, a recently awakened member of your little troupe", is all the explanation given before she points her lit cigarette holder between him and where everyone else is standing. The order is clear.
"Get him up to speed on where to eat and who does what, after. Do play nicely, children, it's been a while since he's seen the moonlight."

"Now, my darlings", with a saccharine smile, the meeting progresses. The details are similar to what Angelica gave you. No surprises, with answers to all the trick questions provided. What should the profits be this month? Where are you going for deliveries? What parties are you attending? Are you receiving bodies this month?

Albert is told that the humans he is looking for have to be type O, the names 'Donald Harris' and 'Nadya Popovich' are given with an arched eyebrow which implies that is all he should need to get started. The kindred, though she does not say 'Nosferatu', is an Invictus member who has made too many office faux pas, so to speak. You can follow up with Jemma Ives in the North side for more details on where he might be.

By the end, the smile is gone, replaced by a look of petulant displeasure. Not a wrong answer amongst you, as always.

"Mr. Antony, after you have gotten yourself situated, you will report back here. My assistant will have your assignment prepared."

The whole ordeal lasts barely twenty minutes. Short enough that it could have been a phone call, or a file sent by a courier. Short enough to punctuate that you go where she demands.

"If you don't have any questions, get out."

Lucious walked behind the Caterer, as she stormed through the office building.  He was used to her eccentric behavior, and was silent as they continued through.  He was wearing an all black outfit, akin to what one would see a priest wear, a black cross with a red gem in the center around his neck.  His skin indicated he came from the Mediterranean Area.

Entering into the room, he looked at those assembled.  Yes, they were of the more modern variety.  His eyes gazed at them a moment, before the Caterer got down to business, introducing him.  "Vesperum" he said, quickly, before going silent once more.  Way she talked about him made it seem like he was some neopyte and this was his first moonrise.  He sighed.

No matter, it would be better that way he supposed.  It HAS been a while, and this way, it would be easy enough to learn about the group and their abilities.  He listened as she talked about their task, making no motion or movement, standing a bit rigid.  Obviously, militarily trained in some way.

When she finishes with the group, she speaks to him directly, telling him to return for his assignment once he is done with getting situated with the group.  He nods his head.  "Of course.  Look forward to working for you again." He says, and then waits for the others to head off before following after.

Fey spends the meeting pursuing a new line of bookshelves. Running her finger from spine to spine, checking on the titles and the authors where they were printed. Stroking up the spine where they weren't before moving to the next one. Lobbing the answers to questions back over her shoulder. Turning back to the bookshelf immediately after each one.

It wasn't until Lucious was introduced she seemed to be paying any attention at all. Picking herself up, strolling to set her hand against the backs of one of the office's chairs. "Well, isn't it nice to meet you?" her tone half Southern sweetness, half sarcastic venom.

"Buy a girl a drink?" she offers the newbie her arm as he moves to exit.

From the moment their 'employer' entered the Serpent's languid ease disappeared entirely, replaced by a stiff backed posture and demurely folded hands that fairly screamed high-class help.  It never did to draw undue attention when the lady of the house was in a mood such as this, but entirely to his dismay he would have to make just the smallest foray in that direction.  "I have just the one ma'am."  Matthias avers, bowing his head briefly in a subtle show of contrition at keeping their mistress before straightening back to full attention.  "In regards to Mordere's blacklisting, do you wish their rejection to be known publicly or kept as a more private show of displeasure?"

"He's an undesirable, Mr. Vanness is, though not Kindred. I don't want him sniffing around the Lucre, looking for scraps in my hunting ground", the Caterer purses her lips in a pronounced pout and sends a glare over to one of the tapestries in the room.

"It's not public humiliation, Sweety, I just don't want a rat scuttling around. Turn him away, if you see him", the bored wave she gives Matthias means his query is not one she had anticipated either. Perhaps the blacklist is recent, or based on a rumor of a rumor. It doesn't matter, not to her at least.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:35, Thu 29 Oct 2020.

Lucious noticed the women, having been aloof and disinterested, to almost immediatly shifting course and coming towards him.  His eyes narrowed some at the way she spoke, half polite lady, half poisonous viper.

However, she was part of this group, that he had, for the moment been assigned.  When she asked for a drink and offered her arm, he gave her a mid level bow.  "Scilicet.  A Pulchra Feminae is always good company."  He said, his tone suggesting he meant it, though his eyes still held their suspicion.

But, he took her arm into his crux, and began walking with her.  "So, who might this Feminae on my arm be?"
This message was last edited by the player at 11:25, Fri 30 Oct 2020.

"Ms. Devereaux is nothin' but herself, same as any of us," Janet says. The Haunt has, as usual, been easy to miss. She's in a drab drop-waist dress and shoes that are so sensible they're suspiciously close to boots. Her accent's English, vaguely lower class but mixed with something harder to identify. She taps the folder in her hand and glances over to the elder who can only in the most generous terms be described as her employer.

"No questions, ma'am. Business as usual."

Jo snuffed out his cigs and met Miss C. with a genuinely humble, servile smile. He spoke plainly of his side of things and nothing more, not being one for the business side of the business.

Stepping out, he adjusted the collar of his coat and pocketed his hands, setting his eyes on the priest.
"Did the Miss set you up with a place ?"
"Where you from anyway, Father ?"

He looked at the boy who had asked him some questions.  He rolled his eyes, nodding.  "I swear, she makes it seem like she JUST woke me up." He huffed a bit, before saying.  "I have been staying at one of the local churches.  Always feel more comfortable there, in the Catacombs." he said, calmly.

The next question asked he said.  "The Port city of Perinthus, is my home town."  He said very calmly, looking back at the boy.  "Yourself?"

"Perinthus?" Fey pulls a face, leaning back. Far enough that her weight tugs on the newcomer's arm. "Oh, dear, but you are a long way from home. "

"Well, we won't let a thing like a little homesickness slow us down. There's a stool down the Lucre waiting. We have all night."

Closing his pocket watch and picking his coat up from the arm of the couch, Albert stands up to greet the newcomer with a curious glance. "And here I was thinking I was the oldest fox put into the coop. Lets discuss our histories over a stiff drink. Matthias, if you would."

Janet resists the urge to check her own watch, instead tucking her hands with their too-long fingers into her pockets. "Time yet to play social, I guess. Can't properly take care of the messes before you lot have made them." She smiles that smile that most of the others have seen before, the one that should look pretty in some common way, but...doesn't. Her voice, at least for the moment, doesn't sound like it's coming from too far underwater. "If'n you trust me not to make a scene, I mean."

"Of course, it will be as you say." Matthias answered, his even, almost bored tone belying the sudden glint of interest in his cool eyes.   'Whatever sort of rat could possibly catch my mistress' eye without simply demanding a good extermination?'  He wondered, twisting the head of his cane between his fingers as he slipped his things away and prepared to leave along with the others.

Following along behind the newly formed pair of Fey and the Caterer's positively ancient toy, Matthias allowed himself just a few moments to hang back and think before sauntering up to join the group as all and sundry agreed on the best course of action.  Pointing out a well-polished RR Phantom waiting at the curb, the Serpent made a flourishing bow as he was called to action.  "As long as it's a scene worth watching I think we'll manage.  Come along dears, the night is far from over."

As the young women pulled away some, he gave her a look.  He seemed surprised, since the town was no longer called that.  Educated people it would seem.  Interesting development to be sure, he laughed some at her when she mentioned not letting homesickness get in the way.

"Truth is I was born there, and spent many years... but most of my Kine Life was spent in a military academy in Constantinople, and then after joining the Legion, Judea."  He spoke very matter of factly.  "The Rest of my life, and then a good chunk of my Immortal one, was spent in that region."

As the older one talks about being the eldest, he gave a bow.  "Sorry to take your position as Elder of the group.  I would enjoy some historic conversation.  I might know about the old world, but.. this new ones history is still pretty new to me.  Im sure I know most the common things.. slavery, the wars, but.. not this cities, or smaller tales.  The People, even."

When the other one spoke, he gave her a casual look.  Obviously, the cleaner.  Something about her was a bit off to him, but he couldn't place it.  Eh, perhaps he could ask later.  When she mentioned causing a scene, he chuckled, listening to the others respond.  The world was TAME compared to the one he lived in for so long.  While you could FIND an Orgy, it was something that had to be sought, not something expected at most every party.

They got outside, and he saw the car.  He smiled some, as he gave it a look.  "Nice Ride.  You Drive?"  he asked, going over to take a look at the controls, looking at the console.

"Roseland."
"That's ten miles down from here. Guess you're gonna have to learn where everything is, that's gonna be a bother..." Jo said, sighing.

"Judea, huh."
"Yous' not one of them saps that nailed Jesus, are ya ?"
"Guess not, on accordance of wearing his cross and all. That'd be real crude villainy."

"Our Matthias is nothing if not a man of the times," Fey says as she release Lucious to inspect the knobs and buttons. In her mouth, all rounded and soft, it sounds like a barb. She leans against the long nose of the car, searching through the little clutch purse she carries.

"But we are short a few seats. Unless you mean for us to share?"

-----From Lucre



Lucious made his way back to the office, heading upstairs as he sighed some.  He has worked with the ladys 'toys' before.  It almost always ended the same.  But, no matter.  Job was a job, and he had need to ensure that he kept living this life.

As he made it back he looked at the secretary.  "The Lady in still?  Was told to return to discuss my task, and to do the ladies bidding."  He said, with a sweeping bow smirking some as he approached the desk.