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Title: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: March 9, 7:30 pm - Seattle Court House

Spring had made an early appearance in Seattle, although there was serious question as to whether it would remain or retreat again. It just added to the excitement that was sweeping through the city. The trial of Ramone Hernando Garcia Valenzuela , the West Coast werewolf pack leader, was finally beginning. There had been an outcry when the time for the trial had been slated for the evening. There were those who claimed that the time had been set to accommodate the vampires; they were right. Several of the city's vampires were witnesses.

There had been attempts to ban preternatural being who were not materially involved with the case; threats of lawsuits and suggestions of outright violence prevented that. The fact that there was even a trial surprised some. There had been rumours that Lobo was going to plead guilty and ask for a swift execution. No one knew why he'd reversed that decision. Perhaps the unwavering support of his pack had been part of it.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Trellin on: March 9, 7:25 pm - Seattle Court House, John

John sat inside the packed courthouse. He had been here a while, making sure he got a seat in the gallery to watch the drama. This entire case had just been too interesting not to watch. He spent most of the time he'd been here people watching.

He had given in a few times to the impulse to tweak people in the gallery when he got too antsy but nothing serious; a watchband clasp happened to unsnap, a loose shoelace that came untied.

His own investigations into the arson case hadn't yielded anything useful yet through his normal channels. It looked like he was going to have to cultivate some new sources or find some new evidence.

He hadn't stepped outside his normal circle at this point but he really had no choice now. He had two obvious choices about it. One was contact the preternatural task force with the police. He doubted it would turn up anything but if the police were quietly pursuing the pyrokinetic angle, they would be the ones with the most information. Not that they were likely to share it.
The other was going to speak with Cherry. She was a vamp, had a lot of clients which meant she heard all kinds of interesting things.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Cassie on: March 9, 7:30 pm - Seattle Court House-Jonah

Fun times in the city in spite the weather. Even a man like Jonah had to be at least a bit curious about how the trial would turn out. Rather, he could not deny that he was lycan regardless how human he tried to be. He was a bit concerned about what would come from the outcome of the trial. He wanted witness not only the trial but the reactions of others around him. Getting almost nowhere with past dealings with his own kind led him to believe that he needed a new approach. He needed to break from his shell and actually get to know others the way a good network-er should. He could often read people but never truly liked them.

There was also the fact he was one of them. Some would wonder why he did not care so much. So, since it was a big deal, he chose to make it a bit of a big deal to him; or at least find out how much of a big deal it is. Even more so, when there was the fact that some did not want the prenatural to be there; that would include him. It was sort of a temptation towards one that really did not have much of a rebellious phase in his past. Finally, the man on trial was a pack leader.

The slander yet fit redhead had got there early as well. He was dressed well but not over done. Jonah sometimes had trouble dressing down for anything outside of his home. This made him seem like a snob and a puppet of comfortably. In all actuality, he just liked it. The only thing that made him seem less stuffy was his ginger hair. It was kept a bit long and thought his ponytail was neat and tidy it was still a bit long though not much longer then shoulder length and cut in clean layers. There was one other thing but that would not be seen by most so it was moot point. but, he did make some effort to blend in so he kept things closer to business casual. Being a ginger, he would stand out no matter what so he goal was to sit where he could hear and see the trial and yet look around and see reactions of others around him. He had a notebook in case he wanted to write something down. After settling in, a look at his watch told him it was going on thirty-minutes after the hour and a little sigh escaped his lips.

March 9, 7:30 pm - Seattle Court House-Tristan

Fair skin with a soft complexion and raven locks tied up in a bun. Beautiful shinning blue eyes; looking to almost glow swept over a courtroom that was filling up for a trial. Dark skirt came down to the knees with a bit of a ruffle at the end and black stockings covered a nice pair of legs and decorated with a cute pair of Mary-Jane flats. Her blouse was a button-up with a slight poof to the sleeves and a grey vest made to flow with the slight curve caused by her hips. Meanwhile rose bud lips were accented by a ruby red stain made to not smudge or come off without effort. A doll-like gaze stopped at a seat towards the center row. Tristan settled herself with one leg crossed over another while nervously clinging to a a purse tucked under her arm. Curiosity and boredom drove her to want to be there but discomfort in crowds almost had her running away.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: March 9, 7:30 pm - Seattle Court House

The opening arguments were fairly predictable. The prosecutor was clearly trying to send a message; preternatural beings who committed major crimes were to face major penalties, the ultimate penalty. The defense was intending to prove that Lobo had not been in his right mind or had been under undue influence and had not been able to understand the consequences of his actions or resist being made to do what he had done. It was a tactic that could backfire. If the court found Lobo not to be in his right mind, he'd be institutionalized in a prison-like asylum, possibly for the rest of his life.

The witnesses were many and varied. Father Domenic Sozio was there as the legal executioner for Washington, Oregon and Idaho. He had stated quite openly that he could not serve as witness and executioner in the case and, since he was a key witness, he would be unable to act as executioner if there was a guilty verdict. Rumour had it that an executioner from St Louis would be brought in to do the job.

Tom Thompson, acting head of the West Coast pack was a witness as well and it was clear that the prosecutor wanted him on the stand, despite the fact that he was slated as a defense witness. He was hoping to make the Peacemaker's shell of calm crack, to reveal the Beast inside and reveal how much of a danger the werewolves were to the general public. He had his work cut out for him.

There were even vampires in the list, a representative from some far off Master who had been hunting the vampire that had caused all the problems. There had been some argument as to whether her testimony would be admissible but the judge had been willing to allow it for the time being. He'd make up his mind on the matter when the time came to put her on the stand.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Darkflame on: March 9, 7:30 pm - Seattle Court House- Lillia

There had been much debate over who to send to watch the proceedings, and Lillia had voiced her opinions. She had not truly wanted to come, but in the end she knew that yes, she was one of the best to come. She had a cool head and mild attitude despite being an alpha. She was just very concerned about what was going to happen in the courtroom. She knew how these things usually went, and it was never pretty. Fear is a strong driving force in mankind.

She listened to the opening arguements, doing her best to keep her doubts silent. There was enough turmoil in the room as was.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: The expert witnesses were the first to weigh in. There was a psychologist who explained Stokholm Syndrome, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (the prosecution objected, claiming the condition had no bearing on the case) as well as announcing to the world at large that Lobo had suffered the mental equivalent of sexual assault. One of the werewolves was removed from the court room at that point, for standing up and proclaiming loudly that it was bullshit that they were saying things like that about Lobo. The defender of the Ulfric's reputation went quietly, pausing at the door just long enough to call out 'BULLSHIT!" one last time before leaving the court room.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Cassie on: March 9, 7:30 pm - Seattle Court House- Tristan Crow

Blend in with the overwhelm of different smells and the cloud of people. No one will know for no one will care was all that Tristan was thinking. It kept 'her' quiet and she sat there tunnel visioning the trial. Her boredom was what led her there. Her curiosity was what kept her there. The trial was a witch hunt. Tristan was not sure he believed the crap about Stockholm Syndrome; or anything of the sort. But the extremes of the trial seemed more like hate to her. However, she curled her lips in and placed a hand over her mouth to keep from speaking. At the same time, it certainly was exciting and she had to hide that fact from everyone. She found herself thinking, I should find a way to slip out. Maybe claim some woman issue or something.... Can I even do that? Her thoughts went that way when there was an outburst of sorts. She even watched the loud one leave and then yell, "BULLSHIT!" again as he slipped out. Tristan almost wanted to use that to leave.

March 9, 7:30 pm - Seattle Court House- Jonah

Jonah was uncertain about the trial as well. He too felt like it was a sort of unfair trial. Jonah was calm about it, however. Causing a scene would only prove detrimental to the defense. The ginger shifted in his seat a bit and then sighed heavily when someone yelled profanity in protest. Jonah sat up a bit to get a good look at the angry creature before gazing at any that seemed to agree with him. He did not watch as the defender stopped long enough to yell again and knew that it did not help matters at all. However, in a lot of ways, he agreed. Even though he never really believed most of what some may claim, there was something not right about the trial. It was going to end badly just by the tension alone.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: March 9, 8:30 pm 10:00 pm - Seattle Court House

The first witness called was Tim Burke.

The name meant nothing but when he approached the witness chair, another name went through the court room in a whisper. It started with the wolves and spread as others caught in.

Tiny Tim.

He wasn't five feet tall but he was over three hundred pounds. Not much of it was fat. The suit he was wearing had to be custom tailored because it actually fit him. He was sworn in by a bailiff that was a foot taller but a hundred pounds lighter. He was barely visible over the railing. He glowered at the crowd.

"Would you state your name for the court please?" the prosecutor began.

"Tim Burke." The voice seemed to come out of his shoes, it was so deep.

"Could you state your occupation, please?"

"I used to be a bodyguard." Tiny Tim has been Lobo's Skoll, one of two traditionally named bodyguards.

"Used to be?"

"I'm not sure if I am anymore," Tim replied, his voice almost breaking.

"Why is that, Mr Burke?"

Murderous eyes found the prosecutor. "Because you're trying to execute the guy I'm supposed to protect." He paused for a moment. "And because I failed."

"Failed? Failed how?"

"I let that fucking vampire take him!" No one could mistake the pain in his voice but it didn't stop the judge's gavel.

"Mr Burke, please refrain from using profanity in this court or I'll cite you for contempt," the judge said. Tim looked down at his hands. The prosecutor continued.

"Could you describe in your own words the events of September 3rd of last year?"

Tiny Tim shuddered slightly. "We were at Lobo's house -"

"Excuse me, who's house?"

"Ramone Valenzuela. We were at Lobo's house, taking care of pack business. An hour or so after dark, Lobo gets this look on his face, like he was going to puke or something. He grabbed his head and started screaming 'Get out, get out, get out!' and then everything went silent. We couldn't hear anything, not even when the window broke and the vampire came in."

Tiny Tim's eyes were shining with tears and he wasn't looking at the court. He was seeing it all over again. His Beast was swirling with bone crushing grief and all the shapeshifters in the courtroom reacted. The stir made the judge use his gavel again.

"How did you know it was a vampire?" the prosecutor asked.

"The smell," Tim replied in a voice that dripped loathing. "It's unmistakeable."

"Could you describe the vampire?"

"Just under six feet. A little over two hundred pounds. Short black hair. He was covered in blood. I recognized the smell of it. Her name was Edna. She was one of the pack."

The questions went on for over an hour, relentlessly. Tiny Tim took it. He suffered in ways no man should be made to suffer as he relived Lobo literally tearing him limb from limb and having to watch as a man he trusted and loved ripped Andrew apart, all the while silently screaming and shaking his head.

The vampire had just watched.

"What you're telling me is that Ramone Valenzuela ripped off one of your arms and one of your legs?"

Tiny Tim glared and his Beast became suddenly very still. "Yes."

"And you refused to press charges."

"Objection! That question has no bearing on this case, your honour. Whether or not the witness chose to lay charges or not is irrelevant to these proceeding." Patrick looked at Tim. He could do little to protect his pack mate while he was on the stand. All his efforts were going to have to go towards defending his Ulfric, even if Lobo would never hold that position again.

"I'm just trying to demonstrate that the witness is hostile to the prosecution."

"Sustained," said the judge. "The witness is the defendant's friend and bodyguard. It stands to reason that he'd be hostile to the prosecution."

The prosecutor smiled like a predator. "Permission to question the witness as hostile?"

The judge looked at Tim. "Would both counsels approach the bench?" When the two lawyers stood before him, he leaned close to them. "Do you really want to do that?" he asked the prosecutor. "He's a werewolf."

"Which means I have good ears," Tim said, interrupting. His Beast was calm, relaxed. He smiled. He'd found a way to continue protecting Lobo. "Let him do it his way. I can take it."
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Cassie on: March 9, 10:00 pm - Seattle Court House-Tristan

it was of no surprise, Tristan was bored with the trial for the most part. However, She was also a bit agitated with how some people choose to go about winning their case. Lawyers were jerks and should never be trusted unless it was needed. But Tim Burkre's testimony had her sitting upright and on the edge of her seat. Are we really that cruel Tristan did not know what to think. It was not that she was that naive about her kind; after all, she had been around a really long time and she remembered what she, herself, had endured but she was still a bit frustrated with what Tim said had happened; and yet not shocked either. She was growing tired of being there at that point and wanted to leave. in fact, if at all possible, she would try to squeeze on out of there as quickly as she could and rush out the door of the courtroom but not the courthouse. She desperately needed to breath anyway. She wanted to know how it would end so she would find somewhere nearby to draw if she could. After all, she had a sketchbook in her bag. This was providing she could even get out of the courtroom without making to much of a scene. Unfortunately, is was terror over drawing attention that left her sitting there in her spot but she did pull her sketchbook out just so she could occupy herself and keep from bursting out with a loud retort about the prosecutor being a jerk.

March 9, 10:00 pm - Seattle Court House-Jonah

Jonah was calm the entire time. He even jotted down notes of behaviors of those he could see. His notepad would be held by his left hand and a pen clasped between pad and thumb when he was not writing. His right leg would cross over his left and when that was bothersome he would alternate legs. His green eyes mostly staid on witness and the lawyers; as well as the judge. Reactions between them seemed typical of a court case. There was questions, answers, counter questions and longer responses; even a pour of emotion in spite attempts to keep one's composure. But not even he could keep from reacting with the way the prosecutor chose to go about winning his case. He understood it was the job of a lawyer to do what ever it took to win but some tings seemed as if it were overcompensation at best. Jonah's brow rose and he leaned forward a bit as he listened to the back and forth. Realizing the poor attempt to use social stereotypes and fears against the defense, Jonah was left wondering if others would be sucked into the obvious hate mongering and manipulation tactic to gain a victory. Jonah was a tad bit annoyed and after a moment, he was rather amused. Sad for Tim, yes but very much amused for the time being. However, as much as he is skeptical, he partly hoped that for a verdict of not guilty. His biggest fear in the trial would be the after math to come. Guilty or not, he was certain there would be chaos.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: March 9, 11:30 pm - Seattle Court House

Tiny Tim sat like a piece of stone on the witness stand. Nothing the prosecutor asked seemed to move him. He was a pillar of calm, so much so that there were whispers amongst the werewolves in the crowd that the Peacemaker must have been steadying him. Tom wasn't even present in the court. Tim had simply chosen to take a psychological beating for his Ulfric. It was, in his mind, the only thing he could still do to protect Lobo.

The judge finally called an end to it, indicating that they would continue the next day. At that point, the defense would be able to take their turn at Tim. Patrick looked at Lobo's Skoll. He'd been prepared for months to challenge Tom for his position in the pack but now he had too much on his plate. Unless he did everything in his power to free Lobo, even if he was able to rise to leadership of the pack, he'd be faced with nothing short of overt rebellion. Lobo was a popular leader, even if he would never hold the position again. The Peacemaker would likely eventually take over the position and that would place Patrick exactly where he wanted to be anyway. Hell, even if he lost the case he'd still be the number one contender and he wanted to make sure everyone knew he went down swinging.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: March 10, 8:30 pm - Seattle Court House

The defense's questioning of Tiny Tim was less brutal than the prosecution but it was equally harrowing. Forcing the Skoll to relive what was arguably the most traumatic night of his life was a necessary evil. Patrick was trying to show what sort of person Lobo was and that, despite the fact that he was a werewolf, he wasn't a monster. Tim wasn't in tears when he left the stand but his face showed the pain he was feeling.

Every werewolf in the room rose to their feet as he left in a silent show of support. Some of the other shapeshifters stood as well, as did one or two vampires. The judges gavel silenced the mutterings that went through the crowd and, once Tim had left the room, put everyone back in their seats.

The next witness was a forensic expert, who proved beyond any doubt that Lobo had killed one of his bodyguards and dismembered the other, without killing him. A ripple went through the court when the defense's entire cross examination consisted of two words.

"No questions."

The judges gavel once again silenced the court room. He needed to use it again to quell the stir that went through the crowd when the prosecution called their next witness. The tension in the crowd was palpable when Waylon Crosby made his way to the witness stand.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Darkflame on: March 10, 8:30 pm - Seattle Court House- Lillia

The further into the proceedings they went, the more Lillia didn't want to be there. She had her doubts as to the success of any defence, and the whole thing was so painful for those involved it made her want to cry.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: March 10, 8:30 pm - Seattle Court House

Waylon smiled politely and held his hand several inches above the Bible that he was supposed to swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. He even apologized for being unable to actually touch the book.

"Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, Mr Crosby?" the prosecutor asked.

Waylon's chuckle was undeniably masculine. "I assume you want me to say that I am a vampire but not a Master?" he asked. "You will find that all vampires are players of games and enjoy manipulating conversation as well as people. If you want a direct answer, ask a direct question."

The prosecutor flushed slightly, which for him was uncommon. "Very well, Mr Crosby. Would you explain to the court what your position is within the heirarchy of vampires in Seattle?"

"Of course. I am the assistant of Nigel Salvatore, the vampire who many acknowledge as the leader of the Seattle vampires."

"So as Mr Salvatore's assistant you are familiar with the identities and abilities of Seattle's vampires?"

Waylon bowed his head slightly. "I am."

"Is there a vampire in Seattle with the ability to control werewolves?"

Waylon smiled. "Not to my knowledge."

The verbal fencing continued for several hours, with Waylon dancing around the questions asked until the prosecutor asked a more direct version. He wasn't trying to be obtuse, he was simply being a vampire.

Then Patrick stood up. He moved to within a few feet of the vampire and the interplay of their power raised hairs on more than a few heads.

"It is protocol for vampires entering the territory of another to request permission, correct?"

"Correct," Waylon answered, grinning slightly.

"To your knowledge, has a vampire ever entered Seattle without requesting permission?"

"Yes."

"Recently?"

"Yes."

"Was the vampire that was executed by Father Domenic Sozio on September 13th of last year in the city without permission?"

"He was."

"So he was in the city in violation of the rules that govern vampire travel."

"He was."

"From what you know of this vampire, did he have a history of violating the rules?"

"I'm not completely familiar with the details of the movements of this particular vampire. For that, you'd need to speak to the Contessa."

"Contessa?"

Waylon smiled but showed no fangs. "Si. Contessa Elisabeta Dragomir. She has stalked this particular vampire for some time."

"Not all that effectively, it would seem."

Waylon chuckled again. "True. But then again you don't seem many teenage werewolves having much of a chance against the leader of the pack."
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Cassie on: March 10, 8:30 pm - Seattle Court House-Jonah and Tristan

Jonah made special note of the prosecution for reasons known only to him. The fox was still very calm and intently taking in the trial. In some ways he was ready for it to end but in other ways he was curious about what each witness would say. The vampire intrigued him a little. But that was mostly due to the silver tongue most seemed to have. Even when being questioned, that one in particular had a devilishly charismatic demeanor. In his mind, vampire, in spite charm and mystery, are probably farm more dangerous then the were-creatures of Seattle. it was entertaining. However, he did bare in mind the possible outcome of the trial and how serious it was.

As for the fair lady Tristan with a nervousness of a child in trouble with her mother, she was still pondering the best way to get out. Oh but Waylon certainly caught her interest. It was not a god thing. She seemed to glare at the witness on the stand. It was unknown as to why but it also did not matter. She did have to stifle laughter with a hand over her mouth and her head down a bit. The first response to the first question humored her greatly. But the rest, she was silent for and though frigidity she able to keep her self contained.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: March 10, 11:30 pm - Seattle Court House

Patrick's questions were relentless and Waylon's answers started to become more evasive as the focus turned towards the motives and activities of the Master of Seattle. The tension between the vampires and werewolves in the city was pointed out and dissected. Waylon pointed out that this was nothing unusual. It was simply a case of competition between two apex predators.

Then Patrick asked one of the most telling questions of all.

"To your knowledge, has the Master of Seattle or any of his agents tried to actively recruit a master vampire with the ability to control wolves, in the hopes that they would be powerful enough to control werewolves? It's a yes or no question, Mr Crosby and I must remind you that you are under oath."

Waylon paused. Despite all their physical speed, their minds still worked at the same pace and despite all their experience manipulating others and predicting responses, they could still be caught by surprise.

"Answer the question, Mr Crosby," the judge said.

Waylon looked at the judge. "No."

Patrick's eyebrows rose. "The Master of the City has not made this attempt?"

Waylon tilted his head slightly. "I was responding to the judge, not answering your question. He instructed me to answer. I am refusing to do so. Specifically I am invoking the protection inherent in the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution."
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: March 10, 11:31 pm - Seattle Court House

A ripple went through the court room. Pleading the fifth, although legally a protection against self incrimination, was to the average citizen an admission of guilt. The judge's gavel pounded down. "Order in the court," he demanded. He turned to speak to the jury but at that moment, the fire alarms in the building began to ring.

"Bailiff, secure the defendant," he commanded. "Everyone else, proceed to the exits in an orderly manner. I have no doubt that this is nothing more than a prankster pulling a fire station. Court is adjourned until tomorrow. Mr Crosby, we will continue your testimony at that time."
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Cassie on: [It is late so and still can not sleep so YAY post time.]

March 10, 11:31 pm - Seattle Court House - Jonah and Tristan

Jonah was not the least bit shocked, though found it rather stupid, to refuse to answer the question. However, he understood the possible circumstances for not doing so. Even he would have some reason or another to do the same. In any case, the fire alarms were ringing. Jonah gathered his thing as soon as there was an order for everyone to exit. To avoid colliding with others, he shimmied over to one side in an attempt to remain at a calmer pace while also making sure to get out as soon a possible. Meanwhile, Tristan took advantage of the crowd and sort of ducked within it in order just flow with the rest and not really draw any attention. It was easier than yielding to a panic attack due to being squished in that place entirely to long. Meanwhile, she did thing, 'Well at least it was entertaining at times.'
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Wyn on: March 10, 11:35pm - Seattle Court House Outside â€“ Adalyn

Adalyn lifted her arms over her head listening to her shoulders pop. She'd finally decided to come up for a well deserved break from studying for her mid-terms.

Adalyn had opted to wander into the more downtown area of the city than looking for something to eat at the pubs that made up a good portion of the blocks surrounding the University. She didn't want to deal with the idiots that were getting wasted in anticipation for the nearly upon them spring break. She wanted something a tad more, humane.

As she got closer to the courthouse where the trail for the Wolves' Alpha was being held she spotted a lot of activity of the flashing lights variety. A twitch of the nose and the shifting of the wind brought the pungent odor of smoke to her. â€œOh hell,â€ she muttered fumbling in her pockets for her cellphone.

Fingers flew over the keypad as she dialed the number she'd been told by Annâ€”under the threat of massive painâ€”to memorize. â€œPick up...pick up...oh gods not you.â€ she groaned out as the line was finally answered.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Darkflame on: March 10, 11:35pm- Seattle Courthouse- Lillia

The push of people exiting seemed even more crushing than usual, especially with Lillia's bodyguard right up on her. "Not an accident." She murmerred, wincing at the lights.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: March 10, 11:35pm - The Other End of the Phone

"And what exactly is that supposed to mean?" came the voice from the other end of the phone. "Here am I providing a valuable public service and you're giving me grief? Is this the thanks I get?"
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Wyn on: March 10, 11:35pm - Seattle Court House Outside â€“ Adalyn

â€œIt means that getting you to do anything without a rash and a shit is like convincing a Leopard to go get declawed, Mike.â€ Adalyn said rolling her eyes.

â€œYou answered the phone, that's not a public service you fool, Nick probably put you desk duty tonight. And anyways if you would stop flappin' yer gums for a minute you would know why I'm calling.â€ she groused out.

â€œTell Nick that something hinky is going on at the Courthouse. At best some one pulled a prank and lit a trash can on fire; but with the smoke I'm smellin' I don't think that's the case.â€
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: March 10, 11:35pm- Seattle Courthouse - Logan

"I'm smelling smoke," Logan said, his voice low enough that the humans around them wouldn't be able to hear. "This is no false alarm." He used his large size to clear a path for the albino wererat. There was no need to display has prodigious strength.

"This is an old building," Tony replied, nodding. "Lots of wood. We need to get the crowd moving without panicking them." He'd been quite pleased when he'd mastered the art of what he called 'were-whispering' in what Ann described as 'record time'. He'd been even more pleased when he'd finally gotten the okay from Nick to join Lillia's bodyguard. As one of few wererats with real military experience, he'd adapted to the Rodere society quickly and had held his own against several challengers. Nick was certain that he had not risen to his full potential but he'd already gained a reputation for finishing fights quickly with a minimum of injury. There was hardly any trace left of the homeless man he had been. The selfless hero who had thrown himself on a child to protect her from a frenzied wererat at the cost of his humanity was clearly visible. He had a home and a family now and was willing to do whatever it took to protect them.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: March 10, 11:35pm - The Other End of the Phone - Mike

"For your information, I picked up the phone because all the other lines are being used by people inside the courthouse, so eat me," Mike replied. "Yeah, it's a real fire. Keep an eye out for a guy in his thirties, dark hair and one glove. That's the fire starter. Nick says not to confront him. Call in the bacon, so he can fry them instead of you."
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Cassie on: March 10, 11:35pm- Seattle Courthouse -Jonah

Jonah was starting to realize what other weres most-likely noticed as well. The fact no one was saying a word about it seemed like it could be smart in order to not cause panic. However, what could anyone do to hasten the crowd. He was further to the font and it would take longer for him to get out. He sniffed and removed slipper bottomed shoes from his feet. Well, they were slippery so no other reason than that needed. His stuff was sat down aside from what he could carry in his pockets; like a cell phone. "Perhaps things would move faster if people were enticed to do so. Maybe if I had a commanding voice I can encourage them to move faster." He said this to himself while not even considering what anyone else could be thinking. But he could still be heard. He thought to himself, 'I feel like I am a bit to short to see over the tops of peoples heads. If I could stand on something without getting yelled at... maybe....'

March 10, 11:35pm- Seattle Courthouse -Tristan

Maybe it was a vampire thing but Tristan was not a fan of fires. In fact, the instant she would realize it was an actual fire would be the instant that she would panic. It would also be likely that she would open her mouth and say something for she was already panicked as is. So many humans pushing up against her and not a means to break from the crowd. "COME ON PEOPLE MOVE!" yelled the woman though she almost sounded boyish rather than female. Her voice seemed to get a bit deeper towards the end of that statement. Okay, so she did not have the greatest of voices. "THE SOONER WE LEAVE THE SOONER WE CAN GO THE FUCK HOME!!!"
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Darkflame on: March 10, 11:36pm- Seattle Courthouse - Lillia

"Best way to get people to move is to not stand around." Lillia said. She had closed her eyes and was testing the scents on the air. "No doubt this is the work of that arsonist. We must be cautious." She told them, her voice just as soft as theirs. She didn't like the idea. This type of thing could cause worse issues for such a rough legal matter as it was.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Wyn on: March 10, 11:37pm-Outside the Seattle Courthouse- Adalyn

â€œRight, so I'm looking for a Michael Jackson impersonator. That should be easy in this crowd,â€ She said with a chuckle.

â€œOh and Mike just tell me when and where and I'll bring the steak sauce.â€ Adalyn quipped just before hitting the end call button.

She moved closer to the police barricade to get a better look at the crowd of onlookers forming. She hit the camera function on her phone and started recording the people coming out of the building.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Wyn on: March 10, 11:37pm - Seattle Courthouse- Seren

Seren latched onto Justin's arm as they moved through the crowded corridors leading to the exit of the courthouse. She'd only agreed to come with the younger man, because she'd had some errands to run in the city earlier in the evening and Morvan didn't want anyone going anywhere alone while the trail of the Wolves' Ulfric was going on.

â€œJustin, you need to call Morvan and tell him what's going on.â€ She said as she was jostled by someone that passed them in a hurry. She was starting to catch the scent of panic on that of the mundanes around her.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Wyn on: March 10, 11:45pm-Outside the Seattle Courthouse- Adalyn

Adalyn grumbled with the rest of the onlookers as the news vans that hadn't been covering the trail of the Ulfric started to roll in and block the view. For her it was more along the lines of not being able to see the front of the courthouse and watch for the guy she'd been told about.

She stopped her recording and moved towards the back of the crowd intent on finding another vantage point to watch from.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: March 10, 11:45pm-Outside the Seattle Courthouse

"Do you really need to get a closer look, Miss?" The voice was soft but distinctly male. He could have fit the profile Mike had given her but he wore a pair of gloves, rather than a single one. Then again Mike's description had been rather vague. "It's tragic how people rush to watch but few are actually willing to help. Take the news crews, for example. They'd film someone bursting out the door in flames and keep the cameras rolling until he died in front of them, rather than do anything to put him out. Now, see the fire fighters? True heroes. Willing to run into a burning building to save whoever is inside."

People were starting to stream out the front doors and Adalyn could make out a few familiar shapes. "I think everyone will make it out safely, as long as no one panics."
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Wyn on: March 10, 11:47pm-Outside the Seattle Courthouse-Adalyn

Adalyn shivered as the man spoke, "You know I really don't know if I would run into a burning building. A friend of mine back home is a firefighter and he said that you had to be a certain type of..." she paused mulling over her word choice, "crazy to want to meet the beast head on."

"But I'm guessing that if it came down to my family in trouble I would do what I could to help them," she said with a lift of her shoulders.

As she spotted the shapes of those from the rodere that she knew on sight, she pulled a face. "Oh man, like a that I guess I should have tried to go in, looks like my cousin had her court date tonight. Nasty divorce, didn't listen to gramps when he told her not to marry the idiot...he went and joined some hokey cult type thing...got himself turned in to a Vamp."

"Well nice meeting you," she said lifting her hand to wave at him, before scurrying off into the crowd, making her way to wear Lillia was standing off to the side. "Psst. Logan, Lillia," she hissed low enough for just the other rats to hear her.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: March 10, 11:47pm-Outside the Seattle Courthouse

"A certain type of crazy to meet the beast head on. A philosophy that applies to so many occupations." He tipped his hat as she pulled away. "It's odd that they would hold civil hearings at the same time and same place as a criminal trial. I was under the impression that the only activity in the court house this evening is the werewolf trial. I'd have offered to buy you a drink, if you weren't in such a rush to join your cousin. Please offer her my condolences on her misfortune and best wishes for a speedy resolution."

Adalyn could tell by his smell that he didn't believe her at all but he seemed perfectly willing to allow her her falsehood.

Logan nodded as she approached. Tony was still scanning the crowd but he gave Adalyn a small wave.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Cassie on: March 10, 11:47pm-inside the Seattle Courthouse-Tristan

While Jonah waited and counted sheep, Tristan was getting closer to the exit and getting rather antsy. She could feel someone pushing in to the crowd for it pushed to crowd. By proxy, it shoved her. She looked around for someone that seemed to want to head over to a couple weres. She grumbled, though to her self, it was not exactly that quiet. Those around her could hear her if they were not so focused on getting out. "Is she fucking crazy, the building is on fire." Whether she knew that for sure did not change the fact she obviously believed it. Realizing she spoke outloud made her cover her mouth in shock and try to, yet again, duck into the crowd. Almost there, almost out...
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Wyn on: March 10, 11:50pm-Outside the Seattle Courthouse--Adalyn

"Play along for a minute," Adalyn said as she motioned for Lillia and the other two to move off as much to the side as they could.

"Hey there cousin," she said with a bright smile, "I know this ain't the time and all what with the mass exodus, but I thought gramps might like to know that you're finally listening to him." Without so much as a thought she brought her phone up and zoomed in on the crowd, looking for the man she'd spoken with a few moments ago.

Thinking she might have him in the shutter's sights she snapped a picture of him and a few others in the crowd. At the curious looks Logan and Tony were giving her. She explained what she was about in a low voice. "When I got here the place was already starting to gather a crowd, I called over to 'home' and Mike told me to be on the look out for a guy in a hat and one glove. Really vague, but well yeah.

"Ran into someone that might...and it would be a leap...be him. Not sure so I'm going to get Mike to see if the sanctuary girl can id the pic then it's off to the Po-Po with the info." All the while she was texting Mike the picture she'd gotten.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Darkflame on: March 10, 11:50pm-Outside the Seattle Courthouse--Lillia

Lillia gave Adalyn a smile, a hint of amusement crossing her features for a moment. Then she closed her eyes and inhaled. "Let's move out of the way." She said when she opened her eyes, waving at the phone for effect before moving off to the side of the crowd filling the space in front of the courthouse, trusting that the others would follow her.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Wyn on: March 10, 11:52pm - Outside Seattle Courthouse- Seren

Seren breathed a sigh of relief as she felt the cool night air hit her face, trusting Justin to move them out of the way of the others wanting to get out of the building. "What did Morvan say?" She asked in a low tone so that her guide was to only one that heard her.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: March 10, 11:52pm - Outside Seattle Courthouse

"He said not to do anything that puts you in danger," Justin replied. "No heroics. I don't think he wants me to have any fun." The young wereleopard used his arm to fend off one of the crowd's more boisterous members. "You'd think this was a shoe sale and not a fire. Come on people, get a move on. Just because you're outside doesn't mean you need to stop and turn around to watch the building burn."
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Cassie on: March 10, 11:50pm-Outside the Seattle Courthouse-Tristan

Tristan managed to squeeze her skinny, five-seven backside through the crowd. She sort of pushed a few people; and that made the crowd shift a bit. However, she got out and was not going to stop there. In fact, there was no way she even wanted to stick around to watch a fire. No, rather, she wanted to get those dang shoes off and leave so she could find her friend and scold the woman for suggesting she go. "Gah people should be taking bigger freakin steps out the door and out of the damned way." She was already taking off down the sidewalk; not wanting to stay at all by eleven-fifty and hoped the last of them were getting out.

Inside, Jonah had given up on waiting for it to clear. He would be one of the last civilians heading out of the building and was starting to grow a bit nervous. He played with the idea of recording the incident from within but felt he should pay attention to his surroundings. The quiet fox also toyed with shifting so he could fit under the legs. However, that might lead to being trampled. One thing he knew for sure, once out he was not just going to stand around. He planned on moving out of the way and counting his blessings he had back-ups for files on the lap top he left behind.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Wyn on: March 10, 11:52pm - Outside Seattle Courthouse-Seren

Seren couldn't help but laugh at Justin's grumping over the orders he was giving by Morvan. "I don't think there will be much of a chance at heroics, not unless someone is trapped on the third floor." She said moving closer to the other man as she used his arm to fend off bystanders that had just been freed from the building.

"No but it's part of the human psyche, they just survived something that could have turned into their doom. They have to turn and face this fearful beast, as it were." Seren said as she was jostled by the crowd once more as they moved again.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Wyn on: March 10, 11:53pm - Outside Seattle Courthouse-Adalyn

The younger wererat followed Lillia over to the side, were the crowd wasn't as thick, nor blocking the exit to the building. "Good grief, what is the hold up?" She muttered before looking over at the others.

"I wonder if this was done so that the trail was put on hold, because as it stands right now, if the building is too damaged they're going to have to move it to a new venue." Adalyn mused as they waited.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: March 10, 11:54 pm - Outside Seattle Courthouse -Tony

"They'll probably move it to the federal court house," Tony said. "I can't see them using the juvenile court. It just isn't built for large trials and couldn't handle the preternatural crowd. Who knows? The defense might try to move it out of state, saying that their client is in danger."

"Or they could just let him rot in a cell while they rebuild," Logan suggested. "Stranger things have happened."
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Tinker on: March 10th - 11:30-11:53pm - Seattle Courthouse Parking Lot - Troy Dwyer

The beast of a SUV sat slumbering in the concrete meadow that was the courthouse's parking lot. It was large enough to encroach on a second parking space, so it was parked near the back, ensuring it wan't too intrusive or taking up more valuable real estate. Inside of the vehicle was a single inhabitant, who liked to think she was "keeping the home fires burning" as core group of her pack was inside the building, dealing directly with the legal proceedings dealing with the fate of her Ulfric.

Troy had decided the best course of action for her was to be the midway point between those in the courthouse and those waiting at home to hear word. The choice to be the buffer on either side of the pack came easy: she wanted to be involved, get information directly as it happened and use her natural talent as a mediator to relate the information back to the pack in way that would cause as little emotional impact as possible. Staying out of the courtroom also meant she didn't have to hear countless recounts of the one man that had been the closest thing resembling a mate being torn apart by the man he had vowed to protect.
The back of the SUV had been her home for the past couple of night and she was surrounded by nest of technology: a three cell phones, a laptop, a hand held game system, an e-reader and MP3 player were gathered around her to fill the silence of waiting.She had packed three coolers full of food, snacks and drinks not just for herself, but for the other pack members that were currently locked into the legal process indoors.

She caught the far off sound of alarm bells and her chestnut eyes lifted from the ereader, it was mere moments after the peal of those bells that the subtle smell of smoke began making it self present. The ereader was put down and she pocketed her personal cell phone as she emerged from the relatively secure cell of the car. All five foot nine of her lean frame stretched and the attentiveness of her beast was trained on the large building her packmates were in. She spotted the first sign of people spilling from the courthouse, the tang of confusion and the softer scent of fear following them like a rain cloud. One long hand planted on her hip, with the other holding her phone to the ready, "Aw man....what the hell..."

She remained at the vehicle, eyes searching out her fellow wolves stilling herself for the possibility for any situation from the sublime to the ridiculous.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Cassie on: March 10th - 11:54pm - Seattle Courthouse Parking Lot - Tristan Crow

She made it to the parking lot where her friend, Lucy[npc] said she would wait. "Tristan!!" called Lucy and she ran over. "I swear, Lucy, I do not know how your kind pull off wearing bras..." Lucy covered her mouth and replied, "Do not be so freakin loud. There is a chic over near that SUV. She might hear you." After that, she let Tristan go as Tristan removed her vest and started to mess around under her shirt. Lucy, on the other hand, was distracted. "Hey Tris... What's going on?" Lucy suddenly found a bra in her hand as Tristan huffed and said, "There's a big fucking fire. Some asshole decided it was prudent to disrupt the trial with a fire.... Did you at least bring me a shirt? These clothes suck."

"Oh, but you make a better woman than a man!" pouted Lucy. Tristan glared at her and she went searching for the shirt she put in the back of the car. "You should not change out here; it is not decent." Tristan scoffed and replied, "I don't have any fucking tits and everyone else is watching the courthouse burn. No one is going to give a shit."
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Cassie on: March 10th - 11:54pm - Outside Seattle Courthouse- Jonah Ravenos

Once he was out, he moved off to the side like other weres did. It was rather irritating to loose his laptop but he left it there on purpose; in case things got worse. It was quite clear that someone did it on purpose. But was it idiot vandals or a distraction from the trial? Obviously, the fire was not enough to kill off the weres and vampires. However, he kind of felt pity for the wolf on trial. "This is going to delay things, now isn't it?" He figured someone would hear him and respond. However, he had his cell out and was filming the scene. It was not for entertainment but it may wind up being useful. In any case, he moved closer to the others that were trying to stay out of the way and away from the crowd that was trying to get out. He seemed rather calm but he did have some concern. The last thing anyone wanted was for someone to die in there. However, there was nothing he could do. "I wonder why someone would want to force a trial postponement?"
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Tinker on: March 10th - 11:54pm - Seattle Courthouse Parking Lot - Troy Dwyer

"Tristan!!" called Lucy and she ran over. "I swear, Lucy, I do not know how your kind pull off wearing bras..."

Troy caught the oddly androgynous voice amongst the distant sirens and general hubub and she turned to pin point where it had came from. Her shaggy head titled and she could clearly see the two, what seemed to be women conversing in and out of the vehicle. Her curiosity had gotten the better of her, it had been too long since she had heard anything from her packmates from within in the building and it sure seemed like one of these women had been in the building at the time.

Her lanky form trotted over, an open and gregarious smile on her handsome features, 'Hey ladieeeeeeeeeeeeeee......oh jeese, sorry."

She had managed to get there as Tristan had started wrestle out of the uncomfortable clothing and she quickly spun to keep her back to the pair.

"Uh, wow....sorry", she had caught the tail end of the conversation which allowed her the information that the delicate and elfin looking being in the car currently changing wasn't exactly what she had originally perceived them to be. Then his distinct odor hit her. Her beast flattened its ears and growled with a lowered tone, there was no mistaking the scent of a vampire. She took a deep breath and exhaled it curtly.

"Sorry to bother you folks, was just gonna ask if you could tell me how it was going in there, before the , uh...you know...fire and stuff. I got people in there and, uh...boy....yeah, didn't have the stomach to sit in on the proceedings. If it's...uh, you know weird, I can just....uh..."

She thumbs back to the SUV, "I can just piss right off."
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Cassie on: March 10th - 11:54pm - Seattle Courthouse Parking Lot - Tristan Crow

Unlike most, Tristan did not have issue with the weres in the least. In fact, he pitied the one that was on trial. In any case, a wolf made her way over. Tristan, also did not take not of the different breeds there were. The breads all looked human when not in their beast forms. So knowing her from rat or cat was something he did not even try to do. Her reaction did humor him as he bit his lip and tried not to laugh. He even caught the growl and thought I guess she caught my smell. Lucy say his struggle to try not to giggle and handed him a wet nap to clear his make-up with. "Be nice to her, Tristan."

"I was not going to be a dick in the first place." When the were decided she would 'piss off' Tristan sighed and put the t-shirt on first before wiping his face. At the same time, the vampire spoke naturally. "You don't have to piss off. I have no issue with you. Ad for your friends... If I remember correctly, their was a fifty fifty. The human... Persecutor is an ass and tried to twist everyone's words around. It almost..." There was pause as he took another wet nap to clean his mouth. "It almost seemed like the Persecutor's only case was to manipulate the trial to his advantage. The ones on the stand, in spite the dick persecutor, seemed a lot smarter than most might have given them credit for."

Tristan did not bother removing the skirt. That would be pushing it to far; considering it would be pretty indecent. He did remove the shoes and leaned back against the car. His arms crossed over his chest. "It seems fifty fifty. What would be fucked is if the delay allows time for some asshole to gather dirt on the wolf leader or whoever." He shrugged and kind of did not care. "Anything else?"
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: March 10, 11:52pm - Outside Seattle Courthouse â€“ Justin

â€œIâ€™ll show them a fearful beast,â€ Justin muttered as he was jostled by another group of people. â€œDo you want to hang here or head back to the ranch? Iâ€™m not sure what else is going happen here.â€
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: March 10, 11:54 pm-Outside the Seattle Courthouse--Mike

Adalyn's phone rang. "Sorry, darling," Mike said. "She didn't get a front on view. It's a maybe, maybe not situation. Did you get a good sniff? Maybe the two of you can put your noses together and come up with something like a composite smell for this guy. Not like the cops could put that to any use but it might help us, you know what I mean?"
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Tinker on: March 10th - 11:56pm - Seattle Courthouse Parking Lot - Troy Dwyer

Troy surreptitiously peeked over her shoulder as the pair began to engage her in conversation. Her beast was still laying close to the ground, muscles tightly coiled and ready to spring into action, but that was just the sheer power of instincts and right now, it kind of sucked.

"Oh man, so we are talking about typical prosecutor bull crap, then? Dang, I thought day two there would be more of a balance, one way or the other, you know? I mean if it went against Lobo, it would suck, but then at least we'd be able to start preparing for an appeal or for the worst. This whole not knowing, not even having a snifter of a clue....it's pretty...well, it's..."

Tristain's heightened sense could feel the miasma of emotion that engulfed the lanky wolf before him: sorrow, panic, hope, but the one emotion that sang louder than the rest was grief, "It's pretty fucking awful."

Troy nodded with a quiet gratitude, "But, thanks folks. Thanks for giving me the low down, it's appreciated."
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Cassie on: March 10th - 11:56pm - Seattle Courthouse Parking Lot - Tristan

He hesitated to speak. It was the emotion that came from her that kept him at bay. The pause was enough for her to speak fully and without interruptions. "If it makes you feel better... I am not trying to pick sides or go against my own kind but I believe the defenses claim. I have a very bad feeling about this entire thing and I do not think it ends with this trial. Their are many things that could come from this and one of them is a war. Your kind will hate us more. Not only that, but the humans will hate both are kinds more and likely try and put further restraints on both our kinds." He spoke as if he seen it before. "I will not involve myself in a war..."

The thought made him wish to leave. He always left places when things got bad. However, it was only his speculation. The different groups hated each other enough as it was. "Personally, I am a bit more concerned with the possibility of a rogue vampire. I did not fully listen to the story but there was some mention of one my own kind being able to control a werewolf. It is a bit... well..." he actually had a slight distaste for his own kind at times. Though he could be just as cruel as they, he hated that side of their nature. However, the idea of a vampire like what was described also scared him a little. It seemed familiar. "I am glad to have helped and, frankly, I am getting to old for this shit. Just hope for the best, love."
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Tinker on: March 10th - 11:56pm - Seattle Courthouse Parking Lot - Troy Dwyer

"I appreciate your not picking a side but kinda picking a side thing. I get the whole ancient foes deal between our people", Troy half shrugs with a an easy smile on her cinnamon dusted features, "Its what happens when you throw a bunch of apex predators in one spot, right? Everyone gets all snarly and territorial. We all beat our chests and bear our pointy teeth to prove that we are the biggest and baddest monster out there."

Troy chuckles and it is a marvelous and dirty thing to behold, "Yep, acting like a buncha animals, but we claim to be the next step on the evolutionary ladder, what a pack of balloons. That whole vampire controlling a wolf thing?"

Troy blows out her cheeks and whistles, "Man, isn't that a royal head trip? I mean I heard of Masters controlling all kinds of creatures, but actual weres? That's one powerful mofo to be pulling that kinda mojo off and I gotta admit, it freaks me out a whole helluva lot. Anwyay..."

She nods with a certain amount of humility that Tristan has barely been shown since arriving in Seattle, "Thanks a lot for taking the time to talk with me and let me know what was going on in there. I'm only twenty-nine and I'm getting to old for this song and dance. Have a good one."
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Wyn on: March 10, 11:52pm - Outside Seattle Courthouse â€“ Seren

Seren chuckled at Justin's muttering, but sobered a bit when he asked about wanting to go back to the ranch or not. "I think it would be best, while he may not say it out loud, Morvan is worried. And as for what else could happen. Some of the wolves that are still in the back of the group exiting are under high stress levels without this to add to it."

She let her words die as she knew that Justin could figure out the rest without having to spell it out for him.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Wyn on: March 10, 11:54 pm-Outside the Seattle Courthouse--Adalyn

Adalyn was about to chime in on what Tony and Logan were saying when her phone rang. "Sorry, darling," Mike said. "She didn't get a front on view. It's a maybe, maybe not situation. Did you get a good sniff? Maybe the two of you can put your noses together and come up with something like a composite smell for this guy. Not like the cops could put that to any use but it might help us, you know what I mean?"

"Yeah I got a good sniff of this guy, he was standing right next to me for a while." she said a shiver crawling up her spine. "Let Nick know I'm with Lillia, Tony, and Logan. I'm guessing that we're going to be heading back soon, unless Nick wants us to hang around?"
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Cassie on: March 10th - 11:56pm - Seattle Courthouse Parking Lot - Tristan

Tristan listened to her retort. The viewpoint was probably the same for most but he did have trouble with modern slang at times. Somethings, he picked up on and used, some he did not pick up on but ignored, but some things he had to question. "Mofo?" he softly said as he gazed at Lucy. Lucy laughed, stood and whispered in his ear. "Oh, right." After that, he did not say anything that would interrupt the wolf woman before him. However, he did share her sentiments. As she thanked him he gave a faint smile. "It was my pleasure, Miss... um.. Well, hopefully your pack make it out."
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Tinker on: March 10th - 11:57pm - Seattle Courthouse Parking Lot - Troy Dwyer

"Oh man, yeah, right! Sorry, my head is totally up my butt at the moment", Her arm was rised in the air and a single finger pointed up as it moved in a circular motion, encompassing the area all around them, "Since all of this, I've been a little loopy. I swear, I'm usually a highly proficient member of the community that you know, remembers to introduce herself."

The hand that was in the air was brought down and offered, open palmed in a handshake, "Troy Dwyer."
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Cassie on: March 10th - 11:57pm - Seattle Courthouse Parking Lot - Tristan

His light blue eyes shinned like glittering sapphires in the different dances of light. The vampire kept his gaze on her rather; rather than the distraction of the fire and chaos. This was not due to her appeal but due to his fire of fire. She served as a great distraction; though her form was more fit then his and her height exceeded his own by a couple inches. May that was why he actually like the weres. They seemed more lean and down to earth than his own kind. Well, at least, there was definitely conflict of predator instinct verses acceptance and an open mind. Tristan extended a hand to firmly shake hers. In spite his feminine appearance, he was clearly not delicate. "Tristan Crow. And in the car, doing whatever she does, is Lucy Belle." Lucy waved from within the car and then added, "Tris, we should probably get going soon. Unless you want to stick around and chat with a naturally born woman for once." He glared back at her and spat, "Again, do you not see the fucking fire!"
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Tinker on: March 10th - 11:57pm - Seattle Courthouse Parking Lot - Troy Dwyer

Troy grinned the whole time, "Well met, Tristan."

She leaned to the left and peered over Tristan's shoulder to give Lucy a half salute with two fingers, "Lucy."

Tristan's slight outburst took her aback slightly and she stuffed her long hands in her pockets, her deep bay horse brown eyes flicking over to the courthouse to look for evidence of the fire. "Not to be a naysayer, I don't see any flames just yet. I can catch a whole nose full of smoke, but not a single flickering tongue of flame. The way the alarms are going off, I wouldn't worry too much; the sexy boys and girls in big boots and breathing apparatus and their slick red limo should be here any moment. It is several shades of shady though."

Troy rose up on tip toes, adding a good five inches to her height so she breached the six foot mark. Her keen eyes searched the growing crowd of jurors and spectators as they spilled out of the building, desperately trying to catch sight of at least one of her pack. "Let's just hope this little smoker wasn't for purely nefarious purposes, huh?"

The dark autumnal shade of her eyes returned to Tristan and Lucy and a soft and apologetic grimace smeared across her face, "Aw, jeese, if you guys gotta be somewhere, don't let me keep you."
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Cassie on: March 10th - 11:57pm - Seattle Courthouse Parking Lot - Tristan

Even little fires were big ones in his mind. He was in there, after all. "I-I suppose it is nothing to worry over." He glance back. Where he saw smoke, HE saw flame. It might have been his own hysteria and now he felt pathetic. Lucy poked her head out the window and laughed a bit as the two listened to Troy's response about the firemen. After Troy apologized, Lucy grinned and pressed her hand on the back of Tristan's head to push Tristan's head down. "We don't Really have to go. I am sure even Tristy could enjoy a uniformed man. Or maybe a woman. Haven't got a clue what he prefers. But this big baby is scurd of a widdle bitty fire."

Tristan growled and jerked away from Lucy. "Fine, watch for the firemen. I'll just sit in the car." The grumbling vampire shifted to face Lucy as well a Troy. His arms crossed over his chest. Lucy just laughed and said, "You may be a vampire but you are still a prideful man; aren't ya?" Tristan sighed and looked around the parking lot. "Maybe there is something to dig up around here. I am sure if something... shady... is going on than someone will find something. I certainly doubt the humans will find shit; though."
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Tinker on: March 10th - 11:58pm - Seattle Courthouse Parking Lot - Troy Dwyer

"Dude, I'm a werewolf, I totally get he whole", Troy's arms reached forwards stiffly with clawed hands and her face contorted into a goofy rendition of a snarl, her voice dropped a couple of octaves and took on a slow and slightly growly tone, "FIRE BAD!!!!"

She dropped out of faux creature posture once she had made her comical point, "When you're more than human and kinda hard to kill, the things that actually do have the tendency of either making you hurt real bad or killing you are worthy of the heebie jeebies. Like, I will never be a full on goth", She gives them a playful and sad little pout.

"No shiny silver ankhs or crucifixes or pentagrams for me. My hands will never be festooned in silver spiders and humongous Victorian style rings, and my ears will be forever and sadly free of a million silver rings, cuffs and teeeeny tiny little daggers. I know, my whole incredibly allergic to the point of death thing with silver has crushed many of a dream for me. It's sad, but I am just going to continue in my aging skater thing I've got going on", Troy's grin was indestructible, despite her dark eyes flicking back to the courthouse intermittently as she kept aware for any possible sign of her packmates.

Troy chuckled her filthy chuckle and looked at Lucy, "Humans have got it pretty easy, I mean, all you guys have got to be afraid of of killing you is pretty much every thing, right? I mean, you fall down stairs, dead. You get bitten by a certain type of spider, dead. Heck, walk out into the road out at the right time and BAM! A car, dead. Jeese, humans.....so flimsy."

Her wide smile and genial tone made it clear she was just joking and trying to make light of a situation that was obviously causing Tristan some discomfort, "But seriously, humans are cool, some of my best friends are humans and the likelihood of there being anything around here at this point", she shrugged and a lopsided grimace, "The folks who lit that fire and pulled the alarms are either long gone or totally blended in with the crowd by now."

(http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff218/DarlingMissD/TroyBanner.jpg)
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Darkflame on: March 10, 11:55 pm-Outside the Seattle Courthouse-- Lillia

"I think that even the mundanes are beginning to realize this is not a drill. Things may get messy." Lillia said, closing her eyes and scenting the air.

Suddenly her eyes snapped open, her Beast sitting up, far more alert. Nearby, a man in a suit began to break away from the crowd, a cellphone to his ear. He was speaking loudly into it, complaining about what he saw as a ploy to delay the trial.

"Excuse me." Lillia murmured, almost as if she didn't even conciously say it, turning swiftly and walking purposefully away, a tightness to her expression that was unlike anything anyone who knew her had ever seen.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Cassie on: March 10th - 11:58pm - Seattle Courthouse Parking Lot - Tristan

He listened to her retort and laughed. "Okay, okay, I'm being a baby.." He listened further and shook his head. "Shockingly, I am not scared of my demise and of the things that could cause that. Just... fire." There were actually other things; like women. Most of the time, he even hated them. Lucy convinced him to be nice and that was what he was doing. However, he did mind Troy at all. She was not overly dramatic and had a sense of reason with a bit of a joker on the side. In any case, he gazed back at Lucy as Lucy pouted, "Oh why can't I be a vampire too. Trissyyy your old right? Can't you be a master?" Tristan retorted with, "I'm not quite that old, nor do I want to be or have the permission to be a master. I doubt anyone would want that if they knew me. Or something... The point is, even if I could be, I would not be. That roll would suck; if you ask me."
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Cassie on: March 10, 11:55 pm-Outside the Seattle Courthouse - Jonah

He spoke clear of his opinion and pondered the idea of others asking the same questions he had in mind. The red head figured it would seem interesting. However, he did not shout and kept recording the courthouse as people came out. The moment a business suit clad man came out of the building, complaining about what he had calmly stated, he realized that it was probably time to stop recording. "I suspected what I said would raise questions but did not expect someone to come bursting out and yell about it," he said to himself. He stopped the recording and pocketed his phone. "I could not even get service.. I wonder why he could," was also something he said to himself. At that point, he decided to leave. However, the crowd that pushed through the exit also gathered around to watch. He was not one of the first ones to get out so there was already a gathering. Getting passed them would take a bit of time so he chose to be calm about it. There was no rush; after all.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: March 10, 11:55 pm - Outside Seattle Courthouse â€“ Justin

â€œSo youâ€™re telling me we need to GTFO?â€ Justin asked. It was clear he meant it as a rhetorical question. He began forging his way through the crowd, heading for the parking lot. He was using none of the true strength he had; knocking people aside would draw far more problems than it would solve.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: March 10, 11:55 pm-Other End of the Phone â€“ Mike

â€œNo point in hanging around,â€ Mike said. â€œThere are pros to put out the fire and weâ€™ve got a home fire burning, so you can all come home and get cozy.â€ He chuckled. â€œCuddles are available for those who want them.â€

A few feet away, Tony was in motion. He didnâ€™t hesitate. He simply followed. Lilliaâ€™s safety was his responsibility. He was sniffing the air in a very non-human way as he tried to determine what scent had triggered Lilliaâ€™s departure. He still wasnâ€™t fully used to the extra information his heightened senses brought him and so hadnâ€™t yet figured out how to use them without exaggeration.

Logan looked at Adalyn. â€œMight as well let Mike know weâ€™re on the move. Where to and why we will learn in due time.â€
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: March 10th - 11:58pm - Seattle Courthouse Parking Lot

"You're kidding me, right?"

The voice was soft and the wind carried the unmistakeable scent of wolf. He'd deliberately approached from upwind so that both Troy and Tristan could sense his presence before he surprised them. He wore just a hint of cologne and there were traces of earth and sweat, along with wool, silk and leather in the mix of smells that teased their nostrils.

"You actually want to be a vampire? You want to smell like something that died? You want to be a puppet to the whims of older vampires, who are by and large a twisted collection of sadistic sexual degenerates? No offense to your friend there but really, the benefits do not outweigh the problems. No more sunsets. No more chocolate. You'll leave everyone you love behind. You need to be invited in, wherever you go. Worst of all, the only way you will be able to die is violently."

(http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x94/Shadowphile/MichaelStyx.jpg) (http://s180.photobucket.com/user/Shadowphile/media/MichaelStyx.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Wyn on: March 10, 11:56 pm--Outside the Courthouse--Adalyn

Adalyn couldn't help but chuckle at Mike's offer of cuddles for those who wanted them. "Yeah well looks like we might be getting back later than anticipated. Lillia's caught something on the wind and we're following her lead.

"I'll text you when we find out what's caught her attention and where it's taken us." She said as she started moving with Logan to catch up to Tony. As she disconnected the call she sent the other rat a sidelong glance, silently asking if he could smell anything off in the air, besides the sulfur of the fire.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Cassie on: March 10th - 11:58pm - Seattle Courthouse Parking Lot - Tristan

Tristan tensed up as another wolf approached. Assuming the male might be a friend of Troy's, he would have liked to let her address the newcomer. However, the male addressed Lucy and Lucy got angry. "Fuck you, asshole. That was so dumb. Saying you mean no offense is stupid. You obviously did not care if it of..." Her words were cut short as Tristan placed a hand over her mouth. "Stop, Lucy. He is right and not even I understand why anyone would ever actually choose this." With that said, he moved around the front of the care to open the door to the back seat; choosing that side to not get in the way.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Tinker on: March 10th - 11:59pm - Seattle Courthouse Parking Lot - Troy Dwyer

Troy's head perked up as she sensed the presence of an other of her kind, it tilted with the lilt of curious puppy as he came into view. She couldn't say she recognised him, but he smelled good. He smelled of the outdoors and nature, but at the same time there was a dignified scent of civilization to him. The soft beat of her beast's tail began to cautiously wag and when he came into view, her beast's head was tilted as her own.

Helloooooooooo nurse...

Before the inner voice had even finished its appreciation of this new wolf's physical appearance, she felt a sickly pang of guilt and her dark eyes dropped to her sneaker clad feet. As he drew closer and engaged in their private conversation, she couldn't help but allow the smallest of smirks to rise on her generous lips. He had a point, it was a damned good point. Her own opinions of vampiric kind had followed the same list of cons that she saw as heavily outweighing the benefits. Before she could give voice to any thought she may or may not have had, Lucy had gone in for the assault. The lanky wolf was a tad shocked with the sudden outburst.

Whoah, dude....like, chill. Fang junkies man, they freak me out.

Tristan's retreat had also caused her some surprise and one long hand rose to rub the back of her neck. She offered the new wolf a consolatory grimace and shrug, then found her voice, "Eeesh, awkward stuff. I...I don't think we've met?"

She offered him her hand to shake and tried hard to keep from staring, "Troy, Troy Dwyer."
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: March 10th - 11:59pm - Seattle Courthouse Parking Lot - Morgan

"Morgan Llewellyn," the wolf replied, locking eyes with Troy and kissing her hand rather than shaking it. One corner of his mouth turned upwards in an impish grin. "I've been away for a while, so we haven't had a chance to meet, even though I do know you by reputation. You're a California Girl."

His eyes moves away from hers, settling on Lucy. "Listen to your friend. He's speaking from experience. The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. Not all shapeshifters are happy with their lot in life either. For one thing, it really cuts down on the number of people you can cut loose with." He extended his hand towards Tristan. "Thanks for the back-up."
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Darkflame on: March 10, 11:58 pm--Outside the Courthouse-- Lillia

Lillia chewed her bottom lip as she walked, resisting the urge to look over her shoulder. She didn't know why she hadn't thought of this earlier. Of course there was a chance that he would be there at the courthouse. But... he hadn't been in the courtroom. She was positive she would have noticed that, but in the myriad of scents in the courthouse, picking any single one was near impossible unless you had an amazing ability with scents. Even as it was, she probably wouldn't have even realized if it weren't for the fact that he had been talking loudly on his cellphone, having made a phone call as soon as he stepped outside the courthouse doors.

As they got further away, she paused at a side street while a car passed, and she ran a hand over her face, surprising herself when she found her fingers come away wet. Her Beast was confused, pacing, halfway between happy and sad.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: azathothsneakerz on: March 10, 11:39 pm to just after Midnight - Seattle Court House to Outside the Seattle Court House - Detective Shannon

Jack stood in a long hallway. Nearby, the bailiff for the court held watch over the shackled Lobo. The florescent light overhead buzzed loudly. The noise grated on Jack's nerves, and he desperately wished he could have a cigarette. He looked over the shackles that held the top dog. They gleamed even in the dirty light. Jack wondered if the silver hurt the wolf man or if it just held him bound. It wouldn't matter much longer anyway he decided. He didn't have a positive outlook for Lobo's future.

"What's the holdup?"

"Waiting for the word that the van is ready," the bailiff replied.

Jack looked down at the cheap g-shock on his wrist. Time seemed to be dragging on at a slug's pace. He had already pulled a full shift earlier, escorting the preternatural prisoner was a corrective measure handed down from higher up. Wearing the black watch was also part of this corrective action. Otherwise, he would have on the steel and pink gold Cartier watch that was instead on the dresser in his bedroom.

"We're go for moving the prisoner," said the bailiff.

Jack just nodded in return and took his position behind the prisoner. The bailiff and Jack's rubber soled boots squeaked on the tile as they hustled down the corridor. Already the smell of smoke was becoming choking thick, and starting to burn Jack's eyes under the clear eye-pro he wore. He gave a quick glance back down the way they had came, everyone else seemed to have cleared the area. They came to large double doors at the end of their trek. The bailiff had to stop for a moment and catch his breath and so did Jack. Lobo seemed unfazed even after hurrying down a hallway while chained up. Then the bailiff held up his ID badge to the door's sensor. A moment later and they were out in the fresh air of the Seattle night.

"Got a little hairy there towards the end," the bailiff laughed while walking towards the unmarked, white, police van.

Jack looked around the loading dock. It was lit up fairly well by overhead outdoor lights. There was concertina wire on top of the chain link fence that enclosed the area. There was a guardhouse near the entrance, and the entrance itself was an electronic portion of fence, not a flimsy vehicle barrier arm. He relaxed a little, letting the SIG556 Patrol Rifle hang against his body armor as he pulled off his right glove.

"It's chilly out tonight," he called out to the bailiff while fishing a cigarette out of the pack he had stashed in one of the armor's pouches.

"It's a little too hot in there though," the bailiff called back, following it with a sharp barking laugh.

Jack snickered and slid the cigarette between his lips. He watched Lobo as he lit the smoke and inhaled deeply. He was glad the giant wolf man was cooperating with them, it would of been hell to try to rein him in otherwise. Jack exhaled and sniffed. The cool air of the night was becoming more and more tinged with scent of fire. Suddenly the night was filled with an echoing crack that rang out clear over the sirens of the approaching fire trucks. It was followed immediately by the meaty thud of Lobo being struck center mass by the bullet that had been fired. Jack hit the ground at almost the same time Lobo did, although Lobo hit it with a loud curse.

"Fuck! Did you see where that came from!" the bailiff roared as he came streaking around to where Lobo and Jack were.

"No, too many lights. It sounded like it came from straight on though!" Jack yelled back as he pushed himself up to a knee.

"Ah fuck, they hit the prisoner," the bailiff grunted as he came to a stop next to Lobo and dropped to a knee himself.

The bailiff immediately started to pull off his uniform's top, and once it was off he pushed it hard to the bleeding wound on Lobo's torso. Jack got to his feet and moved to the back corner of the van. He peered down the night vision optic on his rifle, but the light in the dock area and from the nearby buildings fucked with the optic's capabilities. He reached up and started to fuck with the brightness on it, hoping that he could correct the problem enough to find where the shooter might be. While he did this the bailiff dragged Lobo to the side of the van, grunting under the effort. The van door slid free with a crash and he hopped inside, then reached under Lobo's arms and drug him in. Then he reached for the hand mic on his belt and called in the situation. As this was happening the guard in the gatehouse came rushing out to the van.

"What's the situation?" he asked in a trembling voice, obviously shaken by the happenings.

"I got to get this prisoner to the ER now! Can you leave your post and keep this shirt pressed hard on this guy's chest while I drive?"

"What about the gate?" he asked the bailiff while clambering into the van.

"I called it in already. There will be backup on the way. Detective can you hold the area here until backup arrives?"

"I got it covered, you can move out," Jack called over while stepping back from the vehicle, his rifle still raised.

The gate guard agreed and the door to the van slammed shut behind him. Jack traversed the loading dock to the gate house and opened the gate for the van as it sped to the opening. Once it had cleared the gate he moved back out into the loading area. He found cover behind a parked car and continued to scan the area for some sign of the shooter. The air was now thick with the sound of the multitude of sirens. Jack glanced away from the weapon towards where he had been when the shooting had occurred. Next to the puddle of blood was his still burning cigarette.

"Mother fucker," he hissed as he turned back to the rifle.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: March 11th - 12:01 am - Seattle Courthouse

The cruiser pulled up in front of the gate and a uniformed officer jumped out. Sidearm in hand, she made her way to the gatehouse door. Within moments she was inside and Jack was plunged into darkness as the officer killed the lights in the loading dock.

"You see anything, detective?" she called out. "Got a direction at least, so I can make sure it's my gun and not my ass pointing at the shooter?"
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Cassie on: March 11th - 12:01 am - Seattle Courthouse - Parking Lot - Tristan

"Um... S-sure..." The comment to him, from the male wolf, gave Tristan pause. Because of that, he was willing to give the man a shake but pulled his hand back as if startled by something. Tristan gazed towards the courthouse and seemed to stare a moment. "What is it, Tristan?" Tristan hushed Lucy and gazed at Troy and her new attraction. "Am I crazy? Did you two hear what I think I just heard?"Seeing a white van race off, moments after, and squad car falling after, with lights on, had Tristan's full attention. "What the... L-Lucy, let's j-just leave. Not sure what happened but I want to leave now."
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Tinker on: March 10th -12:01pm - Seattle Courthouse Parking Lot - Troy Dwyer

The searing blaze of blush shone brightly behind the light dusting of freckles across Troy's cheeks. She watched this new wolf with a vetted interest as he greeted her in a more traditional and romantic way, "I...uh...whoah."

She cleared her throat and chuckled with a soft nervousness, the two vocal actions giving her a heartbeat or two to allow her the more usual articulate speech to breach her obvious attraction. She noded and offered Morgan a lop sided smile, "Definitely Californian. I sure hope those mutterings of my reputation have been accurate and have detailed my successes like, being the most awesome dance commander wolf kind has ever known."

A sudden crack rang out high above the sound of the approaching sirens in the expanse of the parking lot and Troy's shaggy head snapped in the direction of the violent noise, "Oh fuck....that was a gunshot."

Her sunny complexion washed into a sickly grey and her dark eyes doubled in size, "The pack..I gotta find the pack."

Troy's head switched to Tristan and her brows knit together, "Really? First sign of danger and you're gonna run? A near indestructible creature of the night and you're just gonna high tail it?"

She shook her head and looked disappointed, "Fuck it, I gotta go", her gaze turned to Morgan, "You coming?"
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Cassie on: March 11th - 12:01 am - Seattle Courthouse - Heading for the Parking Lot - Jonah

Jonah pulled his cell out again to make a text to a close friend about what happen. He dropped it as soon as he thought he had heard a gun shot. Jo picked up his phone again and ignored what he heard to keep from panic. Whatever it was, was not happening to him and if panic started with one, others would follow suit. Jo took a deep breath and started walking, calmly, towards his destination. However, his concentration was stolen, yet again, as he caught the sight of a van rushing off with an escort following. The car following had it's lights. "As I thought," Jonah mumbled as he hoped to get around the crowd to the parking lot. All he could think was, Is someone trying to start a war? This will definitely start conflict. Jo was not so cold that he did not care that someone could be hurt but he hoped it was not Lobo. It was not that he was friends with the wolf but killing the wolf leader would definitely cause and uproar; just as much as killing any other leader would. However, his main concern was just to leave the seen even if he had to cut through a crowd. Luckily, he was willing to seek out the easiest path possible.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Cassie on: March 10th -12:01pm - Seattle Courthouse Parking Lot - Tristan

"And what the fuck would you have me do, leap tall buildings in a single bound and fight the bad guy?" asked the annoyed Tristan. "All YOU can do is get to your pack and prey your leader is alright. As for me, I am not budy budy with the other vampires and can not do shit for them for they probably don't fucking care. If shit hits the fucking fan than I would rather not be caught in the middle of it; where I do not belong or be wanted. if you have ideas, love, go for it. Lucy here is just a human so her getting home should be my priority since she came here to get me in the first place. The other fucking humans are being handled by police. And as you have not guessed, from our conversation, I am sick of feuding and conflicts of any kind. It's not like you need me to help you."

"What the hell just happened?!" called Lucy. "To be perfectly clear, Lucy darling, something happened, a van raced off and for some reason Miss Troy here thinks that leaving is a bad idea. Even though there is noting anyone cad do at this point. Unless of course, she wants us to go hunting for someone with a fucking gun?" It seemed. in spite being one with an attitude, he did not take to kindly to attitude. "Or would you rather I help you find your pack; which would likely snarl at me about how you did when you realized what I was."
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: azathothsneakerz on: March 11th - 12:03 am - Seattle Courthouse - Detective Shannon

"The shot hit the prisoner straight on. He was facing the gate, it had to of come from right across the way!" Jack called back, popping up for a moment from behind his cover to wave over the arriving officer.

With the extinguishing of the lights Jack could see much better. He fixed the brightness on the optic to account for the lights outside of the loading dock, and scanned the buildings across the way. He forced his breathing to slow down. He could feel his heart pumping in his ears. No other shot had been taken in the elapsed time. He squinted around in the darkness, he couldn't see anything when he wasn't looking down the night vision.

"I'm a little night blind," he called out in a much calmer tone, "Can't see anything outside of the scope. I haven't picked up anything in it either."

Jack found it hard to concentrate. Sirens from police vehicles and firetrucks overpowered his hearing. The heavy stench of smoke and flame filled his nose and threatened to choke him. He wasn't used to dealing with situations like the one elapsing. He was a sex crimes detective, not a SWAT officer, and not a soldier. For one of the first times since being picked up for the preternatural task force he doubted himself. He doubted his capability to deal with situations involving violent super powered beings. He doubted his ability to deal with the violence that seemed to follow them. He took a deep inhale of the cold smokey air and coughed harshly. He continued to scan, but it felt hollow. He wasn't even sure of what he was looking for. A movement in the darkness of the buildings could be anything. Where before time seemed to be dragging, it now seemed to be flying by so quickly he couldn't grab on to it. He crouched down further behind the car, his rifle still in position on the hood. He slipped a gloved hand into the pouch that had the cigarettes and roughly yanked the pack out. The top tore and cigarettes spilled all over the ground around where he was taking a knee.

"Motherfucker," he whispered again into the darkness.

He reached down and picked one of the scattered cancer sticks up. He lit it up and took a drag. The weight immediately seemed to start dissipating from off his shoulders. He reached up with his free hand and turned his SPD ball cap around, and peered down the scope. He redoubled his efforts, he had this.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Tinker on: March 10th -12:01pm - Seattle Courthouse Parking Lot - Troy Dwyer

Troy froze and her head slowly turned to Tristan, her dark eyes a maelstrom of pure emotion. Her calm exterior remained and it was obvious that her years of being a mediator and educator for were rights had honed her ability to reign in the emotions that were running rampant in her heart. "Holy freak out, bat man. If you continue to place yourself in the role of the victim then that is where you will stay, but you know what? Right now? This whole situation isn't about you or me or your human friend. This situation is about making sure a courthouse of innocent people, regardless what shade of being they are; are safe, calm and not about to erupt into a full scale race riot."

Her voice was soft and low, the husky tones loaned themselves perfectly to an undeniable logic that was almost soothing in its intent, "So if you would actually like to be of use to anyone in this town, then I would highly suggest running towards the problem and seeing if there is anything you can do to help any of these people. You don't have to be the lonely and wounded creature of the night, Tristan, you can actually be someone that others look up to and want to be around....you could actually be a friend."

Her fiery eyes flicked back to the courthouse and it was clear every fiber of her being was coiled and desperate to get into the heart of the action, 'This isn't the time to be self centered, I need to get in there and make myself useful."

She sprang off, running full tilt towards the chaos.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: March 10th -12:01am - Seattle Courthouse Parking Lot - Morgan

"He's right, Troy," Morgan said. "His first responsibility is to get his friend to safety, just like our is to the pack. I'll be right behind you. Tristan, Lucy, be safe. We're not getting paid to play Superman, so let the cops do what the cops do best."

He followed Troy at a jog, following her as much as he was following his nose towards the wolves in front of the court house.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: March 10th -12:03- 12:05 am - Seattle Courthouse

Additional officers were arriving and, with the limited directions Jack was able to give them, they began sweeping forward, looking for any sign of a shooter. By the time two other squad cars had arrived, one of the tactic team snipers had been contacted and with his expertise the potential area where the shot came from had been narrowed down. His opinion was that there would be no further shooting; Lobo had been the target and Lobo had been hit.

"We'll know more when they get Big Harry to the hospital," he said. Many of the cops had started referring to Lobo as Big and Hairy, which had quickly shortened. "Make sure somebody gets the bullet. It wasn't a through and through, was it?"
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Cassie on: March 10th -12:01am - Seattle Courthouse Parking Lot - Tristan

Tristan did not find her words logical at all. Cops and firemen would not allow civilians to be involved. However, she had key points that put his mind into thought. His choices, in life, led him to what happened to him. However, what Morgan said gave him a faint smile. "Same to both of you.." However, by the time he said that, they were off and Lucy was a bit scared. Tristan immediately got into the car. "Let's get home." She gulped, started the car and as she backed up she asked, "Did you mean what you said?" He gazed at the back of her head and asked, "What?" A second after, he added, "Of course, you idiot. I am not that heartless. Besides, you're my best friend." Not only that but there was a vampire that liked her and would kill him if anything happened to her. As soon as they backed out, carefully, they drove off safely.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Tinker on: March 10th -12:02am - Seattle Courthouse Parking Lot/ Seattle Courthouse Court Yard - Troy Dwyer

Troy caught the tail end of the parting conversation, but her feet were already carrying her towards the front of the building. She held her head high, inhaling lungful after lungful of air, trying to catch a whiff of her pack. Her dark eyes scanned the growing pool of people, spilling out of the mouth of the courthouse, in an attempted to place at least a single member of the pack.

She lowed to a jog and her head turned to look behind her and the very fainest of a smile tugged the corners of her lips as she saw Morgan following her, "Got a little holier than thou back there, sorry."

The were shrugged and offered Morgan an apologetic smile, "I forget that not every pretenatural has a sense of community or pride", she chuckled and shook her head as she continued scanning the crowd with both sight and smell, "I come from a huge family, so looking out for each other has been kinda hammered into me at birth, and when your entire new family are the underdogs, pun most definitely intended, that where I feel we really gotta step up to the plate for each other. Just hoped others would feel the same."

Troy turned slightlyand gave Morgan the full wattage of her smile, "But no biggie, right?"
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: March 10th -12:03 am - Seattle Courthouse Court Yard - Morgan

"He did have a point," Morgan said. "It isn't our job to figure out what is going on with that gunshot. That is the police's job. Our job is to make the pack is safe and not doing anything stupid."

He looked around. "Speaking of whom, I see several. Shall we corral them like sheep and haul them away?"
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: azathothsneakerz on: March 10th - 12:05 am - Seattle Courthouse - Detective Shannon

"I don't think it went through. The prisoner's a big motherfucker. Then again there is a puddle of blood where he got hit. I dunno if that much blood could pool from just an entrance wound. That shit ain't my bag."

Jack walked towards where the blood was at. He pointed his rifle at it and hit the pressure switch on the pistol grip, illuminating the small area with white light from his surefire.

"Over here is where he went down. The cigarette was mine. Dropped it when the shot went off."

Jack didn't walk any closer to where the events had transpired. That part of the operation belonged to forensics. Instead he turned and walked back towards the tactics officer.

"I don't know what else I can do here on the ground. My current specialty has me working on the preternatural side of things. Hence why I'm dressed up like fucking starship troopers. How about up there? Think they could use my limited preternatural-centric knowledge to figure out if something that goes bump in the night took the shot? You guys are all done with me down here right?"
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Tinker on: March 10th -12:03 am - Seattle Courthouse Court Yard - Troy Dwyer

Troy raised a single brow and her smile fell to being lopsided, "There is still plenty a civilian can do to help law enforcement rather than running away with your tail between your legs. Sure, there was no way I was gonna run on in and try to be some danged superhero and get in their way...." She shook her shaggy head, "But there was no way on Gods' green earth I was just gonna run back to the car and close my eyes to pretend nothing was going on. I can't do craven."

She nodded as her head turned back in the direction of the few of their packmates that could be seen milling about, "Yeah, let's get everyone round up, do a head count then eat. Eating's good."
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Cassie on: March 10th -12:03 am - Seattle Courthouse outside - Jonah

Jo pulled back a piece of red hair that fell in his face as he felt his phone vibrate. "Signal... no signal... Should I even bother," he mumbled as he pulled out his phone. His emerald, green eyes searched around and the fox chose to ignore the call. One thing he did not think about was reporters. They tend to be at a seen as fast as law enforcement. They also tend to want to stop whoever they can and bug them; when all people want to do was go home. Now, he thought he would have to avoid them if he could. When he spotted two people heading back into the crowd, he thought he would go ahead and ask them if they saw reporters. However, the fox opted out of it and just sought a way to safely get to the parking lot.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: March 10th - 12:05 am - Seattle Courthouse

"I could claim that as the first detective on site, the crime scene is yours," the tactical officer said with a chuckle. ""I think you could claim being under fire puts you in a compromised position to take the scene. Shoot a copy of the report our way and I'd call it square. Forensics is inbound. They've have this wrapped up in no time. From the sounds of it, the prisoner was the target. Not sure who would want him taken out, though. I could see it if me beat the charges but this trial is going to go on for a while."
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: March 10th -12:04 am - Seattle Courthouse Court Yard - Morgan

"That, my dear, depends entirely on what you are eating. Ever try hÃ¡karl? It's an Icelandic dish made from shark. Tastes like industrial strength floor cleaner. I've eaten it to be polite but if I know it's being made in advance, I find myself elsewhere."

Morgan waved at the other wolves. "Oy! You lot! Show's over. Get over here and we can get home."
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Tinker on: March 10th -12:04 am - Seattle Courthouse Court Yard - Troy Dwyer

Troy's shaggy head turned to look at Morgan as he spoke, "Can't say I've every indulged in any Icelandic cuisine. Funnily enough the local Icelandic takeout never really made it big in the West Coast, which his hilarious considering....oh wait, we have nothing in common with Iceland. Apart from booze, I think the love of booze is fairly universal, right? Nah, I was thinking maybe pizza, pad thai, pho, steak....grilled opossum scraped fresh from the side of the road, sweet baby, I am hungry."

Her warm smile spread across her freckled face and she waved to the rest of the pack with a renewed enthusasim, "Move it, folks! Baby girl is hungry and we know the trouble that leads to!"
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: March 10th -12:05 am - Seattle Courthouse Court Yard - Morgan

"I'll need to cook you up some HangikjÃ¶t," Morgan said. "Smoked lamb. You'll probably want the birch smoked rather than the dung smoked but it'll make you want to move to Iceland."

He waved to get the small group of wolves moving. "Come on, we don't have all night."
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Tinker on: March 10th -12:05 am - Seattle Courthouse Court Yard - Morgan

Troy's head slowly turned to stare at Morgan. Her eyelids stuttered in rapid blinking and her voice soon followed suit, "Dude...you just offered to cook for me, in some places that akin to proposing."

Her dark eyes are wide and full of a playful mirth, but he can see some other emotion creeping around the edges. She chuckles and bows her head slightly, dropping eye contact, "That could be pretty rad, but you're right, the very prospect of poo smoked meat isn't something that gets me salivating and moving to Iceland....nope, California girl born and raised, me and snow, we're not exactly buddies. Winters here are bad enough."
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: azathothsneakerz on: March 10th - 12:06 am - Seattle Courthouse - Detective Shannon

"God only knows why anyone would want to draw that sort of heat. Fucking wolves will probably rip whoever it was apart if they find out."

Jack pulled his cap off and rubbed his eyes. He was tired and he didn't want to be there anymore. He wanted to go home and take a long shower and then chase it with three fingers Jameson. He definitely didn't want to spend the whole night searching for someone who was probably already long gone. He sighed and put his cap back on. He waved over another cop that was on the scene who was smoking and bummed a smoke off of him. He made a face after the first breath, it was a cheap menthol.

"I'll make sure you guys get my report. Wish I could be more help but it all kinda happened quick. I don't think anyone would have put money on this shit going down like it did."

Jack took a puff of the terrible menthol and looked up at the buildings across the way with exhausted eyes of bright violet. Then he let out a string of coughs into his elbow.

"I'm gunna go poke around over at those buildings now, see if the sweep found anything."
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: March 10th -12:06 am - Seattle Courthouse Court Yard - Morgan

"I'm more of a wreath of flowers, glass of wine, and dance kind of guy," Morgan answered. "You'd be surprised, by the way, by the flavour you get from burning sheep shit. Somebody had to slip me some to get me to try it. Too bad you're such a city girl. Iceland will be beautiful in three months."

He high-fived one of the wolves. "Come on boys and girls. Let's go home. Fast food with Troy, real food with me."
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: March 10th - 12:07 am - Seattle Courthouse

"Gibson is heading the detail. I'll let him know you're on the way. He's hard to miss. Skinny guy with red hair. Young but good. Bit of a techie." The cop scratched his ear. "You want somebody to fill you in when we get the news from the hospital or do you want to find out with the rest of the world?"
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Cassie on: March 10th - 12:07 am - Seattle Courthouse - Jo

Jo found his path calmly and smoothly. He got to his car easily, as well. After all, he was on of the first ones to get to the courthouse. However, the fox did take pause to check his phone. "Oh, so that's who called," the ginger said to himself. Thinking back on the stuff he left in there, he made sure that nothing was really all that important and unlocked his door to get in and possibly drive away; also as safely as possible. He paused yet again, however, to say, "I noticed some seemed to act as if they were leaving a festival of some kind. I wonder why..."
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Tinker on: March 10th -12:06 am - Seattle Courthouse Court Yard - Troy Dwyer

Troy remained in a stunned silence, "Hey, just because I'm a city gal, it doesn't mean I can't appreciate the sheer breath taking beauty of the wilderness and all she has to offer...but I prefer my deck to have wheels. Snow, man, its cold...cold bad."

She stopped and gave Morgan a sideways glance, "Dude, fast food when there is real food on offer, you gotta be kidding me. I demand to experience the powers of you so called real food."

She turned to give the rest of her packmates her full attention, "So what the word? Home base has been getting antsy with the radio silence."
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: March 10th -12:07 am - Seattle Courthouse Court Yard - Morgan

"Deal. You. Me. June. Iceland."

"What do you mean radio silence?" demanded one of the wolves. "I've been on the phone since this whole thing started."

"Yeah, he hasn't shut up," said another. She chuckled. "I think he thinks he works for Fox News."

"That fox owns a news station? Radio or television?"

"Fashion news maybe," another wolf chimed in. "No sports though."

"There will be sports," cut in another. "No scores but a lot of shots of guys bent over in the huddle."

"You say that as if it's a bad thing," the she-wolf replied. "I love me some tight buns."

"So what happened in the court room?" Morgan asked.

"Vampire took the fifth."
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: azathothsneakerz on: March 10th - 12:06 am to 12:10 - Seattle Courthouse to Alley By the Courthouse - Detective Shannon

"If you can, let someone know to fill me in. I wanna know how screwed I am. I'm sure somewhere in the fine print of the detail was something about not letting the prisoner get tagged," Jack called over his shoulder.

He walked to the gate and was let out by another officer. The tired feeling in his eyes was slowly spreading to the rest of his body. His body armor felt heavy, and his rifle felt like a burden. He switched off his optic, and followed the trail of the scattered officers. He could feel the sweat from the adrenaline starting to cool. The chill night air left him feeling clammy, and elicited a string of coughs from his tired lungs.

"I'm getting too old for this shit," he muttered to nobody.

Not too far away was an alley awash in cop lights and teaming with uniforms. He was bathed in alternating flashes of red and blue as he ducked under police tape and asked for Gibson. A uniform who looked fresh out of the academy pointed to a man further in the alley. Jack thanked the kid and flicked the burning filter of the menthol into the street. He made a note to pick up a pack before heading back to his place.

"Gibson? Sorry I don't know your title, I didn't catch it on my way out of the other crime scene. I'm Detective Shannon, preternatural unit. I was with the victim when he got shot."

Jack stuck out his hand shook the other officer's. Then Gibson filled him in on the details. A witness saw a guy with a rifle leave the alley. The guy got into an older model dark SUV, maybe a Jimmy or a Blazer. Jack looked around the alley when Gibson pointed out that there was cardboard laid down. He said the perp probably had been there a while judging by that and the spilled coffee on the cardboard. There were also boot prints on the cardboard, and tire marks at the end of the alley. Jack soaked up all the information and tried to compartmentalize it all in his head. None of the evidence stuck out to him. He felt a headache coming on. He didn't foresee the incident getting wrapped up quick.

"So what do you think?" he said finally, turning from the dirty cardboard back to the other officer.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: March 10th - 12:06 am to 12:10 - Seattle Courthouse to Alley By the Courthouse - Gibson

"Total amateur. No attempt made to hide what he was doing," Gibson said. "Tire tracks, boot prints, hell, we can probably pull some DNA off the coffee cup. I doubt he's in the database but if we can't get close with what we've got here, we don't deserve the badges." Gibson smiled, revealing a gap between his front teeth.

"We'll keep you posted Detective. Preternatural vic means your team is going to be all over this."
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Tinker on: March 10th -12:07 am - Seattle Courthouse Court Yard - Troy Dwyer

Every word that had an inkling to form of Troy's tongue dried up and all she had left was the rapid blinking of her dark eyes. Swiftly her brain restarted and she found her voice, "Wait what?"

She squinted at Morgan then pointed at him, "You are one sly beastie, but know what, yeah, fine deal. Three months time you can show me Iceland...but you provide the outerwear."

Her head snapped back to her pack, "Guys, seriously? We going for full on stereotypes now? For shame, you pack of scoundrels, for shame. And you", she pointed to the wolf who had been claiming to be keeping the rest of the pack informed, "Way to go, dumbass, what was the point in me being here and sitting the the damned vehicle to relay stuff back if you were just doing it all from inside? My ass is far from ample enough to keep all of those seats warm. So, still...we got nothing? No further forward than a couple of days ago?"
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: March 10th -12:07 am - Seattle Courthouse Court Yard

"This isn't Law and Order," the wolf protested. "Trials aren't over in half an hour, minus commercial breaks. Count Dracula was getting questioned on whether the Master of the City was trying to find a master who could control wolves and he pleaded the fifth. That was pretty much when the fire alarm went off."
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Wyn on: March 11, 12:05 am - Seattle Courthouse Parking Lot â€“ Seren

Seren paused in her forward motion, causing Justin to tug on her a bit just before he stopped moving as well. She tilted her head to the side as she listened to the sounds around her. Her beast chuffed a bit as it helped her to pick out the sound she was hearing. The wail of the sirens coming closer told her something bad was going on, and it wasn't just the fire.

"We need to go before they close off the roads," she said in a whisper, "more police are on the way."
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Tinker on: March 10th -12:07 am - Seattle Courthouse Court Yard - Troy Dwyer

Troy snorts and rolls her eyes, "Which sounds exactly like an episode of Law and Order. The witness is evasive and person of power in the city and DUN DUN DUN!!! Suddenly fire alarm."

She blows out a long exhale of breath with full cheeks, "Know what? Let's hit the road, get some well needed steam blown off, then we return tomorrow and keep all appendages crossed that a: there are some signs of this case moving even just a single footstep, and b: the source of that gunshot that rang out will be revealed."
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: March 10th -12:08 am - Seattle Courthouse Court Yard - Morgan

"You might want to check your watch there, Troy," Morgan said. "Some of these people need to work in the morning. If you want to blow off steam, meet me on the beach in an hour. I could use a good run. You find your fast food, I'll find some good food and we'll see which works better as fuel."
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Tinker on: March 10th -12:08 am - Seattle Courthouse Court Yard - Troy Dwyer

Troy looked vaguely confused and she did exactly as Morgan suggested. A chunky white watch popped free of her sleeve, "Holy hooting heck, the witching hour already? Shiiiiiiiiiii", her shaggy head shook, "I seriously had no idea that it was this late."

She chewed her bottom lip and nodded, "You're on, Morgan. I'll run with you, but I got some incredible salmon and quinoa wraps on spinach tortillas in the fridge that have been screaming my name for the past three hours that I will attend to instead of the plastic MacDiet that most of my wheeled peers seem to devour."

She raised a single eyebrow at him and nodded, "That's right, not only do I eat it, but I also know how to pronounce it, want me to say it again....quinoa. Pretty impressive, I know. It's shocking that I am still single....."

Her eyes dropped for a moment and the flicker of emotion glistened in the darkness of her irises, she took a deep breath and nodded, "But yeah, I'll catch you in an hour for a run, just tell me which end you wanna start at."
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Cassie on: March 10th -12:08 am - Heading Away From Seattle Courthouse Parking-lot Tristan

They were not the only ones leaving and with the situation being what it was, leaving the parking-lot may have taken a bit of time. However, they were one of the first ones to try to leave so it did not take quite as long as it would others. Tristan lay in the back seat; not wanting to be bothered with the display of lights and thoughts of what could have happened. Lucy drove the car; for the vampire in her care could not drive at all. "Sorry I talked you into wearing a skirt. It is just that your own clothes were either worn out or completely outdated and I did not have pants for you." He scoffed and she retort, "Okay fine. I just wanted to see you all dolled up. If you were human, I would say you should get a change. You look pretty as a girl."

Again, the vampire did not say a word. He would lay their until they could not see the lights without looking back. However, that was not going to happen. After a moment longer, he sat up. A curiosity took him and he peered out the window. A part of him, partly because of what Troy said, had sort of wanted to see something out of the ordinary. But, what would he do? Would could he do? Sure he was acrobatic. He even knew how to use certain archaic weapons. However, the only pistol he held required a great deal of effort just to load a couple of rounds into it. He had his powers. However, in that modern world, it may mean jack against another vampire. Maybe he was more about his own self preservation. His hunger to survive overwhelmed his desire to help. "I am a coward," he mumbled as he observed what was around him. Lucy did not quite hear him and had said so but he did not speak; just smiled.

Meanwhile....

March 10th -12:08 am -Seattle Courthouse Parking-lot - Jonah

The fox had not quite left yet. He had sat in his car while in an inner debate. He was deciding on waiting for the scene to clear or just going home. Jo was not the flamboyant princess others may have joked about him being. His secret life would have stayed as such if it had not been for Jules. But that man was his boss and Jo was greedy. There was also the fact that Jo did in fact find himself drawn to him. In any case, he was tidy, well dressed and polite. However, he had no time for fashion outside of making sure he looked his best in the area of business. But what he did love was to cook. If his greedy did not grab him by the balls, he would have risked it all to open a restaurant of his own. The man loved to cook. He wanted to go home and make a meal to die for. But he also wanted to go in and see if he could recover the laptop he left behind. After a bit, he turned on his car and got ready to pull out of his spot. As stated before, he was careful and calm. So he kept his eyes were they needed to be and cared very little about the scene before him. He was one of those that did have to work in the morning. But, as he drew further out of the Parking-lot, he stopped and once again considered the wait. "It really does not have anything important or personal on it.... I intended on getting a new one... But what if it could be recovered... Why did I leave it in there?"
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: March 10th -12:08 am - Seattle Courthouse Court Yard - Morgan

There was a passable expression of shock on Morgan's face. "What? It's not pronounced kwee-NO-ah? I'm crushed. Devastated. There may even be tears." He chuckled. "South sound good to you? Just outside the preserve?"

He was already loading people into a candy apple red Magnum station wagon.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: March 10, 11:58 pm--Outside the Courthouse (Following Lillia) - Logan

"Who is he?" Logan had no trouble keeping up with Lillia but maintained a discreet distance.

Tony looked up at his mentor and shook his head. Tony wasn't gay but he couldn't help but admire the other man's physique. He had pretty much been an example of human perfection before his infection. How he was almost seven feet of rat fueled power. He didn't like not being able to fully answer Logan's questions. "Somebody that she has strong feelings for, that I can tell you for sure. Who and what kind of feelings? No idea."

From his smell, Tony was more than a little concerned. Then again, his attraction to Lillia was a fairly well known fact. He hadn't done anything to put forward any sort of claim; there was still too much human in him to even consider making those sorts of demands. Besides, Logan was a very large deterrent to such actions.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Tinker on: March 10th -12:09 am - Seattle Courthouse Court Yard - Troy Dwyer

Troy grins and nods her shaggy head, "Right? I know, who knew a grain high in protein could be such a fancy pants with a pretentious name? Either way, its delish and its going in my belly very soon."

She claps her hands and begins moving back to the parked SUV, "South end of the beach, one hour, sounds great. I'll go dig out my short shorts, leg warmers, head band and walkman with my Oliva Newton John tape", her grin increases and she turns, ,her husky voice starting up in off key singing, "Let's get physical, physical! I wanna get physical! Let's get into physical! Let me hear your body talk, your body talk! Let me hear your body talk!"
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: March 10th -12:10 am - Seattle Courthouse Court Yard - Morgan

"Careful with your choice of music," Morgan advised. "I seem to recall that one containing something about a horizontal conversation." He started the car but didn't pull the door closed. "See you in a bit, Troy. If you ask nicely, I might bring my ghetto blaster."
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Darkflame on: March 10, 11:58 pm--Outside the Courthouse - a couple blocks away - Lillia

Lillia stopped almost as suddenly as she started, taking a deep breath and pushing away all the thoughts in her head to clear it. Instead she chose to close her eyes and focus on sounds to get an idea of what was happening.

When she opened her eyes, she turned around and fixed the pink orbs on the others. "There's more police coming. I think the fire was a distraction." She said. Then she turned and looked up the road. "And I know you're curious." She told them, feeling the way their Beasts moved and reacted. She looked back over her shoulder. "That man was my father. He... doesn't know I'm still alive, and I'm not sure I want him to."
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Tinker on: March 10th -12:11 am - Seattle Courthouse Court Yard - Troy Dwyer

Troy guffaws and waves Morgan off, "Pffft, don't you go sullying Ms Obliva Newtron Bomb's good name, Sir. You bring that ghetto blaster and we can rock the beach old school."

She begins jogging backwards as she continues her farewell, "Remember, one hour, bring your aviators for style and your fanny pack for all your vital needs!"

Troy gives morgan the luxury of one last goofy grin, then she is off running back to the SUV.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Cassie on: March 10th -12:11 am - Driving Away From The Courthouse - Tristan

Lucy and Tristan were off. He was ready to get back and relax but Lucy wanted to eat. So as they drove away from the seen, Tristan shimmied out of stockings and into pants before getting the skirt off. He also let his dark hair out of that bun and placed the bobby-pins in a baggy for Lucy. After settling with a blanket, he lay down and said, "That fast food stuff kind of stinks. So how about I just rest here and you can go inside to eat. remember to pop a mint before leaving." And that was that.

(http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2014/323/c/1/untitled_by_ezrealad-d8702lt.jpg)
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Cassie on: March 10th -12:11 am - Finally heading out of the Courthouse Parking-lot - Jo

Jo had thought about waiting around but was just to tired. He hated sleeping in cars; though would be shocked he once had to live out of a tent. In fact, all would be shocked if they knew that he was once apart of a group of gypsy/nomadic group. However, that mattered not. Jo just could not be bother to stick around for that laptop. He would try to see if he could retrieve it in the morning. So, off the fox headed.

(http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2014/323/8/3/untitled_by_ezrealad-d8702dk.jpg)
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: Sorry for the lack of activity...

Work has been hell lately. I'm the only fully qualified Team Lead we have currenlty, so even when I'm not on call, I'm still on call....
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Darkflame on: Holidays are usually hell anyways, so no biggy. I know I've had tons of crap to deal with....
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Cassie on: A house wife here....And you would be shocked to know that I understand how you feel lol. Anyway, no biggy. When I have free time I play inquisitor so take your time :P
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Electra on: Standing outside the courthouse there is a figure in the shadows wearing a long cape with a hood casting her face into darkness. Seattle may not want prenatural beings to be here but the city seems to be over run with so many. Her fleeting glance strays upward a long rope of her hair escapes dark brown, red and blonde colors band to make it seem alive. In her hand is a small blue ball that she clutches tightly it begins to glow slightly, lifting her hand she looks at it for a moment nodding at what she sees she gently blows across it turning it into dust before putting her hand in the lefthand pocket of her cape. Nothing else is visible except the bright green of her eyes as she narrows them. There is nothing she can do except watch as the outcome plays out for now. Turning she walks back the way she came in back into the darkness to watch and observe.. For now...
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: Electra, you need to submit a character bio for approval before you can jump in to the rp.

You'll find the thread here: http://elmwood-rpg.com/index.php?topic=12.0
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: Is there anybody.... out there?
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Cassie on: YES.... Oh heavens yes! I am here... over here... in the corner here lol :grin:
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Wyn on: here, just dealing with some family issues but try to check every once and awhile to see if anything has been happening.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: I've struggling to keep the Elmwood going but I'm beginning to think that I don't have enough time to do that. If I could talk Jallyn into coming back and writing, maybe the old girl would start to pick up again.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Darkflame on: It would be great to get a few more people active on the board here. I tend to kinda float away from time to time because it gets dead and I have no idea how to get things moving again. I know a lot of people have lots going on in their personal lives, so it really brings the activity down. I really miss the old days. That was some fun we had then. If there is anything I can do to help things move along and pick up, I will certainly try to accommodate.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Maxx on: Indeed. The problem with the Anitaverse is that nobody wants to play together. They all seem to want to solo play with the moderator....
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Cassie on: :undecided: I tried...
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Darkflame on: I think a lot of it is the varying types of characters. Its hard to get the different races to play nice together, although you did have a few good ideas to try and make that happen. As you say, though, its very hard to get people to continue to play together after that point. My character for example, runs the gambit between being too busy with Rat things to do other stuff, or being out there trying to work with others, such as the police or other were's that are actually willing to talk. I designed her with a soft personality so that there would be that balance and she wouldn't be yet another over the top I am alpha hear me roar grr grr type. of course, also the slowness of posts does kinda put a damper on things too. If it doesn't look like this is working out, maybe putting it on hiatus may work, and we can see if we can get something else going instead.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: LadyJallyn on: Perhaps a reboot can be done where all characters have a common link IE they all work at Archangel Industries or something. I would very much like to see this thread restarted and since we have a much smaller group of players this should be easier to run.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Darkflame on: Actually, that idea very well may work. Having a common thread that ties the characters together can generally do a lot in this type of situation. Strangely enough part of our previous issue may have been that we simply did not have enough active characters to be able to interact with each other independently of the mods. If we do a reboot though, do we want to use all new characters, or keep the ones we have and simply tweak them to fit into the common denominator?

And welcome back, my dear! You have been sorely missed.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: LadyJallyn on: I would love to be able to play Katherine as shes just kinda a mellow chill sort if were going with a preternatural group and leave Suki to her own devices but I am game for whatever. With the lack of people play were leopards I find myself thrilled to not have to write for such a huge group of characters. Writting seems to be something new for me again, and intimidating strangely. Despite losing my mother back in 2011 I still havent had much luck with the writting and creative side of me. I don't know if its chronic depression or if its due to the fibro fog I have to deal with on a daily basis, but all I know is sitting down to write has become a bit of a struggle for me. I just finally returned to table top gaming but its like twice a month. Maybe with time it will grow to be easier.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Darkflame on: It may be a combination of all those things and possibly more. Sometimes it is hard to drag yourself out of a pit created by either physical or emotional pain. The only thing you can do is simply keep reaching. I have no doubt that things will get easier. These things are the things that have brought you joy in the past. Sometimes it feels as if maybe you might not deserve that joy-depression can do that. It's hard to get past that feeling. I know from experience. Still, you do deserve it. everyone does. We are here for you if you need us. (sorry if I got a bit all squishy there. I just can't help but try my hardest to help my friends) <3 you!
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: LadyJallyn on: TY hun I will do my best. Forgive me if the post are a bit wooden right now.
Title: Re: Anita Blake - Chapter Twelve - Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Post by: Cassie on: I also agree with a restart. While I do not keep up with everyone on a personal level I do have well wishes for everyone. <3 There is no need for pushing one's self either. I feel I should say something more but suck at communicating.