Author Topic: Anita Blake - Chapter 10 - When the Mighty Fall (Read 108802 times)

Maxx · « **Reply #125 on:** »

December 23rd, 7:35 pm -- Downtown Seattle -- Don

"My thoughts exactly," Don said. His Beast was reacting to the disturbance from Seren's and he hoped it wouldn't affect anyone around them. Sometimes people didn't react well to shapeshifters. "Hopefully we'll get one all to ourselves. At this time of day it won't be hard. Hey, we just got lucky. All aboard!"

Don hit the 'Door Close' button as soon as they were on, to make sure no one else joined them. "Going up," he said, as the elevator began to rise quickly. "Fifth floor, ladies underwear, bedding and police advisory board meetings. All ashore who are going ashore."

Wyn · « **Reply #126 on:** »

December 23rd, 7:36 pm -- Downtown Seattle -- Seren

Seren hesitated for a moment, drawing in a deep breath, forcing her mind and Beast to calm down. She was getting ready to go into a room with other Lycanthropes, some of whom were Leopard like her, others were rat and wolf.

She finally stepped out to the elevator car, cane sweeping from side to side letting her navigate over the raised edge of the car without catching the toe of her shoe on the minute gap.

Once out to the car she stopped and waited for Don, "Which way?" She would let him lead her the rest of the way.

Maxx · « **Reply #127 on:** »

December 23rd, 7:37 pm -- Downtown Seattle -- Don

"This way, I think," Don said. "No, the other way. Sorry." After a moment of confusion, he stopped and placed Seren's hand on a door knob. "Do you want me to come in with you?" he asked.

Wyn · « **Reply #128 on:** »

December 23rd, 7:39 pm -- Downtown Seattle -- Seren

She smiled as Don got turned around and then delivered her to the door of the conference room. "If you wouldn't mind," she said in response to his question, as she turned the knob and pushed the door open.

Maxx · « **Reply #129 on:** »

December 23th, 7:38 p.m. - Police Department Parking - Ian

"There's a spot," Ian called out, pointing to where a pick-up truck was pulling away from a parking meter. "He's probably left us a little time on it and hey, if they give you a ticket, you can always get them to fix it, right? I mean, we are here to help the cops, right?"

Maxx · « **Reply #130 on:** »

December 23th, 7:40 p.m. - Police Department - Don

"Sure," Don said, reaching for the door knob. "Sorry we're late," he announced, stepping inside. He recognized some of the people at the table, which was a good thing. He wasn't going to be dealing with a room full of strangers. "S'up? I'm Don, from one of the rat packs and this young lady is Seren. She's new in town. She's a wereleopard and needs to make contact. Do you think maybe one of you could help out with that?"

Cassie · « **Reply #131 on:** »

December 23th, 7:38 p.m. - Police Department Parking - Jonah

Jonah pulled in and parked the car. He did not care all that much about the time limit. However, there is a part of him that would rather not get a ticket. But, he was in a hurry. Jonah did not keep from straightening up his clothing, however. He was clearly a man whom placed some importance on his own appearance. Though he did try not to hold the same standards on others. He was willing to offer Ian a clean shirt but he was not sure Ian would accept. In any case, he got out of the car and when Ian was out, he locked the doors and started for the building. "Well, shall we be going in?"

Maxx · « **Reply #132 on:** »

December 23th, 7:39 p.m. - Police Department Parking - Ian

"We didn't come all this way for nothing," Ian said. "So, do we just walk in and ask or do you figure there will be signs?"

Cassie · « **Reply #133 on:** »

December 23th, 7:40 p.m. - Police Department - Jonah and Tristan

"I am sure we at least ask to be directed since I do not venture into this place often." He had an idea where to go but he was playing it a little coy out of politeness. He walked into the police department and addressed a receptionist on directions to the conference room. After she was done speaking, he glanced over his shoulder, at Ian and then raised his right hand to gesture for the hyena to follow. The fox seemed to flow with every movement as they made their way to the elevator leading up to the selected floor. He was not in the frame of mind of conversation so he remained in his silence. As they came off the elevator, he began to move towards a room in which two others had entered.

"I believe this is it," he said without even bothering to see if Ian was listening. He had reached for the knob shortly after the first two had already gone in. He seemed to wait a couple of seconds before taking a deep breath and putting on that charming and welcoming smile he used when dealing in networking and business. It was all in the act of progress. His performance was to welcome all and hold a neutral front. When ready, he walked in. His first approach was to move around anyone that might be in the way without being rude about it; and then move towards where Domenic stood. He continued to smile as he said, so all could here, "So terribly sorry I am late."

Meanwhile, Tristan had been sitting rather impatiently as he removed his first complete drawing and began a new one. He paused when two lycan opened the door to enter. The vampire gazed up and let out a heavy sigh. It was not because he hated lycan; it was because he knew they did not like his kind and he was starting to wish he did not show up at the meeting. He sort of felt cornered. When the third Lycan wondered into the room, he even began to loose focus on his work. His eyes began to search everyone in the room for something that seemed generally welcoming and friendly. Tristn sighed again as he tried to go back to work on his second drawing.

Wyn · « **Reply #134 on:** »

December 23th, 7:40 p.m. - Police Department - Seren

Seren shifted nervously from one foot to the other, her senses going into overdrive as she took in the smells around the room. She wanted to find a seat that was out of the way, "Hello," she said in general before leaning close and asking Don where the closest chair was.

Maxx · « **Reply #135 on:** »

OOC: I know you people are out there. Somebody please post for their character....

Darkflame · « **Reply #136 on:** »

December 23th, 7:40 p.m. - Police Department - Lillia

Lillia blinked at the newcomers, settling down into her seat. A small smile re-emerged on her lips. Aparently they would have a few more people than they thought.

Maxx · « **Reply #137 on:** »

December 23th, 7:41 p.m. - Police Department - Don

Don grinned at Lillia. It was good to see a familiar face. He winked at Cynara and was pleased to see that there were seats between the two women. "I've got a good seat for you," he said to Seren. "Just around the corner of the table, pasted this chair and-" Don put Seren's hand on the back of a chair "-here's you spot. I'll be on your left. The rather charming young lady on your right is Cynara. She's like you."

Seren could feel the Beast inside of her reacting, eager, excited. It made it difficult to think, difficult to remember that she was human as well as leopard and not just leopard.

Across the room, Ian was looking at the others assembled around the table. "You've got to be kidding me," he said. "A white albino lab rat and a blind leopard? What's next?"

"What's next is you take a seat and introduce yourself," Domenic said. "You as well, please Jonah. My name is Domenic Sozio. I'm chairing this meeting, which has only just gotten past the introduction phase. We're currently discussing the possibility of a school for children infected with lycanthropy. Any thoughts or ideas?"

Cassie · « **Reply #138 on:** »

December 23th, 7:41 p.m. - Police Department - Jonah

Jonah hid the need to chuckle when he heard Ian rudely comment on two of the Lycan. He stifled it do to knowing that it might insult someone. He cleared his throat and continued to hold that lovely, full-lipped, smile as he scanned over all of those that showed up. He was kind of shocked to see a vampire but paid little attention to that factor. After a quick dusting off his vest. "I known as Jonah Revanos; your local jack of all triads and net-worker by profession." He smiled, cleared his throat again and gazed over at the Padre. "Oh, and splendid idea. A school should do wonders. If at all possible, even special courses to help teach self control." Educating others was a beautiful thing; in that lycan's eyes. His reaction was in complete honesty.

Darkflame · « **Reply #139 on:** »

December 23th, 7:42 p.m. - Police Department - Lillia

Lillia smiled at Don, somewhat surprised at him being there, but glad none the less. As he moved to sit next to her, her beast reached out and brushed against his in welcome. Of course, the insult was not unnoticed. She chose to take it as an unfortunate case of lack of filter between mind and mouth. The skin around her eyes tightened, and her hand twitched in response, but she was a lady after all, and would not make a fuss over such a small thing.

Wyn · « **Reply #140 on:** »

December 23th, 7:43 p.m. - Police Department - Seren

Seren sat in the chair Don had directed her to, her beast was roiling about trying to get out, and it was making the normally calm young woman edgy. She wanted to find a nice quite dark corner to hide in before she made a major scene.

Unseeing eyes turned towards the man who'd spoken so harshly about her and another. With a shaking hand she reached up and slipped her sunglasses off. "Yes I am blind, yes I am a leopard, neither by my own choice. One a defect from birth the other the incompetency of a lab tech; I'm sorry that you find my presence here so offensive that you feel you must make an ass of yourself."

Once done speaking she turned in the direction of the man who'd spoken chastising the other as well, "It's a pleasure to meet you," she said before slipping the dark glasses back on and folding her hands in her lap, one finger tapping out the opening words to Don't Cry For Me Argentina

Lady_Cynara · « **Reply #141 on:** »

December 23th, 7:45 p.m. - Police Department - Cynara

Cynara had grinned over at Don when he winked at her, and was happy that he moved to sit near her, bringing along the leopard he had mentioned was trying to make contact with the Pard. They sat down beside her and she was amazed at the roll of the girls beast that radiated off her. Cynara had only felt something like that from those who were new, or who had little control over their beast. Without thinking anything of it, she reached over and set her hand on the blind womans, willing her own beast to help soothe the one inside Seren that seemed so aggitated.

Wyn · « **Reply #142 on:** »

December 23th, 7:46 p.m. - Police Department - Seren

Seren jumped in her seat, startled at the touch of another. She felt the brush of fur against her skin and the scent of leopard reached her noses. At the touch she felt her beast start to settle, giving a timid little chirrup at the others'.

Her natural inclination was to pull away from the hand laying on top of hers', so used to the discomfort she'd sense with her parents and brother. She dropped her head down as if she were ashamed of how she'd reacted to both Ian's comment and the touch of Cynara.

Cassie · « **Reply #143 on:** »

December 23th, 7:41 p.m. - Police Department - Jonah and Tristan

Jonah watched the group as it would seem that they would loose focus. He was curious on how Domenic would even handle a group lacking structure. Jonah took a seat close to the front but kept his smile. He said to the group, "I believe we were discussing education options." Meanwhile, the vampire of the group was growing uneasy. However, he noticed that a couple of them seemed to fuss over Seren. This made him curious. He could tell she was blind but he did not see her as handicapped. However, he watched her in wonderment on what made her so tense. However, he moved away from the albino he had sat by and selected a seat a little more to himself. He sort of felt on his own so he let it be as such. When the topic was re-brought up, his eyes shifted from the lycan stopped on the Father.

Maxx · « **Reply #144 on:** »

December 23th, 7:46 p.m. - Police Department - Father Domenic Sozio

"There are a number of hurdles that need to be overcome before you can open an official school," Domenic said. "The curriculum has to be approved and staff have to be screened. Given the nature of the school you are proposing, several of the roadblocks are irrelevant, which means they need to be addressed for removal, rather than needing to be overcome, which will be an issue of its own." he sighed. "Helping people is never easy. The system assumes that you're up to something and tries to figure out what that is. That is why official sanction is so difficult."

"Unofficial schools exist all over the place," Ian said. "Private schools, schools with religious aims, all sorts of shit like that. We don't need a sanction to teach kids to read. People home school all the time. How is this any different?"

Goosekat · « **Reply #145 on:** »

December 23rd, 7:47 p.m. - - Seattle Police Department - - Daniel

Daniel stood. "I'll try to answer that question if you don't mind Father Sozio. First of all my name is Daniel Lafeat of the Seattle Police Department's Preternatural Unit." He turned to look at the lycan that had asked the latest question. "As to how opening a school for lycan is different then other schools the answer is both simple and complex at the same time. Most non-lycan's or vampire's see lycans as a kind of threat. One or two in any one place at any one time is not bad but any More then that and people start to get worried. In large groups, like there would be at a school, makes most humans down right paranoid. Even if most of the lycans in that group are children. I"m not saying that the paranoia is warranted, I'm just saying that it is there." Daniel looked at Father Sozio and Suki. "Do either of you have anything to add on the subject?" he asked with a slight smile.

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December 23rd, 7:47 p.m. - - Seattle Police Department - - Shale

"Once all the logistics of opening a school is figured out I am more then willing to help finance it." This comment was direct more at Lillia then anyone else in the room.

Maxx · « **Reply #146 on:** »

December 23rd, 7:48 p.m. - - Seattle Police Department - - Ian

The werehyena looked at the cop. "We assemble in groups all the time and nobody says shit," he said. "The wolves especially. They have a fucking game preserve south of the city. A school is certainly going to be less of an issue than a place where you know they're getting on all fours to kill with teeth and claws." The shapeshifters and vampires in the room could detect the subtle growl that accompanied those last few words. Clearly killing with tooth and claw was something that excited him.

A small shudder went through him as he pushed past the thought of hunting. "It's been a while but I used to teach at a mission in Africa. I don't have a formal degree but that doesn't mean I don't know basic math and other shit. I'd certainly be willing to help out, in exchange for a meal and a place to keep the rain and snow off every now and then."

Cassie · « **Reply #147 on:** »

December 23rd, 7:48 p.m. - - Seattle Police Department - Jonah

Jonah listened to statements thrown this way and that. He thought about the comments made and even raised a brow as he heard Ian speak. Something about man caused the posed man a moment of discomfort but that quickly passed and went without a second thought. Though it may have been that subtle growl that caused it. Jonah kept notes of the meeting and even added, "I have no problem with funding a lycan school. I believe it would benefit."

Cassie · « **Reply #148 on:** »

December 23rd, 7:48 p.m. - - Seattle Police Department- Tristan

Tristan sat back with optics locked on each person as they spoke. The vampire seemed to scowl. All the conversation caused him to shift a little as if needing to leave. Those lovely blues finally stopped on his second drawing. With a heavy sigh, he added, "Maybe the different communities..." He winced and then groaned. "M-maybe they should come together and do something about a painful reality. Maybe if we put our money to better shelters.. and safer... What I mean is, if we show the human's we are something more then blood sucking leaches and flesh mauling beasts they would not fear us so much." He sucked in deeply as he fought off a nausea. The pretty male tried to be heard but he had a little trouble speaking up in front of groups of people

Darkflame · « **Reply #149 on:** »

December 23rd, 7:49 p.m. - - Seattle Police Department- Lillia

"Funding is only one part of the problem, those skilled enough to teach are another. Believe me, we would love to see the kind of unity that would come with understanding, but that is a hard path to travel, as most of us have seen, some more than others. I'm very glad to hear the willingness to help in this effort, and I know Nick will too. We need to do this the right way, so people can see us as civilized beings, and not blood sucking leeches and flesh mauling beasts." Lillia said with a nod to the pretty vampire. "That means cutting through the red tape, making sure that we abide by laws and regulations. Thats why we don't want to just gather kids together and teach them. Thats important too, of course, but this is also about something bigger. You don't have to be human to be humane."