The New Blood (chapter 1)

[Trellin]

Out in Cayuga - 2:22pm - Parking lot of the A&W

Samuel smiled at Akira, "Mystery-girl, I promise I'm familiar with the need for secrecy and agree its a matter of survival for for the department as well. As for handling it well, I have two advantages over most people. One, I had a weeks worth of warning to mull over what was going to happen, and two, it's looking like I won't have to kill anyone to protect the existence of myself or my people. I hope you have no idea how much of a relief that is", he said with a genuine smile.

"I need to drop off the cruiser at the station and I can pick up my jeep there as well, if we have time to drive. If not, I always keep a bag packed with everything I need for at least ten days. So, first question, where are we headed?"

[LadyJallyn]

Out in Cayuga - 2:22pm - Parking lot of the A&W

"Thats easy to drop off your cruiser then to your place so you can pack everything you need for a couple weeks. After that you can follow me in your car and well drive out to our destination. Normally we like new recruits to bunker down and get used to the whos who and whats what for that long. I asure you it will be a 'trip' to be sure. You are a pretty opened person I am assuming or they wouldn't have sent me out here to scout you. You think you will have a problem working with mages, shapshifters, vampires, psychics and the sort?"

[Trellin]

Out in Cayuga - 2:22pm - Parking lot of the A&W

He looked at her as he opened the door to head to his car and a huge grin appeared on his face, "Frankly, I don't think you could understand how eager I am to start", he said with a laugh. "We can talk more while you give me a lift back to my car. Do you know where the station is or do you want to follow me? It will take a minute to clean out my desk before I go."

[LadyJallyn]

In the parking lot of the Hamilton Psychiatric Hospital- 4:15pm -Akira

Akira parked in the facility's parking lot and got out.  The trafic had been decent and Samuel was a fast and efficient packer. "Well this is home sweet home." She said as she pulled out her key card and swiped it at the entrance and they entered the door clicked with a lock.

The two wandered down a long hallway past several abandoned nurses stations and rooms with heavy metal doors. At the end of the Hallway Akira slid her card though another Door and deaked to the left. Her sensible shoes clicked and echoed down the hallway.  She paused at what looked to be a storage room there was no window and it was marked as storage. She opened the large room. Too big to be a closet but too small to be a medical room. Amidst the cleaning supplies she reached into the darkness with her card and there was a soft beep.

The supply rack began to vibrate and move to the side revealing an elevator entrance. "Welcome to Department7  Mr. Keme." Akira said with a grim as she and he entered and she watched the doors close and felt the elevator descend...

[Trellin]

In the parking lot of the Hamilton Psychiatric Hospital- 4:15pm -Samuel

When he got out of his old beaten jeep he gave a laugh of pure delight as he grabbed a well worn, ancient looking canvas rucksack out of the back and tossed it over one shoulder where it sat like a familiar friend. He looked around taking it all in and marveling at the size of the city. He had been just fourteen the last time he'd been in a city remotely as large as this and the memories did not prepare him for the reality. So many people, places, things to do and see. He loved the res but he should have wandered much farther, much sooner than now. 'He was truly going to enjoy this, he thought.'

He met Mystery Girl at her car and followed her inside. When they got to the storeroom he couldn't wait to see what happened next. This was just like a damned movie! She turned to him with a grin that he found infectious and welcomed him to Department 7, he couldn't contain himself anymore and swept the smaller girl up by the waist with his free left arm spun her around in a graceful pirouette laughing and when they had turned full circle, he kissed her soundly and set her back down, laughing some more and declaring, "I really think I am going to love it here!"

[LadyJallyn]

Inside department 7l- 4:18pm -Akira

The slender Asian went several shades of pink and stood there motionless after having been picked up swung around and set back down. It felt incredibly warm in that elevator and she didn't trust herself to speak lest her voice wavered.

Eventually she cleared her throat as the door swung open letting with it fresh air enter the confined space. The hallway itself seemed almost circular the sense the it curves off to either direction in front of the elevator was a receptionists desk. However it was empty. Behind it was a set of heavy steel doors. "Don't be nervous. If thruth be told I've worked for the Agency for about a year now. You really do get used to things. However this is a new branch I've been assigned to and you are my first recruit for the Hamilton Branch..." She rambled on trying to push the event with him and her in the elevator from her mind. She led him to the double doors and used her key card. "You really do get used to..."

She paused as the door swing open into the lounge area to find a very large wolf siting on the sofa licking its nuts. "To... the things you see around here." She managed to finish. "So any questions so far?"

[Salamanth]

The knock brought Destiny's eyes towards the door and she smiled at the young woman who rolled in the serving tray. Once "Thank You Miss" she said t the girl who brought the drinks and rose to pour herself a cup adding a squirt of lemon and nothing else. She took a sip as the girl left and closed the door firmly behind her. She raised her eyes once more to Heinrich and composed herself her blue eyes looking introspective.

She parted her lips then Mister Faust was speaking offering her a position a room...which the very thought made the butterflies in her stomach take flight. The fluttering continued and she looked at the man.. "I am a student first and foremost..I am getting my PHD right now." she said softly "Any pay check government or otherwise be great a room here..I have my own apartment. It is small and shabby and well mine!"

She thought about what was being said trying to figure out what her gift could do to help with such things and the thought  that there were others different like herself excited her. "I do not know..if I could stay here for long periods..there is so much death.." she said this with a whisper "I would find it hard to sleep,to concentrate...but to use this curse to help..'her smile was brilliant in its brightness. "please let it be known I am not very brave...or a heroine. Still if you think I could help this Department 7 well where do I sign up."

[Maxx]

Inside department 7- 4:18pm - Nicky Dingo

On closer inspection, it seemed more dog than wolf but there was a considerable amount of wolf in its parentage.  It paused mid lick and it's head turned to take in the newcomers, nostrils flaring as it took in their scent.  Whatever it smelled caught its attention because it perked up but didn't climb down from the couch.

[Maxx]

Inside department 7 Director's Office - 4:30pm - Heinrich Faust

Heinrich smiled.  "You may find that warding your rooms might help you sleep.  After all, if the spirits can't get in, they can't keep you awake.  You don't need to stay in the facility either.  As I indicated, you can use the rooms for whatever you want.  As far as all the death here, perhaps you can talk a few of them into moving on.  Spirits aren't my forte but I have some knowledge.  There is also an excellent resource centre, so you can continue your studies towards your doctorate.  As far as where you sign, I'm going to give you some papers to read over and when you're done, I'll introduce you to some of our other new recruits, as well as a few old hands.  We'll handle all the formal orientations together, rather than having to go through everything separately for each person."

He slid a file folder across the desk which had an odd emblem on it.  "Have a quick look through this.  It covers our benefits package and a few other things of interest, like payroll deductions and our confidentiality agreement.  Welcome to Department 7."

[Salamanth]

The folder was taken and she looked up and smiled "Warding?" she asked softly carefully not wanting to seem hopelessly ignorant but in truth she was. "I am afraid my gift is raw untrained...really. It is just something I could always do...but my uncle.." Her voice trailed off and she looked away as she remembered him her personal demon though his parishioners would call him an angel looming over her like some great beast angry growling "forbade it I was never to say I saw ghosts or spoke to dead..." she looked up.. "Telling family secrets is even a greater a sin then speaking to the dead" She gave a small smile.."You deserve to know that I am untrained. if you wish to rescind your offer I will understand.

Destiny then stood the folder held in one hand and she looked at her new boss if he still wanted her hat is "But if you do wish me to be here I would love those introduction." She looked up at Heinrich smiling shyly again 

[Trellin]

Inside department 7- 4:18pm - Samuel Keme

He grinned even more at Mystery Girls reaction to his episode of spontaneous joy. Well, no help for it, she's going to have to get used to the fact that like most members of his species he had a tendency towards physical contact. Well, when the mood struck, at least.

As the double doors opened and they stepped into the room, he lost track of what she was saying as he spied the wolf on the couch. He froze for a moment, his face becoming a blank mask as the instincts trained into him by his teacher kicked into high gear and he felt a surge of adrenaline and the fight or flight response was triggered. He shrugged the ruck off his shoulder and he caught it in his hand as it dropped. It wasn't moving. Surely the wolf smelled what he was but it wasn't making a move. He knew he would change involuntarily if he didn't keep himself under control. It then occurred to him this thing didn't look like a true wolf. It was slightly off, more like one of the wolf hybrids that were popular in some areas. But it couldn't be a true animal or it would have been going nuts by now.

He was starting to become fascinated on top of his adrenaline rush. Instead of fighting against the urge to shift he guided it and let himself shift into sokto form. He felt his clothing tightening and begin to tear and raised his hands, palms out and pack still in hand, in a sign of peace, making sure not to unsheathe his claws. The small change was finished in an eyeblink and he opened his mouth and breathed in drinking in the smell and taste of the room. His sharpened eyesight now assured him that despite his reflex this was not a garou.

[Maxx]

Inside department 7 Director's Office - 4:31 pm - Heinrich Faust

"Your uncle sounds like an ass-hat,"  Heinrich said.  "Your dear friend the professor was quite clear on your lack of training.  It's one of the areas we can help you with.  There are a number of agents who will be able to teach you the tricks of the trade and if they can't teach you directly, they'll be able to point you in the right direction."

[LadyJallyn]

Inside department 7- 4:19pm - Akira

Shit shit shit Akira thought. "Samuel please calm down." Akira replied trying to keep her voice calm. "This is one of your co workers."

She raced to remember the names on the dossiers that she had studied for the few days before she came to Hamilton. "I believe thats uhhh.... Agent Dingo? Formerly from Australia and is a werewolf. He wont hurt you." She added quickly "Please tell me you remember your tolerance chat that we had at your house. WE DO NOT SCRAP WITH CO WORKERS...."

[Maxx]

Inside department 7- 4:19 pm - Nicky Dingo

The instant the Bastet's flesh began to shift, the wolf-dog was off the couch, flowing up into a standing position only a fraction of a second behind Samuel.  He too took the 'more than human shape, the one his people referred to as Mr Hyde, an over tall, over muscled hulk meant for combat.  From somewhere, clothes materialized that fit the Glabro form as if they were tailored to it, despite the fact that they looked worn and shabby.  

"Got a problem?"  The voice was strongly accented with an Australian twang and the tone was far from confrontational.  It seemed almost lazy.

[Trellin]

Inside department 7- 4:19 pm - Samuel Keme

Samuel watched the shift still not believing his senses. This was NOT like the garou that he had scented in his training. He knew there were others but didn't realize they would smell as different as the tribes of the Bastet - shit. Stupid mistake! Imbecile. OK, funny joke teach, always a new lesson, right?

"I'll be damned. I've never smelled a Garou like you before. I didn't think you were one at first, I just wanted to figure out what you were." He glanced at Akira, smelling the stress on her then back at the garou. "There's been precedent before for our people not slaughtering each other on sight. I can live with it if you can."

He forced himself to relax and tried to sort out the tangle of racial hatred, fascination, and the mix of irritation and humor that his teacher had likely left the gap on purpose.

[LadyJallyn]

Inside department 7- 4:19 pm - Akira

Akira let out a soft sigh. Clearly there wasn't going to be a cat fight which was good. "With that accent I will assume you must be Agent Dingo. I am Akira Tanaka I'm the new department recruiter. Agent Dingo meet Samuel Keme our latest recruit. Would you like to give him a tour of the place?"

[Maxx]

Inside department 7- 4:20 pm - Nicky Dingo

Nicky's flesh rippled again as he shrunk back down into a decidedly human form.  The clothing he wore shrank with him.  "Never smelled a Garou like me?  I've never smelled anything like you period.  I've heard of other shifting breeds and I've met a coyote, a spider and a gator but never a cat.  Stands to reason they'd exist, I suppose.  Welcome to our little corner of Hell.  What leverage did they use to bring you on board?"  

He grinned and extended his hand but the smile didn't reach his eyes.  There were lines around them that spoke of damnation and those lines kept the smile at bay.  

[Salamanth]

Inside department 7 Director's Office - 4:31 pm - Destiny Jacobson

Training, years of training, being taught what was acceptable and what was betrayal kicked in for Destiny. "Uncle Matthew only had my best interests at heart" she murmured to Heinrich. She smiled at him and brushed her fingers over her skirt as she stood and looked at the man with a bright smile"I am looking forwards to..being here learning more about my gifts and others also." She placed the tea cup on the  tray then and waited to be escorted where ever.

[Maxx]

Inside department 7 Director's Office - 4:31 pm - Heinrich Faust

"Your Uncle Matthew has the protection of his paradigm of reality at heart,"  Heinrich said, managing to keep most of the heat out of his voice.  "You didn't fit in properly, so you needed to be made to fit, because God forbid that he actually consider adjusting his view of reality. You will learn to reject his reality and substitute your own.  It will be a reality where werewolves and vampires aren't just myths, they're your neighbours, coworkers and friends.  Obviously the vampires work the night shift but one of the werewolves is on duty currently."  He chuckled, standing up and walking around the desk.  "Let me know if I'm going too fast for you.  It can be a little much to swallow all at once."

[Trellin]

Inside department 7- 4:20 pm - Samuel Keme

Samuel watched the Garou reclaim human form still somewhat shocked by the events of the past minute. He focused on what the dog was saying and felt a strange mixture of emotions; curiosity at what he knew and the stories his kind told about the Bastet, respect for his honesty, uncertain if he should be angry or glad that the existence of the Bastet didn't seem to be common knowledge.

He unselfconsciously ripped off his tattered jeans, which were almost falling off anyway, in a smooth motion as he took human form again. As he opened his ruck to grab a pair of second-hand looking jeans and began putting them on he said in a quiet voice, "The Wars of Rage were hard on us."

He was quiet a moment as he finished putting on his jeans. When he was done he held out his hand and his eyes held a hint of wry amusement in them and he said, "I volunteered. What about you?"

[Goosekat]

Inside of a solitary confinement cell in an Ottawa prison - 6:03 a.m. - Tabitha (the day before)

Tabby awoke and for the briefest of moments she was not sure where she was.  Less then three seconds later the sounds and smells that surrounded her came flooding in.  She groaned, rolled out from under the 'bed' that was bolted to the wall, stood up and stretched.  It had been eleven days, seven hours and thirteen minutes since she had first been placed in the solitary confinement cell.  Somewhere down the corridor the off-tune whistling of one of the units guards came floating her way.  It was the same off-tune whistling she had awoken too since she arrived.  Sitting down on the 1/4 inch thick mattress, Tabitha let out a sigh.  The undercurrent of tension that was always present on the block hummed in the background but today there was something different about it, something she couldn't quite figure out.

[Salamanth]

Inside department 7 Director's Office - 4:32 pm - Destiny Jacobson

The bright blue of Destiny's eyes become darker, thoughtful, as she weighed what Heinrich said about her Uncle and slowly nodded.

"The only statement I might argue is being made to fit I wanted to fit but I have never been good at lying so Uncle Mathew and I clashed." she gave a shake as if trying to make the dark memories vanish knowing they would not just as the lost souls who sought her out would never leave either.

"Werewolves, vampires..I have been helping Professor Armincourt for a years time and how much more unbelievable are they then a person who for some reason is attuned with the dead..attuned enough that they can manifest and speak with her? "She licked her lips "friends are important ...I am not very good at making those being thought weird by the outsiders and well .." she did not wish to say what those folk who belonged to her Uncle's secular world the commune/cult as many outsiders viewed that tiny secluded town she had grown up in, thought of her and her gift.

"I think it might be interesting to meet some of these folks" She stepped towards the door as she said this.

[LadyJallyn]

Inside department 7- 4:21 pm - Akira

Akira stood motionless and silent as Samuel got dressed. She couldnt help but stare at the naked werecat as he got dressed. Afraid that maybe he would feel her eyes on his as she averted her gaze politely. "So are you ready for the tour then? I was only offering you taking him Mr. Dingo if you were busy, which may just be the case."

She looked back up intime to see Samuel slide a pair of faded and well fitting jeans up to rest on perfectly tanned hips. Her eyes drifted up his toned stomach and chest to find the mans face. He is a co worker dont gawk like a school girl Tanaka...But its almost painful to watch him run around like that... Ok new rule carry with you at all times those disposable paper coveralls so you don't have to watch dances with kittens looking too hot for words... "Lets show you where the kitchen and other useful areas are."

[Maxx]

Inside department 7- 4:22 pm - Nicky Dingo

Nicky shrugged.  "The usual,"  he said.  "Threats of deportation."  He tossed Akira a wink and blew her a kiss.  "I'll take care of the new kitten, Love," he said, his accent obvious.  "The kitchens are a good place to start.  If it was later, we'd be able to get our mitts on some epic cookies.  Babadora loves to bake but she's still dead for another few hours."

He didn't wait for Samuel to finish dressing before he headed down the hallway.  "I promise not to make jokes about litter boxes if you tell me what the fuck you are."

[Maxx]

Inside department 7 Director's Office - 4:32 pm - Heinrich

"you won't be able to meet any of the vampires until later, obviously,"  Heinrich said, standing and moving around his desk.  "But we can check out the facility and hopefully we'll run into one or two of them along the way.  I know one of our recruiters has just brought in another candidate.  Maybe we'll run into them as well."  He opened the door.  "Shall we?"