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Topic: Family Business (Read 16178 times)
[archive] Killer39787726
Posts: 160
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Re: Family Business
Reply #135 on:
May 29, 2006, 11:44:00 am »
If she paid me enough, she might get my undivided attention.
I look around, trying to look casual.
"Her name is Marie, one of you torries� I turned to Caliori, for a couple of seconds. I don't exactly fix my gaze on her eyes, instead I let my eyes wander around her figure. It might make me look like the horny leech that was just talking to her. Then I turned to the girl. The trick was to avoid eye contact, not letting she know I was doing that.
"I just found her earlier tonight. She seemed lost, and I thought it would be best to deliver her to you. I told her the rules, but I don't have vocation to play babysitter�
It felt better to stick closer to the truth, hoping it would diminish the chance of getting caught in a lie. To avoid tripping on my own tongue.
If it's not found out, a lie becomes the truth.
Cant we all just get along?...No? Ok...then i will just rip your head off.
[archive] Year_of_the_Scarab
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Re: Family Business
Reply #136 on:
May 29, 2006, 04:13:00 pm »
"Oh?" Caliori gave him a puzzled, though amused look "And I was the first person that came to your mind, I see. You believe me to be too much of a philanthropist, Jake. Am I to expect you start hauling random fledglings off the streets and into my domain?" well... ok, it
sound a bit ludicrous when she put it like that, Jake thought and sent a few unvoiced obscenities in the general direction of the ugly bastard that put him up to this. He opened his mouth to respond, but Caliori bet him to it
"Ah, do hush. This Kindred can speak for her herself, yes?" she stopped him, facing Marie now. Leaning slightly forward she picked up in a mockingly conspirational tone "Mr. Kraven seems to be full of surprises. And here I was thinking I've already figured him out. Brujah." she concluded, rolling her eyes at the word, as if it explained everything.
Marie suddenly felt a few inches shorter. First this whole gethering of predators, walking around casually as if it was the most mundane thing in the world. Then Neil's friend, or whoever he was, spreading an almost tangible cold aura around him, making her wonder briefly whether there was a single "human" thing left about him. Now this woman, holding her gaze, who was just, absolutely...
So, there seemed to be much for her to learn in this new... "life".
"Well then, 'Marie', was it?" the 'Primogen' broke her out of her reverie "Bonsoir, et bienvenue à Cawford. What brings you to our..." she smirked "fair city?"
[archive] Skinweaver
Posts: 834
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Re: Family Business
Reply #137 on:
May 31, 2006, 05:41:00 pm »
Rebecka cringed at the sight of the Nosferatu and his hideous claws. The grin didn't make things better.
It was hard to tell if he had acturally made an effort to cover up the typical Nosferatu musk with cheap cologne or if he really smelled that way naturally. Though she had to admit that she had expected something much worse in terms of appearance. Now that she thought about it, the discomfort of being in the same room as this creature was overshadowed by the amusing fact that this vermin among vermin acturally lived with the city's rats.
Scoping the room further with her one functional eye she gave the man who's name was supposedly "Bitterman" a quick glance.
Unlike the other presence at the table, this one's Clan heritage was more difficult to pinpoint.
Like most other Kindred he hid his nature well and fit the stereotype of the hidden predator. His clothing only further enforced the image into something just as obvious as spotting Dracula in a movie. Just look for the guy with the trashy accent.
In addition to this, there was something in his eyes. Something unsettling.
There wasn't much reason in focusing on such things at the moment.
She would find out about the others eventually and there were more important games to play than "guess the clan".
A moment after she turned to her host for yet another game.
The age old, oh so popular game of being social.
The whole building was a playground tonight.
"And on behalf of House Tremere, it's a pleasure to meet you too."
Rebecka forced a smile. The words left a bitter taste.
[archive] Bloodreaper33413943
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Re: Family Business
Reply #138 on:
June 02, 2006, 03:03:00 am »
"Merci pour votre salutation de genre," Marie replied. "I was... sired in Baltimore and made my way here by chance." She hoped that this would satisfy any curiosity Ms. Caliori had on the subject. Although she would do so if required, she did not wish to have to relive that night right now. She felt a strong desire to make a good impression with Caliori. Not for Neil's sake, but for her own. Only several seconds after meeting this woman, Marie found herself in total awe. Caliori was everything she wanted to be and more, confident, commanding, seductive and... strong. Not visibly of course, but her speech and stance spoke volumes of an iron will that would not be denied. Marie knew in that moment, she would do anything and everything in her power to earn this woman... no, creature's favor.
"As a member of your clan, I wish to submit myself to your superior judgment and experience, lady Caliori."
When the game is over, the king and the pawn go back in the same box
[archive] Grendel8101
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Re: Family Business
Reply #139 on:
June 04, 2006, 12:12:00 am »
So they were sending a Nos, a Tremere and a Malk? This was like a bad bar joke.
The Nosferatu looked like your typical Nos, but chances were he was pretty sharp. The Nosferatu rarely do anything half-assed. Pro's, through and through. As long as you didn't try and fuck them over and didn't have anything they wanted, they were good for business.
The Tremere were pro's at...whatever the hell the Tremere did, but they were also solitary, reclusive and just plain creepy. The chick looked like she'd had a rough life before getting vamped. One of her eyes was fucked up.
I remember something about the blood-o-gram Pina's little prick showed me, where everyone else on the mission would have their own agenda and I'd have to make sure they all stayed in line. Great. Babysitting never works well with other vamps. This would all end in tears.
A mosquito lands on my folded hands. I stare at it. I resist the urge to slap it and slowly rub my hands to scare it off, hoping no one notices. It keeps flying away, then returning. It lands in my palm.
I slap my hands together. Everyone's eyes flick to me.
"Shall we get down to business?" I say, smiling.
[archive] Year_of_the_Scarab
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Re: Family Business
Reply #140 on:
June 04, 2006, 12:55:00 pm »
"Baltimore." Caliori said thoughtfully "I see."
Jake had heard a bit about the shit that went down in Baltimore, but not much, seeing as there were few survivors left to tell the tale. Then again, there had been a full out war out there until mere weeks ago. Hell, in some places it was still going on. So stories of impromptu Embraces were so common it was almost mundane. Sire-less fledglings that had been left to fend for their own were a dime a dozen in every "surviving" Camarilla city; probably in others too. Tough luck to start a new existence right now, but life was hard like that.
"But let us not speak of unpleasant matters tonight. This
supposed to be a celebration, after all." the Primogen continued, taking Marie's hand and hooking her arm under hers. As she led the younger Toreador alongside her, she turned to Jake "Walk with us for a moment."
She led them through the maze of pillar, panel, Kindred and servant, stopping one of the latter on the way to pick up fresh bloodwine glasses. A few guests greeted them (well,
mostly) in passing respectfully, and Jake fought down a sly smirk that had threatened to appear on his face despite himself as they passed a few familiar faces. He wasn't much for pretense of station or rank, but a few bowed pompous heads did stroke his ego just a little bit. Meanwhile, Caliori was saying something about the dragon statues on display...
"...supposedly keepers of great knowledge, which they guarded fiercely. Some claimed them to be noble creatures, 'benevolent', if you wish. Guarding wanderers and sages, holding less kind creatures at bay – that route. Other sources, meanwhile, said them to be egotistical, vain and jealous, engaging in petty squabbles, wars and paranoia. Base, treacherous creatures claiming to a pretense of honor and sophistication." smiling at Marie she concluded "Sound like anyone you know? There is a lesson here. An obvious one, perhaps, but one many seem to forget."
Caliori kept the conversation up largely by herself, with Marie only giving a few "Yes ma'am, no ma'am" answers, until they reached a large open patio in the west wing. The area wasn't closed to guests, but for the moment they were alone; it was very slowly beginning to snow again. The Primogen let Marie's arm go and walked up to the balustrade. After a moment of taking in the surroundings, she took a sip from the glass and turned around to face the other Kindred
"So, Mr. Kraven, have you given thought to my proposition?"
"Lady, I don't even
what your proposition
." he replied flatly "You haven't given me any details."
"And I'm not going to." she grinned "If you're unsure of your abilities, then frankly, pardon but I have no use of them. We will settle my debt and speak of this no more. The city is full of Kindred looking for assignments, Jake, I don't need simple manpower. I need Kindred who can handle themselves. Take Marie here," she extended her hand towards the Toreador "She has had a difficult start in this, but unlike others in that situation, she managed to survive. That's some determination, at least, even if she still has plenty of room to... 'refine her graces', let's say. You, on the other hand, are your own Kindred and know what you
or can
do at this point. So it's a 'yes' or 'no' situation." she finished, shrugging somewhat apologetically. Jake frowned at the lecture a bit, though at least she was being frank, for whatever that was worth.
"What kind of money are we talking about here?" he heard himself say. The question had been on his mind, so he wasn't much surprised with himself. Caliori shook her head a bit patronizingly, but then named a sum. Well. It wasn't what he expected. But before he could tell her so, she added
"Monthly, half of which up front." well, this was much,
better "If you prove to be worth it, of course. But you will have to make your decision with the information you have gathered so far. You
been gathering it, haven't you?" she smiled, apparently to herself this time "I'll offer this though: as unlikely as it may seem, it's possible that working for me you'll be performing a large service for Clan Brujah as a whole. But you'll be forced to take my word for it, as the 'details' are not to be handed out freely."
Jake made a sour face.
Well, shit, if this doesn't explain everything.
She enjoyed this cloak & dagger mysterious thing a lot, it seemed. Then her tone changed to neutral, as if the charade was tiring her too after all "Failing that, you take your payment for last night, and I bid you farewell. Your choice. There is a party for me to oversee, and I believe we're already beginning to bore Ms..." she turned to Marie
"Bedeau..." Marie supplied
"...Ms. Bedeau to death here." Caliori finished cheerily
The mansion, inside a ventilation shaft
Snake Eyes watched Nail disappear with the Ventrue and nodded to himself with satisfaction, very few Kindred had noticed Nail's presence in general and that's how Clan Nosferatu preferred it. The less the others saw of them, the more they would suspect, and paranoia was the Sewer Rat's friend. Let them think they are everywhere, watching. Actually, this wasn't far from the truth, Snake had been observing the 'festivities' for a while now. The beauty of it was that the shafts were such an obvious hiding spot that no one would actually think he'd choose them.
Navigating the installation from outside was beyond the abilities of most Kindred anyway. Then again, most Kindred didn't have Snake's elastic joints, allowing them to crawl through near-180-degree turns in the shafts. Neither would most Kindred be shielded by Priest's rites, making them invisible to the mansion's enchantments laid by the Warlocks. This shielding was limited and wouldn't hold in a direct confrontation... but direct confrontations were
what Snake was here for. The telescopic zoom of his Canon S1 camera provided all the contact he needed with the Licks down in the ballroom. The outer filter Don had provided made the glass panels in the mansion translucent, or at least see-through enough to take photos. They didn't actually know if this technique was known to someone else. The Nosferatu hadn't been responsible for altering the delivered panels, so the major question was "who had been?". It was a good idea, and that it's source was unknown was unnerving, especially at this time. This would need to be looked into, and was one of two reasons for Snake's presence tonight. The other was obvious.
"Say 'cheese', asshole." he muttered almost inaudibly under his breath as he adjusted the zoom on the next unknowing model
"Indeed, let's." the Ventrue said, taking place in her seat "The matter bringing us here tonight is tied to the recent Sabbat assault, both here in Cawford, and along the entire East Coast..." a brief history lesson followed, though she kept it focused "...As you all know, during those months many of our, that is Camarilla, cities were under siege, and quite a few of them fell to...
hands. However, we and the Sabbat are not the only ones who had taken losses. The Giovanni have tried to play both fronts, and eventually, exhausted the Sabbat's patience as we've witnessed during their confrontation in Munroe, but they have endured, this is common knowledge. What
is that due to the shifting influences, the Giovanni have lost much of their connections to their branch in Pittsburgh, effectively crippling their entire local infrastructure. And this leads us..." she let the pause stretch
"To the point where the Camarilla becomes useful to them again?" Nail ventured an educated guess
"That is where." Patillo picked up "And so, they've stepped forward with a proposition, details of which we'll have time to go over later, the important thing right now is that in exchange for the access to our resources, they are willing to side with the Camarilla against the Sabbat. Fact is, unfortunately, that the Camarilla is in no position to turn down alliances right now. The 'victory' we've achieved globally is a matter of perspective, as much as anything else, and should a Sabbat counteroffensive... unlikely as it may be, true, take place – Cawford will be both in its path and without outside help." this was what had been talked about in hushed tones during the last weeks – the city had endured, only to find itself in the proximity of not one but two new Sabbat strongholds. The closest Camarilla bastion of was NY, and to call that city a mess would be an understatement. The thing making the situation, pardon the expression,
at the moment was that the Sabbat was in an even worse condition. If the sources were right, the alliances had crumbled and in the wake of the deaths of the leaders, war raged in its ranks.
the sources were right.
"However, in the spirit of 'Too little, too late', we will be the ones dictating the terms of any such alliances. They are far more pressed than we are." the Ventrue continued "At this point, we have little reason to doubt the Giovanni sincerity. Naturally, we have even less reason to trust it, past dealings with them being what they were. This is why we are all gathered here, and why this matter requires more than a ghoul with a laptop." looking at Bitterman first, she continued, turning her gaze to Rebecka and finally to Nail "With the Giovanni there is always more than meets the eye, literally, hence the need of us being able to see beyond the obvious. They are also magicians after a fashion as much as they are entrepreneurs, dealing in both blood magic and knowledge, and perhaps most of all, subterfuge." she didn't explain her own role in the matter, for it needed no explanation.
"And why
, exactly? It seems as if any other Kindred would do." was the main question
"This, as far as I know, was a choice of our respective... peers." Sorana replied "They would know whom to entrust this to, I assume."
"Now, our flight will be leaving at 2:00 AM, which gives us," she looked at her watch "Well. Over an hour before we will need to leave for the airport. Transportation is provided for, though, if you so choose, you can use your own of course. Until that time, I'm afraid I have a small matter to attend to and am forced to leave you. This part of the mansion is otherwise closed to guests, having been 'reserved' for our privacy, feel free to peruse it. The Primogen's upper gallery is a sight to behold, so I've been told. Ms. Caliori's staff will be positively
to show you around..." she said with a somewhat ironic conspiratorial smile and promptly excused herself, getting up to leave.
[archive] Moonshadow70421598
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Re: Family Business
Reply #141 on:
June 04, 2006, 06:44:00 pm »
As Jackson cruised the dark streets of Redbrock in his beat up 67 convertible Ford Galaxy looking for just the right hooker he was reminded of his days back in L.A. He had really grown to despise that place. This was what he knew however and the hunger for blood was stronger than his desire to avoid the ghetto's. "That's right vato, keep on driving� he heard as he drove past a yard full of Mexicans working on a low rider "oh no, you didn't just call me vato� he thought to himself as he pulled the car over to the curb, slipping the column shifter into first, shutting the engine off and applying the parking brake. As he climbed out of the car he could see one of the other cholo's giving the lippy one a shove "what the fucks the matter you� , they where putting their forties down and bowing up like a bunch of tough guys. Jackson walked to the rear of the car and leaned against the trunk, lighting up a smoke. "you best be gettin back in your ride homie� one of the gang bangers spouted as he pointed what looked to be a forty five at him. Jackson just kept on smoking his cigarette, the one with the forty five started down the sidewalk towards him" are you lookin to die baboso� the other three were not quite as quick to make their way down the sidewalk but they were still on their way. As the bald Mexican reached Jackson, pointing the gun directly in his face Jackson finally spoke "you call me stupid again and I'm gonna shove that forty five so far up your ass you'll be shittin bullets for a week� his "awe� worked like a charm, the Mexican lowered the weapon and began to back away as though he had seen the devil himself. Entranced by the vampire they were more than willing to abide by his suggestion "lets go take a look at that ride your workin on� Jackson flicked what was left of his cigarette into the street.
While examining the primered Monte Carlo he could hear rap music coming from inside the house, "anybody else in their� he nodded towards the house. "Just a couple a ho's essay� Jackson moved towards the porch" don't be callin me essay� "sure thing man, you gotta name es…what you want us callin you� Jackson didn't answer. He watched the two girls from the window briefly before entering the house, they where easily entranced. "how you girls doin this evening� he sat between them on the couch and put an arm around each, they where speechless. "why don't you guys go back to work� he gave the Mexican that had followed him into the house the evil eye. He turned the stereo up to drowned out the dogs barking in the back yard �you, your comin with me� he pointed at the skinny one, and led her back through the house till he found a bedroom, her fear of angering Jackson made her easy to work with. He directed her onto the bed and began necking with her, and smelling her like a man smells a woman, but it was the scent of her blood he was after. He sunk his fangs into her neck and retracted them as he began to feed, the girl moaned in ecstasy, he could feel her heart rate dropping and he stopped just shy of rendering her unconscious. He could tell she had been expecting to be taken advantage of and now she seemed more than willing to let it happen as she began to undress herself for him. You could almost see the rejection destroying her as he left the room and headed back into the living room where the fat one was waiting, she looked at him sheepishly as though it was her turn "lose some weight bitch� and with that he headed back out into the front yard.
You could see the angst in the four cholo's as he walked past them, not sure whether to buddy up to him or run for their lives. He stopped and grabbed the lippy one with the small man syndrome by the jacket �do you know who I am� he growled "no� "that's right, you don't, so the next time you feel the need to act tough do it with one of your homeboys here� he shoved him away, he wanted to beat this kid down but he knew it would only bring him trouble. As he made his way back to his car he couldn't help but snicker at the use of his powers over these poor mortals, he knew they'd be hating him once his affect wore off but that only made it that much sweeter.
[archive] Killer39787726
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Re: Family Business
Reply #142 on:
June 06, 2006, 12:21:00 am »
She was a torrie alright. Already massaging Caliori's ego like a pro.
What do a deformed bastard, a one-eyed witch and a malk have in common? I didn't had the answer for that. Neither did I care to, but I just happen to catch a glimpse of them all dissapearing into the same direction.
One thing you learn as a cop is to always be alert to your surroundings, just so you could catch that maniac playing hide-and-kill behind your back. I learned it all a bit too late.
Colder than a walk-in fridge...Cold as a gun.
She talks like she had me all figured out. Maybe she had, maybe she didn't. Maybe she was just throwing away educated guesses, feeding me a line, hoping I take it.
My mind falls inexorably back to the night of my embrace. Back there I thought I was delusional, mad. No matter what I said or did, I was going to die, right?
Closing my eyes forces me to look at the darkness inside.
This time I knew that I was never going to wake up, that the nightmare was very real. An ex-cop, a cold-blooded killer, chain smoker and alcoholic leech. There was no glory in this. The good and the just, they were like gold dust in this city. I had no illusions. I was not one of them. I was no hero. My options had decreased to a singular course.
I already paid for my revenge tenfold, and I was always back where it started. I was already going to hell, this would be just be another devil's contract.
"Lady, you just keep the cash flowing�
It sounded better than my previous retirement plan. Put a bullet through my brain in the end of the road. If there wasn't anyone left to do it.
Turn around, walk away, blow town. That would have been the smart thing to do. I guess I wasn't that smart. Truth was I didn't think I deserved to walk away. There were no happy endings.
Cant we all just get along?...No? Ok...then i will just rip your head off.
[archive] Sodom40280831
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Re: Family Business
Reply #143 on:
June 06, 2006, 10:37:00 am »
After Sorana left, Nail got out of his chair and motioned one of the servants to come closer.
"Can I help you, sir?�
"Yeah, I haven't had a drink all night, so be a sport and go fetch the "wine-cart�.�
"Right away, sir�
The servant left the room only to return a few minutes later with a cart bearing a few wine-bottles. He stopped the cart in front of the table, left it there for all to use, filled one of the glasses with thick, red liquid from one of the bottles and approached Nail with it.
"There you go, sir.�
"Well thank you, Jeeves� Nail said as he took the glass and brought it to his mouth. Looking around, he noticed a few paintings on the walls. With the wine-glass in hand, he started casually strolling by each of the paintings, loudly voicing his opinion on each of them.
A beautiful sunset.
"Hate it.�
Two barely clothed lovers, kissing passionately.
"Hate it.�
A bunch of naked people, burning in the flames of what was probably supposed to look like hell.
"This one…I kind of like.� Nail said as he moved on to the next painting which depicted a rather demonic looking creature, standing over the body of a bleeding woman. Nail paused for a moment.
"Now I may not know art!�
He took a sip from his glass
"But I know what rings a few bells, heheh…�
He turned to Bitterman and the Tremere.
"Wouldn't you say?�
I'm so serious it's comical!
[archive] Skinweaver
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Re: Family Business
Reply #144 on:
June 19, 2006, 03:50:00 pm »
The sewer rat acturally wanted an opinion.
Jokingly, of course but the absurd comedy of this creature's attitude toward his own all to obvious nature made it all the more tempting to give an answer.
Art. Self promotion chanelled through imagined creativity onto a canvas. Leave it to the degenerates of this world to fawn over such things. To just imagine a Toreador in the same room brought an echo of Rebecka's latest encounter with one of them into her memory. A pretentious worm only interested in the inanimate objects around him, completely oblivious to the living, breathing, bleeding world around him. Just thinking about it made her feel sick.
"Whatever the artist's intentions were, they clearly knew what they wanted to make. I can't say I approve with the depiction of the supposed antagonist, though... too stereotypical."
There. Another attempt at acting social.
It had to be done, considering the events that would undoubtedly follow.
She gave the so called winecart a quick glance before turning away in disgust.
[archive] Year_of_the_Scarab
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Re: Family Business
Reply #145 on:
August 21, 2006, 05:22:00 pm »
On the balcony
"Lady, you just keep the cash flowing" Marie's new 'friend' was saying. He and, ah, Primogen Caliori here, were apparently discussing some business, but the conversation itself made little to no sense at all to the young Toreador. A sign of things to come, as they said, she supposed. And anyway, she didn't feel even a bit curious about the exchange between the other two. None at all. Strange, that. She shrugged.
"There's a fairly simple job for you to do tonight, though it does have a certain degree of immediacy, as it has to be concluded within the next few hours. Or in other words – before the Elysium ends. Judging on your results, we'll see just how well I'm spending my money." Caliori said in a businesslike manner
"Hmph. Fair enough." Jake replied shortly, this was beginning to be more up his alley. Parties and Primogen aside, this would be just another job, only the pay would be better
"Some information needs verifying. But neither I nor any of my more prominent employees can be connected to anything, so discretion is necessary. This is where you come in, obviously." she said, and some things became a bit clearer "I need you to go somewhere, have a look around, maybe ask a few questions, then bring me conclusions. Nothing too complicated." Jake was already thinking in working terms, but one thing still nagged at his thoughts
"This sounds more like a nossie job." he voiced it "They're the ones with the answers... or so people say. Why do you need me, here?"
"Perhaps I like you more. Perhaps I dislike them. Or I just enjoy being a nonconformist. Who can understand a woman?" Caliori replied laughingly, but then returned to a more serious tone "They know too much for their own good, and for all their definite... usefulness, have a habit of withholding details. Something I don't have the luxury of accepting or the inclination of tolerating. Good enough for your standards, Jake?"
"Will do." he shrugged "So where do I go and what do I do when I'm there?"
"29 Richfield blvd, Augustine. Closed apartment house next to a theatre. Cannot miss it. Has been out of business for the better part of last two years, but hasn't been touched by gangs, homeless or construction crews. One could wonder..." she paused theatrically "I know for a fact that the place has an off-limit area, reachable by the elevator... shaft."
"A haven?" he asked the most probable
"Nothing so mundane. Plus, those tend to be better guarded or disposed of, when no longer necessary. You'll see when you get there."
"Then what?"
"Oh, Jake." she tilted her head patronizingly "You used to be a detective, do what comes natural. Investigate. I want to know if the secret area is as 'secret' as advertised. There shouldn't have been any, and I mean
, activity around the place for the last three, three and a half month."
"And by 'activity' you mean..."
kind of activity. Which could be anything, I suppose. Ominous men in suits and shades, scary noises in the middle of the night, gargoyles leaping from the rooftop..." Caliori said, looking down from the balcony. She was playing again, and Jake supposed he'd gotten all the details he would need. "In your left coat pocket you will find your advance payment," he checked
How and when did she do that?
while Caliori continued thoughtfully "We will have to get you an account and a credit card eventually, cash is impractical and traceable. But I trust you'll manage for the time being."
Cash was 'impractical'?
he must've been living in the wrong part of town
"Now..." she turned back to him "The Elysium is scheduled to end around an hour and a half before dawn, but for our purposes it will effectively end somewhere before 3 AM. I believe you have somewhere to be, and soon?"
Inside the mansion
"Ultimately, it isn't our problem. You could take it to the Primogen, I suppose," the young black man told the Kindred that had been explaining something to him during the last few minutes gesticulating feverously "But I wouldn't want to give you false hopes. With all that's happening at the moment, the chances that you will get any of them to intervene here are pretty slim. I'm sorry, but that's just how it is. If you please excuse me." he finished, leaving the disgruntled man to himself. He left the panel section and grabbing a wine glass from a passing tray, he took a drink, then pressed the container to his chin lightly, thinking.
"And now. What was
all about?" he said to himself thoughtfully, looking in the direction of the door which Caliori and the other two had disappeared a moment ago. He looked around the room, searching for a particular person, but given her short stature, he wasn't much surprised when he didn't find her. Evelyn was a crafty Kindred and one of his most able clanmates, but having been Embraced in her early teens, she was easy to overlook in a crowd. He sighed and headed for the main door. Having left the building, he produced a cellphone from one of the pockets in his loosely fitting jacket and proceeded to scroll through the numbers until he reached the desired one. It took a moment to get a signal, the weather made phones act weird even without all the scrambling from the mansion's security. Finally he got through
"Gary? 'Sup, Frost here. Hello? The connection's shitty man, turn that thing down, I can barely hear you... Yeah, better. Frost here. Listen, you know that guy Kraven, right?" he spoke to the machine and paused as the voice on the other end replied "...Yeah, that one. How good do you know him anyway? ...Uhuh. I see. Know of anyone who's got some solid contact with him? ...Heh, seriously? Damn, what a hermit. Uhuh... Kay, kay, whatever. Look, I think we need someone to keep an eye on him, so somebody who knows him better would be handy." there was a pause "Hmm? Quinn... Quinn... Ah! Yeah, whassisname, Jackson, right? Ok, yeah, I know him. He'll do fine. Get in touch with the guy and send him here, tell him to find me. I'll be at Bishop's for the next two, three hours at least, so no rush, but I want him here tonight. ...Kay, peace." Frost finished and clicked off the phone
"This thing isn't by invitation only, you know. No need to freeze out here the whole night." he said, nodding in the direction of the mansion, as he passed one of the parked vehicles
"We're good, thanks." the burly ghoul answered, blowing cigarette smoke out through his nose. Frost thought he'd run into that one before, but couldn't place him. An Asian-looking girl – probably ghoul too, but he couldn't smell her so he wasn't sure – was sitting in the car Grizzly was leaning against, flipping through some records and shaking her head with exasperation. He thought he might recognize the ghoul by voice, but it was still pulling a blank, and it didn't really matter that much. Shrugging, he made his way back the mansion.
"Quite the charmer, hmm?" the Primogen chuckled turning to Marie after the Brujah had left them to themselves. The snowing had abated for the moment and only a few muted sounds from within the mansion were audible on the balcony. The younger Toreador picked up her glass that she had set aside during the others' conversation, which she attempted at least not to appear to be eavesdropping on, thinking the Primogen will usher her inside now. Caliori however didn't seem in any hurry to return to the festivities. Still leaning against the balustrade she lightly spun her glass, appearing to contemplating its content for a while. Marie shuffled her feet uncomfortably but kept still. She didn't feel it was her place to remind the Primogen of her presence, even if being so utterly forgotten didn't do much for her ego. Before she could dwell longer on this thought however, Caliori did speak up
"So, fledgling, what
you been told so far?" Marie blinked twice in mild confusion "About all of this. Being what we are." Caliori clarified, gesturing vaguely at the mansion and its current occupants. Well, there wasn't much, Marie realized, all she knew had come from Neil, and he'd given her more or less the 'bullet-points', as the Americans put it, not a great deal of detailed information. And truth be told, she couldn't even remember all of what he
said. She begun answering to the best of her ability, but the Primogen stopped her
"No, no, 'we' as in those of our blood, our Clan." she said setting her glass aside.
Snake Eyes wished the Chief had sent more people. Or at least that he had a couple more cameras, and an additional pair of eyes to go with them. He had been busy following selected conversations and noting the company important Kindred kept tonight, but even though he hadn't wasted a single minute this evening, he still felt that something was slipping past him. There was so much going on at the Elysium, he had to choose his targets carefully, despite 'professional interest' urging him to try and keep an eye on every single individual in the room below. From where he was crouching currently, he had easy access to another shaft on the adjoining wall, should he require better vantage. Despite being constantly busy however, Eyes was actually having a great time. He silently hoped Pina would still show up, the Malk really knew how to liven up the mood, though his errand boy was doing a passable job of freaking people out thus far. Miller's conversation with Charley Frost had been another merrier moment, and seeing him storm off after the Brujah had very politely told him to go fuck himself put a grin on Snake's face for a long while. You could say what you wanted about the Brujah, but they really had a low bullshit tolerance and rarely took it from anyone. Not the greatest disposition to have yourself, Snake mused, but fun to watch in others.
The precise moment at which Nail and company had returned downstairs he wasn't sure, but it couldn't have been more than a couple of minutes ago. Snake Eyes' clanmate and the broad-shouldered Malkavian hung back by one of the more imposing sculptures, while the warlock chick made a beeline through the crowd towards someone, whom Snake believed to be of her own Clan. Noticeably absent from the picture – Patillo. This was to be expected however, as the Ventrue would probably be joining daddy 'backstage' before the rest of the gathered would have the privilege of being graced by the oh-so-charming Prince's presence. Whether Rocher had actually arrived yet, Snake couldn't tell, though some of the remaining Primogen had already made their, uncharacteristically silent, entrances.
Some more silent than others,
the Nosferatu grinned to himself.
Turning his gaze towards the Tremere leader, who had brought a small entourage of her own along tonight, he found the Stein woman again. Standing further down the room by the warlock she had sought out before, she held her Primogen's gaze for a moment, then bowed shortly and walked away. The Nosferatu could read body language well enough to know that there had been some type of an exchange, but that was one sort of conversation neither technology nor espionage could tap into. With a mental shrug, he adjusted the lens of his camera on another target. His mood improved instantly
Well, well, well.
"The other clans... ask any for their view of the Toreador. You're
to hear the word 'vain' a lot. 'Shallow' from others, 'frivolous' from the tactful, 'preoccupied' from... well, most of the Ventrue. And I'll spare you the profanities of a Brujah's opinion..." Caliori shook her head slightly in amusement, and then laughed out loud seeing Marie's fairly bewildered expression "Snobbism, dear. Amidst all things 'Kine' we lose when transformed into what we are, good old human bigotry endures. Clan loyalties, Clan pride – and most of all, Clan prejudices. Among all of Caine's children, we are considered the weakest. This is, of course, our greatest strength." Marie put down her glass, thinking. Was this why Neil and Skull had been so forthcoming? Then again, the Primogen virtually radiated... what, power? Strenght? Confidence? Was she an exception, or didn't the others notice? Meanwhile, Caliori was talking again, but Marie wasn't sure if she was talking to her now, or repeating something she herself had been told somewhere along the line "You need to understand – the powers the blood grants us, they do
make us who we are."
"They do not?" that seemed like an odd thing to say, for it did appear the supernatural abilities of the blood set any given Kindred completely apart from pretty much any human
"In the slightest. You could gain a proficiency at the preternatural prowess of a Gangrel, yet that wouldn't allow you to match them in savagery. The manipulations of a Setite come fairly easy to those of our blood, but that does not one their equal at their... ah, baseness? And likewise, the others can adapt our gifts – but that does
mean they understand us." now the Primogen did look at her, and she felt almost rooted to the spot
"Take your friend Jake here, for example." Caliori nodded in the direction of the door through which the aforementioned had left just a moment ago. Marie wasn't sure what exactly, but there was also something strange about how the Primogen intoned the word 'friend', and for a second she felt slightly unnerved, but then the other woman continued "He has what you'd have to call a fairly wide-spread opinion of our bloodline. There are some who think even less of us, to be sure, but Mr. Kraven definitely doesn't hold me or you in high regard. By and large, we are mild irritants to him, easy to impress, deceive or remove, who can sometimes be useful in a... select few situations. A Toreador can manipulate the Kine, though a Ventrue is far more proficient at it; a Toreador can instill emotion, though a Brujah will make better use of the talent; a Toreador can be perceptive, but not to the degree of a Childe of Malkav – and that is it, as far as Mr. Kraven or any of his peers, is likely to give thought to it." the Primogen rolled her eyes somewhat theatrically, and slowly Marie felt the dawn of realization.
There had been a small voice in the back of her head, asking why she had been allowed to eavesdrop on the conversation between Caliori and Jake. It sounded not only important, but to a degree also dangerous. Up until now, subconsciously, she had assumed her ignorance of the city and its politics made her a small enough threat to be allowed to listen. This may have still been true, but she also realized there was a... demonstration of a sort, for her benefit. She asked Caliori about this.
"Very good. Yes." the Toreador chuckled "Do you think your Brujah friend noticed as well?" she let this linger for a moment, but this was a rhetorical question, and Marie didn't offer a reply. She did wonder though, if the Primogen was implying that they've
been playing a game here
"Now, you would do well not to apply the same standards and misconceptions to him, or any other Clan for that matter." Caliori was saying "Think him a fool, and you will be as shallow as he sees you. Believe him to be a simpleton, and you are indeed as naïve as he'd have you. Everything they think of us? We are. When we need to. Every flaw they notice? We have. When the right people are looking. Others work by strengths, we, more often than not, by weaknesses. Find a gullible Brujah, feed him slogans and nod along to his antics. Run into a lofty Ventrue, feign admiration and coerce favors quietly. Pretend ignorance to the Nosferatu, and filter information as if you didn't know its importance. Meet a labile Malkavian..." the Primogen stopped for a second, looking at Marie as if weighing her chances "...and run in the opposite direction." she decided finally "Either way. Stereotypes can be an efficient tool, as long as you don't fall for them yourself."
The younger Toreador absorbed every word. She did feel that Caliori was entertaining herself here a bit, but nonetheless any of this could save her unlife later on. This evening was even more important than she could've anticipated; she knew she had become a part of something bigger – that much Neil had told her up front. But she didn't realize just how big that 'something' was, and how small a part she was right then. And even this, the mansion, the Kindred here, were just a part of a bigger whole in turn. Either that was fairly intimidating or the liquored blood was making her slightly nauseous. She searched her head for a slight change of subject, as to not let the Primogen notice her uneasiness
"What about hum... ah, the 'Kine'?" she managed. Truth be told, there didn't seem to be a place for them in this 'Kindred world' Caliori was describing
"Well, what of them?" she returned the question, and Marie found herself talking. The Primogen listened with a slightly raised eyebrow but otherwise expressionless, and remained that way even after Marie finished. The silence stretched for a brief moment, and then she smiled and asked "What do you do, fledgling?"
"Pardon?" this time both of Marie's eyebrows rose in confusion as the sudden change of topic left her at a loss
"Is there some ability, a talent, hidden or otherwise, that the Embrace has awakened in you, I wonder? Or is it too early to tell, hmm? Such a thing can after all take mere nights, decades, or entire lifetimes. Some Toreador, unfortunately, never live long enough to find out. Wasted opportunities, unrealized potential and all that. One of unlife's harsher lessons, I suppose. Perhaps you're not there yet, as they say. You should definitely search for your path though," the Primogen offered, tapping her index finger on her chin as if thinking "there is an elegance even to trying." then she took Marie by the arm, leading her back to the mansion
"Perhaps you should visit one of my galleries here in Cawford. I'd definitely like to hear a fresh opinion on some of my own works..." and before Marie could respond, she picked up in a flatter tone "Then again, you may not have a chance to. This
a gathering of predators after all. And you
still have to introduce yourself to the Prince tonight, if I'm not mistaken, yes? This is a dangerous time to be in the city and in your position, especially tonight, and everyone is under
pressure, regardless of station..." she finished silently, and shook her head, looking around. There were a few more Kindred present in the ballroom than before, as far as Marie could tell, and slowly they begun gathering in front of the slightly elevated podium on the far side. She also noticed that more than a few heads turned to where she and the Primogen stood, not every of which had the friendliest expression towards Marie, a fact which wasn't lost upon Caliori either
"Well, here's where the speech ends. I haven't even touched the tip of the proverbial iceberg here, but I suppose that some things you have to find out by yourself, fledgling. If you do make it through this night, and I would be severely disappointed if you didn't, seek me out. Now, for the sake of my vocal chords... and your safety, as I see that some here seem fairly displeased about me spending time with Kindred other than themselves... I bid you a good night, Ms. Bedeau." and with a Hollywood smile, the Primogen left her alone among the dead again.
"Impressions?" Rocher asked, adjusting his tie in front of the mirror
"Hard to say." Sorana replied with a shrug. She looked around the room idly, eying the guards by the large double doors for a second before turning back to her sire. He and the Justicars had arrived almost half an hour ago, but chose to meet with the remaining present Primogen in private before joining the assembled Kindred in the ballroom. Rocher's entourage had left by now, as have the Justicars – much to Sorana's relief. There was something highly unnerving about being in the presence of someone as powerful as Lucinde, even despite her being Sorana's clanmate. And not to even mention Di Zagreb. The Tremere were a suspicious and shady group to begin with, and one of them wielding the power and influence of a Justicar was something to make a Kindred's skin crawl. She shook her head briefly to get rid of the thought and continued "We've barely spoken for five minutes. Not exactly time enough to run detailed character profiles."
"Oh, come now." Rocher chuckled, raising an eyebrow at her. He knew his Childe better than that
"Ah. Very well, as far as first impressions go at leastâ€â€" she relented, sighing sharply for dramatics' sake "Both the Malkavian and the Nosferatu seem to be fairly no-nonsense type of Kindred, should prove trustworthy enough, given the circumstances. I expect very little complication from their side, and the intel provided, spotty as it is, confirms that. Oh, and your speculation was correct about the sewer rat, by the way, there
more strings attached here, and didn't go to great lengths to deny it, but," she paused for a second "I don't think that will interfere with our business. If all goes as intended, anyway. The Malkavian, a Mr. 'Bitterman', has a history of business with Julian as you know, so there shouldn't be any problems on his part." And if there were, she made sure Julian would take at least partial responsibility.
"I see." Rocher nodded, and made for the door. "Anna's woman...?" he asked after they had passed the guards and were walking down the corridor
"Is just a file on my desk at this point. Very guarded and not necessarily very comfortable with being here, but I couldn't say for sure. It could be the last-minute delegation, the current pressure the warlocks are under, or the presence of the Justicar in the building. Lucinde unnerves
, and she
when compared..." Rocher raised an eyebrow and she trailed off briefly "...at any rate, she fits the file. Beyond that, we'll see." Moments after, they were joined by the Justicars and Sorana fell several steps behind the elders as they entered the main room. Conversations were hushed and movement all but died down as the doors swung open
"Announcing, Childe of Severus, conqueror of Genina, voice of the Conclave..." the 'chamberlain' laid on thick, though no one even as much as frowned as other titles of the elder followed, Lucinde's appearance may have been that of a diminutive girl, but she commanded respect beyond that of a Gangrel army "...Justicar and Alastor – Lucinde of Clan Ventrue." The announced smiled warmly, spoke her greeting and quickly walked down the stairs, apparently not wishing to remain in the center of attention, which promptly shifted to the next arrival
"Announcing, Childe of Drescher, liberator of Montreal, victor of..." again, a list of titles and honors followed, though while filled with names of much renown, compared to the predecessor, the Tremere's introduction fell noticeably short. Those versed in politics knew the scandal surrounding the barely 150 years old Kindred's nomination for the title of Justicar, though Di Zagreb himself didn't seem to mind. Garbed in '30s style, including a cane and hat, the Justicar appeared to emanate power and confidence. Having greeted the gathered, the Tremere followed in Lucinde's footsteps to take his place by the city's Primogen, or rather the Primogen's representatives, seeing as neither Hernandez nor Pina have seen fit to make an appearance. Or at least to make themselves visible to the public, it would be hard to tell, when dealing with individuals so proficient at the power of Obfuscate. Still, if anyone gave that matter any thought, now was not the time for it. Something else had drawn all of the attention in the room.
"And introducing," the chamberlain boomed. And this time, one title only was necessary "Prince Eric Rocher."
Somewhere in Redbrock
"So. What do you need?" Jackson asked, wiping the snowy mud from sole of his boot on the sidewalk
"You know Elysium's been called tonight, right?" came Gary's voice from the receiver "Some of our people are down there right now, our mutual friend C-Frost among them. He needs a favor, and you're available."
"Hmph. What kind of favor?"
"What am I? Your goddamned secretary? Get your ass down there, let the man tell you himself." Gary sneered and actually let out an exasperated sigh. Jackson rolled his eyes. Gary. Gary "Numbskull" Schwartz, contact runner and one of the most in-the-know Brujah in Cawford, supposedly a green beret or a navy seal (most likely neither) in his breathing time, nowadays served the Clan via phone, fax, email and whatever. Most agreed he should've been Embraced by the Sewer Rat bastards rather than the Brujah, but he did come in handy. Even if he had the sense of humor of an ass and personality of a turd, he did know what he was doing.
"Watch it." still, there was no reason to take shit from the guy
ever. He'll be waiting somewhere possibly in plain sight. You can't find him – you go to Evelyn, she'll point your blind ass in the right direction, if he's not in fact with her, in the first place. No rush on this, but don't take the whole goddamned night."
"Yeah, yeah. 'Least tell me if I should bring any special hardware or something."
"Oh, you're such a pain in the ass, you know that?" Gary said in a pained voice, but straightened up "Look, all I know this has something to do with this guy Kraven."
"Eh?" Jackson thought for a moment "None of my personal friends. Why call me?"
"J-may, gimmie a break here. Talk to Frost. You in or out?"
Jackson scratched his chin. Elysium's weren't really up his alley, but he wasn't doing anything productive anyway. Plus, and this was a major 'plus' here, Charley Frost had a way of getting stuff done. Most of Clan matters were connected to him in one way or another. He had been the 'go-to' man before, but now that Neillsen had taken up the title of Primo', and his backup girl was busy filling in for him, Frost had become even more of a weight in the city. And it never hurt to have a crafty Kindred owe you one.
Bishop's Hill 091
Rocher was talking now. Whatever be said about the Ventrue, he had what you call a persona or gravitas, the thing that made people listen, and listen intently. Sorana allowed herself a quick survey of the room from where she was standing behind the Prince, Justicars and Primogen. Even in the face of such accumulated power around him, virtually all the eyes were centered on Eric Rocher, Prince of Cawford. It wasn't just what he was saying, all this about restoring the city, maintaining it's stability, all this could've come from a thousand senators, ambassadors or mayors, she had heard the gist of it all before. No, it was
was saying it, and
. Perhaps he was using the powers of the Blood, she supposed, perhaps not. She had seen Kine and Kindred alike humbled, trembling before him before, even though he hadn't raised his voice or voiced a threat to them. There were deadlier individuals out there, she didn't doubt. There were deadlier individuals
in here
, she reminded herself. Few of them could've summoned up the courage to raise their had now, however. Perhaps over the years, he'd become so adept at invoking his charisma, that it was a natural thing for him now. Either way, even his adversaries, declared or otherwise, agreed with every word now, saw the Prince talking, not an enemy. The effect wouldn't last, of course, Kindred thrived on enmity and bitterness. It was no smaller part of them than the blood in their veins. But still... for this moment, she couldn't feel anything but pride for being Eric Rocher's Childe.
"...And ensuring that we are undisturbed in this effort," Rocher was concluding "will be Mr. Donovan, whom some of you may recall successfully leading the Camarilla offensive in Middletown, under Archon Bell's orders, several decades ago. Mr. Donovan, joining us at this moment, will be assuming the title of Cawford's Sheriff." he finished, turning his gaze to the far entrance from which in a background of murmurs and hushed exchanges the announced approached.
Marie couldn't see what had caused the commotion, but apparently this 'Donovan' person was a known character among at least some of the gathered. Being too short to look over the crowd, she leaned slightly to the side, looking past the taller Kindred. Somewhere from her side the fragment of a hushed conversation reached her ears
believe he'd get York's people. What was that about them being apolitical?"
"Heh, crap, obviously."
"Yeah. Did any of them even lift a finger when there was real fighting going on? Shit, do..."
"Shhh, keep it down..."
The rest of what the Kindred behind her were saying escaped her, because as soon as the newly appointed 'Sheriff' (whatever
meant in this society) came into sight along with his entourage, her heart sank. The tall, ragged man leading the small group she did not recognize, but the one to his left very much so. Her hand went to her stomach, purely on its own accord, feeling the recent, still barely healed wound. Instinctively, she leaned back behind the taller crowd separating her from the group making its way towards Rocher, not wishing to find out if the savage one from the park remembered her as well. Seeing 'Donovan' and his companions gather behind and around the Prince, she silently cursed to herself. Presenting herself to the local ruling body would be stressful enough even without those... ah,
, growling and snarling at her from behind Rocher's back.
Bitterman suppressed a smirk. He wasn't perhaps the most up-to-date Kindred in Cawford as far as politics went, but he knew enough to understand when someone was making a point. And Rocher recruiting his predecessor's own bodyguards to work for him was a strong one. As the 'new' Prince, he'd have at least twice as many enemies as he had supporters, some of whom would have probably counted on the Gangrel being at least a thorn in Rocher's side, perhaps a tool against him later on. Being as it was however, the potential tool became Rocher's asset.
'Turn every weakness into a strength' – business 101.
After that short intermission, the remaining part of Rocher's speech went fairly uneventful. Soon, the gathering returned to it's previous flow, with circles of influence shortly forming around the more prominent individuals and a whole group of Kindred just dying to have a talk with the Prince. Sorana smirked; she was off only by a minute. She had estimated the speech to take just over fifteen, he was done in fourteen. The 'fun' was just starting.
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[archive] munchies.Trooper
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Re: Family Business
Reply #146 on:
August 24, 2006, 06:25:00 pm »
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The faint smell of gun oil filled the room, mixed with stale blood from the empty plastic bags that were once filled with life giving blood for humans and kindred alike. Dropping the oil stained rag on the ground Mike looked towards the clock that was propped up on the makeshift table, letting out a sigh. Mike stopped cleaning his rifle and went back to the table where a set of keys with an alarm remote lay in pieces. Grabbing the soldering iron that lay on its side, he began his work again with rewiring the remote. The laptop computer at the other end of the table beeped and flashed a message on the screen. Looking at the screen, Mike reads:
"Code sync ready please insert ROM chip in the reader and press enter to continue.�
With a few last touches with the soldering iron, the ROM chip from the alarm remote is placed inside the Chip reader. Tapping the enter key on the laptop Mike gazes at the screen on more time.
"ROM Chip sync Started…. Copying ROM chips information…. Writing Arming codes for detonators to ROM chip…. Writing Disarming codes for detonators to ROM chip …. Writing manual detonation codes to ROM chip…. ROM chip sync completed…. Would you like to set a detonation time?�
Staring at the blinking cursor, Mike pondered the idea of just having the explosives go off on a timer, but changes his mind before a clear thought could form. With a few clicks of the keyboard Mike gazes at the screen once again.
"Detonation will acquire if alarm goes off…. Syncing Old information with new information…. ROM Chip ready for use….�
Grabbing the chip Mike places it back in the remote and reattaches it to the circuit board, and assembles the remote back to it former state. Pushing himself away from the table, Mike looks over his little would be home and sigh's again. Slowly he starts to clean up the empty packs of blood and throws them in the trashcan which he also uses as a fire bin to destroy most of the things he does not like to leave around. Tossing a match into the trash bin the plastic begins to smoke and melt into nothing more than a bag ball of plastic. The smoldering embers of plastic which once filled the trash can died out, Filling the air with the smell of smoke, oil, and blood.
Walking towards the washroom Mike grabs a small bag filled with some makeup to get ready for this big kindred function. Changing his appearance before was easy, now it took more work since his skin tone started darkening up from the Assamite blood which now ran though his veins. What seem like hour but which was only 30 minutes Mike had him self looking like a member of Clan Venture without the aid of kindred powers, grabbing the three piece Armani suit that hang from the back of the door Mike finished getting ready. Taking one last look in the mirror he was out the door with the car keys, and GPS transmitters to go play nice Kindred of this city, in hopes to get a better understanding of his two targets. As he leaves he locks his laptop and turns on some last minute security equipment and hides his small cache of weapons, and then leaves to where he parked the car he would be using. Making a few last minute checks on the trunk full of C4 explosives Mike gets into the 2006 BMW M5 that just happen to end up missing and drives to the Elysium.
Walking towards the mansion Mike hits the remote to arm the car alarm along with the C4 that filled the trunk. Walking past the doormen, Mike enters the mansion and begins to search for his targets.
I do not dare deny The basic beast inside
It's right here, it's controlling my mind
And why Do I deserve to die?
I'm dominated by This animal that's locked up inside
Evolution by Korn
[archive] Killer39787726
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Re: Family Business
Reply #147 on:
August 24, 2006, 10:56:00 pm »
I grab one of the liquored blood glasses on the way out and drink it down. Caliori's little game was starting to get tiresome, she did put a little show for me and the rookie. Torries. Maybe she wanted to be like Mary Astor, leading me into a hunt for the legendary maltese falcon. Either way, as long as she was paying me, who was I to complain?
"Announcing, Childe of Severus, conqueror of Genina, voice of the Conclave..."
I stand at the door for a minute and leave just as they're about to introduce the new prince.
Diplomacy is the art of saying 'nice doggie' until you can find a rock.
The drive to St. Augustine takes me a short while. The place is easy enough to find.
Cant we all just get along?...No? Ok...then i will just rip your head off.
[archive] Grendel8101
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Re: Family Business
Reply #148 on:
August 28, 2006, 01:29:00 am »
The Tremere turned and walked away.
"The stick up her ass must have thorns,� I glanced at the painting. "Nice use of iambic heptameter.�
I turned my eyes to the Nos, who was still grinning and sipping blood. I downed my own glass in a swallow.
"So, any idea why the powers that be are sending members of the three of the most non-diplomatic clans as representatives in a diplomatic mission?�
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[archive] Sodom40280831
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Family Business
Reply #149 on:
September 11, 2006, 07:02:00 am »
Nail turned to Bitterman and shrugged.
"Beats me. If I had to guess, I'd say the other clans were under the impression they had better things to do. Leave it to the freakin' Torries to turn away right when they have a chance to put those people-skills of theirs to good use for the Cam. Lazy fucks. I mean don't get me wrong, this is no holiday for me either but at least I'm willing to do my bit for my cla…uh, the Camarilla.�
I'm so serious it's comical!
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Sleeps 1-2, Max Occupancy: 4
This charming cottage, in its delightful location, was a simple dusty cabin for half a century before being discovered and thoroughly transformed.
Enjoy the spacious outdoor setting, and find inside a surprisingly roomy bedroom with a queen-sized bed (double sleeper-sofa is also available), a three-quarter custom crafted bath, fully-equipped kitchen, washer/dryer, private yard and deck off the living room with scenic views overlooking the lush river bottom.
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The setting is remarkably wild for being a short comfortable stroll from downtown Twisp. The Saturday Farmers Market is minutes away by foot, as is the Cinnamon Twisp Bakery for breakfast and the Twisp River Pub for lunch, dinner or live music in the evening.

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To promote a higher standard of fiduciary responsibility, Thornburg Investment Management recently hosted 65 advisors and retirement plan specialists at a symposium featuring the fi360 Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) capstone course.
At its 10th Annual Fiduciary Training Symposium, held March 18 through 20 in Santa Fe, Thornburg's Retirement Group followed up the capstone course with fi360's AIF designation exam. As a result, the approximately 55 registered investment advisors or advisors at independent and regional broker-dealers in attendance went back to work with the knowledge of best practices and development opportunities that the designation represents.
"It's part of our firm's DNA," said Rocco DiBruno (right), managing director of Thornburg and the director of its Retirement Group, when asked Tuesday in a phone interview why it was important to Thornburg that advisors be fiduciaries. "Thornbug has always believed in promoting a higher standard in fiduciary responsibility because we manage investors' money. Integrity and honesty are important in the financial services business, whether you're an advisor or a portfolio manager. You're in the position of managing other people's money."
Since 2004, Thornburg has put about 1,200 people through the AIF course, which is especially important for fiduciaries involved with defined contribution (DC) retirement plans, DiBruno said.
Thornburg Investment Management, based in Santa Fe and founded in 1982, has $84 billion of assets under management and is the winner of four Lipper awards for 2013. The firm manages seven equity funds, many of them invested in international stocks, and nine bond funds, many of them in the municipal space. Fi360, based in Bridgeville, Pa., near Pittsburgh, is a company that describes its mission as promoting fiduciary excellence through education, technology and support solutions.
When Thornburg first introduced and hosted its Fiduciary Training Symposium in 2004, DiBruno took the capstone course and passed the AIF designation exam.
"Frankly, no one knew what to expect, but we, along with the advisors who attended, believed that the retirement market was in the early stages of a fundamental shift from what up until then had been a product-first approach," said DiBruno in a statement. "The AIF program created a framework for a prudent decision-making process to an industry that until then didn't have one. For the first few years, advisors really didn't know how the training would impact their practice, but now it is pretty much accepted as a core requirement if you are committed to being a specialist in the qualified retirement plan market."
As the fiduciary debate shows unmistakable signs of coming to the fore of the agendas of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the U.S. Department of Labor, AdvisorOne is asking advisors to once again have their voices heard in the media and inside the Beltway. The third annual AdvisorOne-fi360 Fiduciary Survey will close on Friday, April 5.
Read more about how you can take the AdvisorOne-fi360 Fiduciary Survey at AdvisorOne.


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Fruit-Glazed Roast Chicken
Whenever I want to serve a special meal with a little flair, this is the recipe I reach for. To round out the dinner, I serve oven-roasted potatoes and a salad.
Total TimePrep: 10 min. Bake: 1 hour 40 min. + standing
Makes8 servings
- 2 lemons, quartered
- 2 broiler/fryer chickens (3 to 3-1/2 pounds each)
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3/4 cup dried apricots
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons golden raisins
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 cans (16 ounces each) pear halves, drained
- 1 can (15-1/4 ounces) peach halves, drained
- 1 can (16 ounces) apricot halves, drained
- 1 cup pitted dried plums
- Lemon leaves, optional
- Place four lemon quarters in body cavity of each chicken. Skewer chicken openings; tie drumsticks together. Place chickens, breast side up, on a rack in a large roasting pan; bake at 375° for 1-1/2 hours or until a thermometer reads 180°.
- Meanwhile, in a food processor, combine the broth, vinegar, lemon juice, apricots, brown sugar, raisins, ginger and salt. Process until smooth; set aside.
- In a small saucepan, bring sugar and water to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium; cook, uncovered, for 7 minutes or until thickened. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the pears, peaches, apricots and prunes; pour hot syrup over fruit. Let stand 10 minutes; drain and set aside.
- Remove chickens from oven; spread with apricot mixture. Return to the oven for 10-15 minutes or until bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before carving.
- Thicken pan drippings for gravy if desired. Place chickens on serving platter; spoon fruit mixture around chickens. Garnish with lemon leaves if desired. Serve with gravy if desired.
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Sep 3, 2009
I made this tonight for my family and it was a big hit!!! My husband is not crazy about chicken so he was sceptical about how I was going to "mask" the chickeny flavor; but I really WOW'ed him! Thanks so much!
May 17, 2009
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I am the light of the world;
anyone who follows me will not be walking in the dark;
he will have the light of life.
These his words became flesh in Lazarus.
By: Takao Ogawa
Category: Jesus Raises Lazarus From the Dead
|Jesus Raises Lazarus From the Dead
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|Jesus Raises Lazarus From the Dead
Jesus therefore, again groaning in himself, came to the tomb. Now it was a cave, and a stone lay against it. Jesus said, "Take away the stone."
Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to him, "Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days."
Jesus said to her, "Didn't I tell you that if you believed, you would see God's glory?"
So they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, "Father, I thank you that you listened to me. I know that you always listen to me, but because of the multitude that stands around I said this, that they may believe that you sent me." When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!"
He who was dead came out, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth.
Jesus said to them, "Free him, and let him go."
John 11:38-44


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Use as a table mat or a wall hanging.
Base wools in bundle, no backer included.
Pattern exclusively ours! Made in Alaska!
Finished measurement is approximately 15" x 35"
Kit includes top wool fabrics and pattern.


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Guten Morgen!
We are looking to add riders to our group for the final leg into Salem this year.
We will be leaving Reno on Wednesday, July 17 arriving in Klamath Falls; going from Klamath Falls into Salem on the 18th.
If you would like to join riders from Signature Motor Club (the folks who bring you BMW Roadside Assistance) for a great ride, featuring a trip through Crater Lake National Park, please feel free to contact me! The more the merrier!
(email: david.boyd at allstate.com)


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OMG! Abusive 'Teen Mom' Amber & Fiancé Gary Are Together Again! Can You Believe He Took Her Back?
Tell us: Is Gary NUTS for taking back psycho Amber, or is it good that he's trying to work things out for baby Leah's sake?
After Amber Portwood, 20, attacked fiancé Gary Shirley on the Sept. 28 episode of MTV's Teen Mom, we thought the hot-and-cold couple had FINALLY called it quits for good — and we were even more certain Sept. 30 when we learned that a domestic abuse investigation had been launched against Amber. But now, RadarOnline.com has obtained a photo of Amber and Gary together at The Wilderness at the Smokies water park in Tennessee. And here's the kicker: The photo was taken the same day the highly controversial episode aired!
Since Amber's attack on Gary was obviously filmed quite some time ago, it would appear the couple has actually managed to patch things up. Eyewitness tell the site that Amber and Gary were getting along swimmingly (water park pun so intended):
"They were behaving as if nothing had happened as MTV shot scenes of them having fun together," one spy says, confirming that more filming is being done for the show. "I though it was strange because here Amber was with the same guy she had gotten into an argument with and had hit and kicked too. … They were acting like any other really happy couple on vacation.
Even Leah seemed to be enjoying the day:
"They were interacting with their young daughter Leah without any problems and the whole family seemed to be having fun," another eyewitness says.


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Sampan 36 Houseboat
Reuel B. Parker
Skill Level to Build:
The SAMPAN 36 HOUSEBOAT is a simple, pragmatic floating home suitable for a couple with a child. It is self-contained and intended for use in a marina or at anchor. It may employ an outboard motor, or simply be towed to a semi-permanent mooring...


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Video Friday is back:
Here is one from Barcelona, a night race shot with the Canon D7 and GoPro helmet cams. Only One Winner, by Francesc Morata.
Only One Winner from Francesc Morata on Vimeo.
Videos seen on JohnProlly.com
DK productions out of Seoul Korea has been putting out a video […]


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Business Highlights
US gains 157,000 jobs; jobless rate rises to 7.9 percent
WASHINGTON (AP) - The U.S. job market is proving sturdier than expected at a time when the economy is under pressure from Washington gridlock and the threat of government spending cuts.
Employers added 157,000 jobs in January, and hiring was much stronger at the end of last year than the government had previously estimated.
The Labor Department's estimated job gains for the final two months of 2012 - a period when the economy was being threatened by the fiscal cliff - rose from 161,000 to 247,000 for November and from 155,000 to 196,000 for December.
Dow ends above 14,000 for 1st time since Oct. 2007
NEW YORK (AP) - The Dow closed above 14,000 on Friday for the first time in more than five years.
It was just a number on a board, but it was enough to raise the hopes of some investors and cause others concern about an overheated market. And it brought reminders of a different era, back before the financial crisis rocked the world economy.
The Dow Jones industrial average, a stock market index that is traditionally considered a benchmark for how the entire market is faring, had been rising fairly steadily for about a month. On Friday, strong auto sales and optimism about U.S. job growth pushed it over the mark. The Dow is now just 155 points away from its record close.
Detroit, Toyota see big US sales gains in January
DETROIT (AP) - American consumers ignored tax increases and trudged through winter weather to buy new cars and trucks at an unusually strong pace last month.
Analysts said it will likely be the best January in five years once all automakers report sales. Toyota posted a 27-percent increase, while Ford sales jumped 22 percent. GM and Chrysler each reported 16 percent gains compared with a year earlier.
The results left the industry optimistic about the new year. Businesses bought more trucks. Consumers are ready to buy - their cars have reached a record average of 11.3 years old - and banks are making it easier with low interest rates and looser credit terms.
Few surprises in Super Bowl ads
NEW YORK (AP) - So much for surprises.
The majority of the 30-plus Super Bowl advertisers have been releasing their spots in the days leading up to the game. So it's unlikely there'll be lots of action off the football field to make viewers drop their jaws on Sunday.
Advertising fans already can catch a glimpse of "Spider-Man" actor Willem Dafoe in a Mercedes-Benz ad. They can watch a baby Clydesdale grow up in an Anheuser-Busch commercial. They even can spot old people partying in a Taco Bell ad.
Gone are the days when Super Bowl spots were closely guarded secrets. With the growth of social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, it's no surprise that more advertisers are releasing ads online up to a week or more before Game Day.
Refining margins boost 4Q profit at Exxon Mobil
DALLAS (AP) - Exxon Mobil Corp. said Friday that fourth-quarter earnings rose 6 percent to $9.95 billion with help from higher refining profit margins.
The oil giant barely missed a record for full-year earnings. It earned $44.88 billion in 2012, about $340 million shy of its 2008 mark of $45.22 billion, an all-time high for a publicly traded company.
Exxon still makes most of its money by producing oil and gas, but that end of the business was less profitable than a year ago because of lower prices and production. The company made up the difference in the refining business.
Chevron profit up on asset exchange, refineries
NEW YORK (AP) - Chevron Corp. posted a 41 percent gain in net income for the fourth quarter as the company produced more oil and gas, improved the performance of its refinery business and realized a gain from swapping assets in an Australian natural gas field.
Chevron Corp. posted net income of $7.2 billion for the quarter on revenue of $60.6 billion. That's up from $5.1 billion on revenue of $60 billion a year ago.
On a per-share basis, Chevron earned $3.70. Analysts expected the company to earn $3.06 per share, according to FactSet.
Generic competition, charges cut Merck Q4 profit
Merck & Co.'s fourth-quarter profit fell 7 percent because of hits from generic competition and one-time charges, and the company pushed back plans for seeking approval of a key experimental osteoporosis drug.
The quarterly results beat Wall Street expectations, but Merck shares fell Friday as investors learned the company is reviewing safety and efficacy data from a crucial late-stage patient test of the osteoporosis drug odanacatib.
During a conference call with analysts, Merck executives said that instead of applying for approval of odanacatib in the first half of this year, the company won't do that until 2014. That will allow Merck time to finish an extension of a study that includes about 8,200 women, so it can submit those longer-term results to regulators - apparently a strategy to improve chances the drug will be approved.
Mattel 4Q results miss Wall Street's expectations
NEW YORK (AP) - It was a blue Christmas in toyland.
Weak demand over the holidays for toys like Barbie and Matchbox led Mattel's results to fall short of expectations in the key holiday quarter. A litigation charge also weighed on results and net income fell 17 percent.
Still the results from the world's largest toymaker came in stronger than the overall toy industry, and company executives vowed to do better in 2013. The fourth quarter is key because toy makers can make up to 40 percent of annual sales during the period.
Boeing engineers begin vote on strike next week
Just when Boeing really needs its engineers, they're throwing around the idea of a strike.
Boeing is working around the clock to solve the battery problems that have grounded its 787s around the world. Its unionized engineers are a big part of that effort.
But on Monday, Boeing engineers begin voting on a new contract and on whether to authorize a strike. The union is urging them to reject the contract.
Apple is biggest US phone seller for 1st time
NEW YORK (AP) - The launch of the iPhone 5 and the declining popularity of not-so-smartphones have made Apple the biggest seller of phones in the U.S. for the first time, research firm Strategy Analytics said Friday.
The firm estimates that Apple shipped 17.7 million iPhones of all kinds to U.S. buyers in the October-to-December period, accounting for one in three new phones.
Samsung Electronics of Korea was close behind, shipping 16.8 million phones. Samsung has been the largest seller of phones to the U.S. market since 2008, Strategy Analytics said.
By The Associated Press(equals)
The Dow Jones industrial average ended 149.21 points higher at 14,009.79. The S&P 500 rose 15.06 to 1,513.17. The Nasdaq composite index was up 36.97 to 3,179.10.
Benchmark oil for March delivery rose 28 cents to finish at $97.77 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent crude, used to price international varieties of oil, was up $1.21 to end at $116.76 a barrel on the ICE Futures exchange in London.
Wholesale gasoline rose 2 cents to finish at $3.05 per gallon. Natural gas fell 4 cents to end at $3.30 per 1,000 cubic feet. Heating oil gained 4 cents to finish at $3.16 a gallon.


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Frankly, I don't think it will make much difference whether or not Chuck Hagel is confirmed. After all, he will be taking his marching orders from the single greatest menace America has ever had to endure. Still, that's no reason to confirm the man who has made a career out of demeaning Israel and sucking up to Iran to such an unseemly extent that Iran's foreign minister has applauded his nomination. If nothing else, when your nation's archenemy gives a big thumbs-up to the guy who's being considered as your Secretary of Defense, it should give even Democrats pause.
Not only has Hagel displayed an open bias against American Jews, insisting that something he refers to as the Jewish/Israel lobby intimidates members of Congress into doing dumb things, but when Sen. Lindsey Graham asked him to identify a single senator who's been intimidated or to mention even one of those dumb things, Hagel turned into Porky Pig.
What's more, as a member of some goofy outfit that calls itself Global Zero, he says he's opposed to nuclear bombs, but insists he's also opposed to unilateral disarmament by the United States. That can only mean that he believes that he and his merry band of pinheaded pacifists are convinced that they can use their moral authority to make Iran, Russia and North Korea, see the error of their ways.
In addition to all that, Rick Santorum, who served in the Senate with Hagel, claims that Hagel not only never introduced a piece of legislation during the dozen years he represented Nebraska, he rarely if ever even showed up for a party caucus. So, on top of being a confirmed anti-Semite, a man opposed to war or even meaningful sanctions where Iran is concerned, he's as lazy as Barack Obama.
One of the fascinating things in the recent brouhaha over guns is that Harry Reid has been called by Wayne LaPierre, the head of the NRA, "a true champion of the Second Amendment." Mr. LaPierre has also said of Sen. Reid that "no one has been a stronger advocate for responsible gun ownership than him."
In 2010, the NRA was a major contributor to Harry Reid's campaign against Sharron Angle. Could that possibly explain why, in the wake of the Aurora, CO, movie theater shootings, Sen. Reid blocked any debate about gun control, insisting that the Senate schedule was too packed to do anything about it. This is the same Senate, let us not forget, that's also been too busy for the past four years to come up with a budget or to do anything about cutting the deficit or paying down the national debt. I guess there must be a Senate bowling league I haven't heard about.
I wouldn't want anyone to get the idea that I am in conflict with the NRA. In fact, this is the one area where Harry Reid and I are in agreement. I just thought it was fascinating to discover that Reid doesn't owe his political career entirely to Nevada unions and Vegas casinos. And I can't help wondering if Joe Biden and Dianne Feinstein realize that if Harry Reid ever loses his Senate seat, he might be in line to replace Wayne LaPierre.
Lately, I've been hearing a lot of back-and-forth regarding the U.S. Constitution. Ruth Bader Ginsberg told the world that if she were writing some nation's constitution today, she definitely wouldn't use ours as her model. That, alone, should have been reason enough to boot her off the Supreme Court. But I also hear various politicians and even law professors claim that the Founding Fathers weren't all-seeing and all-knowing. They generally take this approach when they're defending Roe v. Wade or some sneaky thing that Obama is trying to pull off in order to put the legislative branch of government out of business.
Whenever these punks try to subvert the Constitution, they say the document is so vague that just about any interpretation can be placed on it. Or they say that the Constitution should be a living document, and that we shouldn't be bossed around by a bunch of dead white guys.
To which I say, the Constitution served us awfully well for most of our history. It's odd that it has suddenly grown old and senile since Obama's election.
I'm not a constitutional scholar, but I think what they intended is pretty clear and easily understood. I agree it's a living document, but that's because its authors were bright enough to understand that with changing times, it might require amending. But they spelled out how that process would work, and it did not have anything to do with the election of a former community organizer. George Washington was offered the crown and he turned it down. He didn't say, "I'm not worthy. Hang on to it until some Chicago tinhorn comes along."
They were very clear about separation of powers and states' rights, and anyone who pretends otherwise is out to con you. Those would be the sort of ne'er-do-wells who pretend that "separation of church and state" appears in that sacred document. Unlike politicians, it says what it means and means what it says. The Constitution, let us always keep in mind, was not written in Greek or French or invisible ink.
Speaking of Chicago tinhorns, it is not only dumb that Obama would claim we don't have a spending problem in America, it's downright terrifying. One might say that we have a debt of $16.4 trillion and counting, but this boob doesn't even bother counting. Instead, he's spending his time adding and multiplying, both our debt and our problems.
When Michelle comes home from a shopping spree bearing those funny-looking dresses she seems to favor, I wonder if Barack ever complains she's busting their budget, and if she, in turn, replies, "You said we don't have a spending problem. And drop that sugar donut before I smack you!"
©2013 Burt Prelutsky. Comments? Write firstname.lastname@example.com.


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33,520 people have taken this course
Our lives may be determined less by past events than by the way we remember them. You are invited to come aboard this inner adventure that offers a step by step journey of discovery and re-visioning through focused journaling.
Throughout the eight sessions, you will be engaged in exercises designed to facilitate healing and transformation. Telling stories about our past through focused journaling can help change our perspectives to enable healing and empowerment. In this way, we are able to make meaning out of memory and put the past where it belongs - behind us. Healing and transformation are only possible through changing one's perspective from within. In this way, global healing takes place one individual, one tribe, at a time. What story are you living? How do you choose to remember your story?
There is a Native American parable about a grandfather who says, I feel as if I have two wolves fighting in my heart. One wolf is the vengeful, angry one. The other wolf is the loving, compassionate one." When asked which wolf will win the fight in his heart, the old man replies, "The one I feed."
How do we put together the pieces of our past? How can we rewrite our life story so that pain becomes meaningful and actually promotes growth and transformation? One answer lies in focused journaling. Join award-winning writer and global teacher Catherine Ann Jones in this course. No writing experience is necessary.
Topics covered:
"I first taught this class at the Esalen Institute and was amazed at the response. Several participants felt that they were able to heal a split within themselves in just a few days that had not been healed in years of traditional therapy. One woman later wrote me that she had felt separated from herself since being victimized by a sexual assault at the age of fifteen. After the Esalen experiential workshop, she felt reconnected through the focused journaling exercises. She had returned to herself."
"I just finished the DailyOM 'Heal Yourself with Writing' course and it was wonderful. I've been writing and healing for many years and this was the topper on the cake. Thank you so much."
Catherine Ann Jones holds a graduate degree in Depth Psychology and Myth from Pacifica Graduate Institute where she has also taught. Earlier she has played major roles in over fifty productions on and off-Broadway, as well as film and television. Disappointed by the lack of good roles for women, she wrote a play about Virginia Woolf (On the Edge) which won a National Endowment for the Arts Award. Ten of her plays, including Calamity Jane (both play and musical) and The Women of Cedar Creek, have won several awards and are produced both in and out of New York. Her films include The Christmas Wife (Jason Robards & Julie Harris), Unlikely Angel (Dolly Parton), Angel Passing (Hume Cronyn & Teresa Wright) which played at Sundance and went on to garner fifteen awards here and abroad, and the popular TV series, Touched by an Angel. A Fulbright Scholar to India studying shamanism, she has also taught at The New School University, University of Southern California, and the Esalen and the Omega Institute.
You might also enjoy Catherine's other DailyOM courses: Way of Story Writing Course and Guide to a Creative Life.
Starting today, you will receive a new lesson every week for 8 weeks (total of 8 lessons). Each lesson is yours to keep and you'll be able to refer back to it whenever you want. And if you miss a lesson or are too busy to get to it that day, each lesson will conveniently remain in your account so you won't have to search for it when you're ready to get back to it.
As a free gift, when you sign up for this course, you will also receive the award-winning DailyOM inspiration newsletter which gives you daily inspirational thoughts for a happy, healthy and fulfilling day. We will also let you know about other courses and offers from DailyOM and Catherine Ann Jones that we think you might be interested in.
We are offering this course with the option of selecting how much you want to pay. No matter how much you pay, you'll be getting the same course as everybody else. We simply trust that people are honest and will support the author of the course with whatever they can afford. And if you are not 100% satisfied, we will refund your money.
How much do you want to pay?


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Sandy beaches, palm trees, and the ocean. What more do you need to unwind?
The Gambia is a bird spotter's paradise! There are over 450 birds, from colourful tropical birds to the majestic pelican on Pelican Island.
The Gambia River is the country's lifeline. Discover local life on a boat tour.
If you've never been to Africa before, The Republic of The Gambia is a great first option. It has a beautiful coastline, friendly locals, and some great wildlife to explore. The country is quite simply heaven on Earth!
Banjul, the capital of The Gambia, is separated from the mainland by a small river, and is therefore located on an island. It's Africa's smallest capital, which also makes it one of the friendliest, with a peaceful atmosphere closer to what you'd find in a village.
So what are you waiting for? Book your flight ticket to Banjul today and discover The Gambia.
There are two main seasons in The Gambia: the dry season, which runs from November to May, and the rainy season, which runs from June to October. The average peak temperature in the dry season is around 25 °C. In the rainy season, the weather becomes more humid and the average peak temperature rises to 30 °C – 35 °C.
The best time to travel to The Gambia is during the dry season, between October and June.
Gambian cuisine is full of flavour! There's plenty of fresh fish and seafood available from the river Gambia and the nearby ocean. Try benachin (rice cooked with meat/fish and vegetables), domoda (meat stewed in peanut puree and rice) and superkanja (okra, fish/meat, palm oil, onions and pepper boiled together).
Don't wait a moment longer and book your flight ticket to Banjul with Brussels Airlines. Find our best prices now.
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Man survives double-suicide attempt on Interstate 79 in Washington County
State police say a man twice tried to kill himself during the Tuesday morning rush hour on Interstate 79 in Washington County.
First, the 22-year-old man jumped out of a car in the northbound lanes before Exit 41 while he was getting a ride to work at about 7:45 a.m., police said.
About a half-hour later, he climbed over a guiderail from an adjacent hillside, went onto the southbound shoulder at the South Central Avenue bridge and walked in front of a tractor-trailer that knocked him out of his shoes, police said.
"The tractor-trailer then passed over (the man), and he then jumped up and grabbed his shoes and then jumped back over the guiderail and slid down the hillside onto nearby streets and walked away," a trooper from the Washington station wrote.
After being found at the business where he works, the man was taken to Canonsburg Hospital and then flown to a Pittsburgh hospital for more treatment, police said.
WTAE Channel 4 Action News is not identifying the man publicly.


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Katie Couric's self-named daytime talk show has been renewed for a second season, Deadline reports.
Katie, which just nabbed a headline-making sit-down interview with Manti Te'o and his parents, is the top freshman talk show among households and total viewers. The show also comes in at No. 6 among all daytime chat fests.
Photos: Stars who don't look their age
However, Katie just lost its executive producer, longtime Today boss Jeff Zucker, who left to become the new president of CNN.
Couric, 56, jumped to daytime after five years at the CBS Evening News desk. She also co-hosted Today for 15 years.
Are you glad Katie will be back?


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Take a bow, Rihanna--Esquire magazine just named you its 2011 "Sexiest Woman Alive!"
The sultry singer follows previous honorees Kate Beckinsale, "30 Rock's" Katrina Bowden, and model Brooklyn Decker. This year, Rihanna beat out fellow chart-topper (and traffic-stopper) Katy Perry.
The Barbabos-born babe appeared on the cover of the November issue of the men's mag wearing little more than a few well-placed leaves.
"At the end of a concert, I don't feel like I've been this sexy thing," Rihanna, 23, said in Esquire's cover story on her. "Really, I don't even think about it."
The pop songstress is no stranger to showing skin--she recently went topless while shooting a new music video for her song "We Found Love," and she's famous for her on-stage lap-dances, racy outfits and steamy hits like "S&M."
But Rihanna is the first to remind us she's more than just a bodacious body. Her latest album, "Loud," has been certified platinum in more than a dozen countries, and "We Found Love," off her upcoming album "Talk that Talk," is her 20th song to hit the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart since her 2005 debut.
Success might be the best revenge for Rihanna, who spoke candidly about her troubled past with R&B star Chris Brown in the interview.
"Obviously, I had some resentment toward him for a while, for obvious reasons," she told Esquire. But I've put that behind me. It was taking up too much of my time. It was too much anger."
Cheers, Rihanna.
Esquire Names Rihanna "Sexiest Woman Alive"
Take a bow, Rihanna--Esquire magazine just named you its 2011 "Sexiest Woman Alive!"