Exalted:End of an Era

[Takhesis]

Pheonix replied to Hanzo's first stated question:

 

"I am uncertain as to how he views the unit in reality, however he did use those words. So it is a reasonable bet to assume that he views the unit as a negligible threat."

 

Whether that was due to his belief that they were Abyssal sympathisers under Web's influence or just completely unaware of her true nature was debatable.

 

Web confirmed Hanzo's memory of the 'failsafe' phrase,

 

"That would be a wise precaution. The failsafe is 'Black Heron at the edge of the pool of Wisdom.' As for the arrival timing - since I'm meant to make Shaya look bad, that would mean delaying so she is late to the meeting. This, however, would be very difficult if not impossible to achieve with the ingrained military precision of the unit."

 

Web didn't think she'd need to add that such actions would either reveal her - if she was hidden in the unit - or at the very least cause suspicion. Neither of which would be beneficial for her supposed 'masters'.

 

Then she waited for the final word from Shaya.

[Mistress of Whispers]

Shaya was quiet for a few moments as she considered all her options.

 

"We'll be right on time for the meeting, but not a second earlier. That way, Lenco won't have time to feel out me and Hanzo and discover he's being played." She wasn't exactly sure about Hanzo, but the Dawn knew that she was a poor liar at least - the less time she spent talking to Lenco before the meeting, the better.

 

"Web can then put on a show about trying to delay me and just failing."

 

"As for when we'll expose Lenco... I'd prefer to have a dramatic moment so we can then proceed to battle him without having to explain ourselves to the attending Commanders. But our main goal is to make sure he doesn't expose Web."

 

She now turned to the Abyssal directly. "Web, that means you as our 'people person' will have to keep an eye on Lenco and be ready if he is about to out you. But hopefully he'll continue to believe that you are working with him - if not successfully - and not want to risk alienating his partner in crime."

 

Shaya was relatively certain than anyone present - with the possible exception of Pheonix who was thankfully as straight forward as she was - could have come up with a more cunning plan, but all in all she didn't think hers was too bad.

[Takhesis]

Web nodded her head in acceptance of the plan as well as confirmation that she understood her part.

 

The question was, did Mia? Web caught her eye to see what she thought about it all.

 

Pheonix liked the simpler plans - and this was about as complex as she could handle. That wasn't to say she couldn't think out detailed strategies - just that she liked having all variables known - or at least predictable.

 

And Lenco wasn't predictable - in fact, and this was ironic considering her own nature, she considered Lenco to be a loose cannon.

[Mistress of Whispers]

Mia nodded dutifully. Admittedly serving as a scout wasn't her dream job, but it would do. Besides, she didn't want to seem picky or disrespectful now that the group was finally getting past her bumpy start.

[Takhesis]

[is Mia hiding her feelings completely - Or can Web read them? If she can't read them ignore post]

 

If Web hadn't been looking for signs of Mia's opinion, she would have missed the slight distaste at the current plan. Though Web didn't bring it up - since the plan as it stood would at least hold up - barring any outside influences.

 

She quirked a slight eyebrow, a small sign that Mia could - if not to the group, at least to her - raise questions. Though perhaps waiting til breakfast was cleared might be a wise idea.

 

Tray and plate clearing would be a very small and boring task - but it would provide a potential opening should the Eclipse wish to take Web up on the silent offer.

 

 

 

[OK - part that can't be ignored, assuming everything is done pre-meeting-wise - time skip? Also does Web appear younger than Mia due to the relative age of Exaltations or is the reverse true? I have no idea - and either way round is fine by me.]

[Takhesis]

[Cut scene time]

 

The Day Caste known as Piercing Silence of Ashen Clouds had arrived at the intended destination. Now it was time to put his Master's plan into motion, a grim smile crossed his face as he watched and waited for the perfect moment, that and the arrival of his contact.

 

Everything had to be just right - and where was that stupid mortal anyway? - otherwise the trap wouldn't be as effective as should be.

 

Finally the hooded contact arrived. Ashen didn't even turn his head as he spoke:

 

"Have you located a suitable group for our needs?"

 

"Yes, a desperate bunch that didn't ask any questions - and they will follow any order you give them. I guarantee it."

 

"Make sure that they do. Otherwise it'll be your head in the noose and your soul that is forfeit." The coldness in the tone held a promise that made the mortal shiver - What have I got myself into....? - then just as swiftly the ice disappeared as the rest of their business was conducted.

 

"Have the group procure an appropriate trade caravan, they need to be here - " Ash pointed at a small dot on a map - " before the current cycle of the moon ends. Their payment will be waiting for them, as well as their next destination."

 

"It shall be done." The hooded figure bowed and left as quickly as decorum allowed.

 

The Day Caste waited til he was sure that the mortal had left, then moved further into the darkness where another being awaited.

 

A black cylinder was passed over;

"You know what must be done."

 

The hidden being withdrew silently.

[Biologist]

((sorry for my absence! Time skip to the meeting is fine by me, in fact, I'll start it right away ))

 

As the self proclaimed Chumyo of the Seventh Legion and her entourage arrived at his house, Lenco couldn't help but smile. Things were going his way. The other commanders had arrived in time for the meeting and the 'Chumyo' hadn't shown up until today, which had given him time to prepare the commanders present to see reason. His reasoning.

 

He had rooms prepared for the arrogant woman and her servants to give her time to prepare and to give his accomplice time to weaken her position. He expected the Abyssal to be discreet about her job, disappointed the Dragonblooded had not arrived as well. In stead there was a boy wearing the uniform of the Artificers division, a strange choice for a meeting between commanders.

 

Oh well, if all else failed he still had his backup plan, the assassin he planted in the Chumyo's room as personal assistant. Things were looking bright indeed.

 

---------------------

 

Hanzo was amazed at how large the building was for the commander of the diplomatic corps in Nexus. He had expected a more utilitarian edifice with a bit more strategic and defensive value. I guess the Commander hasn't been in a fight for a very long time. He'll be in for a surprise.

 

They were shown opulent quarters with a sitting room and three bedrooms attached. One for each guest, the Chumyo's room even came with an en suite bathroom and a personal assistant. The woman was beautiful in her simple dress, long black hair was held back with a simple chain of pearls and her green eyes shone intelligently.

 

She introduced herself as Sela and welcomed them to their quarters, showing them where their rooms were. Hanzo didn't think they needed beds, but then again, he had never been to a commanders' meeting. They might last for several days for all he knew.

 

Tea was ready, an herbal scent wafted from a small iron pot on the mahogany table in the middle of the room, surrounded by three iron cups. Hanzo wasn't familiar with teacups made from iron and wondered if the material would influence the taste of the tea and why anyone would want to make tea in iron pots, when Sela interrupted his strain of thought by offering them a cup, starting by the highest in rank...

Edited February 28, 2014 by Biologist

[Takhesis]

[is wondering if Mia/Shaya need to do anything before I post as Web - since all Pheonix will be doing in intervening time is prepping the troops]

[Mistress of Whispers]

Shaya accepted the tea happily - she didn't like Lenco and while she *did* like (or at least admire and respect) the other commanders present, she didn't like politics. All in all, she could do with a hot cup of tea.

 

((Not sure if tea is poisoned or not, so stopping there.))

 

 

---------------------

 

((Timeskip back a little - after breakfast....))

 

Mia hadn't missed Web's earlier look, though she hadn't felt comfortable approaching the Abyssal before. With everyone packing and getting ready to leave, however, she finally saw an opportunity to talk to her.

 

"I really am sorry about the havoc I wreaked earlier. I know I said it before, but, well, it kinda bears repeating." Now that she had gotten to know the Moonshadow a little better, she felt genuinely embarassed about her mistake.

 

"I've been thinking about this Lenco and the trouble he's planning. I'm fairly good at going around unseen. Could I suggest to the Chumyo that I take a look at what he's doing?" The question was two-fold: did Web think it was a good idea, and did Web think that Shaya would be open to suggestions from Mia.

Edited March 18, 2014 by Mistress of Whispers

[Takhesis]

[i was assuming that Mia would be talking to Web during the breakfast clear-up or at least during the last minute organisation stuff. Since Chumyo and tea is likely to be at Lenco's]

 

Web smiled at the repeated apology, knowing that the assumption was a very easy one to make.

 

"Already forgiven and forgotten." Web replied, referring to the fact that they had effectively started over when Mia joined the group - at least on the getting to know each other scale.

 

Now for the suggestion, and whether Shaya would be open to it.

 

"I believe that would come under the purview of your assignment to a scout position in the unit. As such, if you were to mention it - it would be to Pheonix as the second in command."

 

The message being, yes its a good idea and Shaya would approve of it - due to her placing of Mia - you just need to clear your actions with the Fire Aspect so she doesn't get the wrong idea.

 

Then an idea occurred:

"You'll probably need some sort of signal word/phrase if there's trouble to report.... even if its something as simple as saying your name is Marissa. Or something along those lines like 'Marissa sent me'."

 

[up to you if Mia realises what Web's just given her, if it wasn't already known]

 

 

------

 

At the meeting, Lenco seemed to be all smiles - which at least meant he didn't suspect her of betraying him, at least not yet. After all, it looked like they were the last ones to arrive - so even if she had failed to make the Chumyo late as planned - it looked like she had tried.

 

That bought time. How much time? That she didn't know.

 

In the rooms provided, a serving girl - who called herself Sela - poured tea for them. The iron cups did strike her as odd - but then again, the whole situation she had ended up in was odd.

[Mistress of Whispers]

((I edited Mia's post to reflect that the conversation took place in the morning.))

Mia seemed startled for a moment, then nodded. She understood the value of what Web just told her.

 

"Thank you," she replied without elaborating 'thank you for trusting me' - she wasn't entirely sure how Web's Dark Masters worked, but she suspected the Abyssal needed plausible deniability if they ever found out what just happened.

 

She did wonder why the Abyssal had told her, but didn't want to betray the Moonshadow's trust by using the power granted to her by the Sun. She suspected that this was part of the Moonshadow's possibly regaining her identity some day, though she couldn't be sure. Mia resolved to learn more about the Deathknights and their Dark Oath once their current mission was over, especially now that she had a first hand source of information.

 

 

(...little while later, but still in the morning...)

 

Mia made sure to catch Phoenix before they headed out.

 

"Lieutenant," she called out, "I was thinking - I am a fair scout. Perhaps I should try to gain entry to Lenco's house?"

 

She hoped she wasn't complicating things by offering to spy, but Mia reconed that knowledge was power. It would never hurt to know more about the lay out of the house and, of course, there was the opportunity to take a look at some of the Ambassador's written correspondence.

Edited March 18, 2014 by Mistress of Whispers

[Takhesis]

[That works for me ]

 

Pheonix considered Mia's suggestion for no longer than a few seconds. Mia had proved she could work in the shadows without too much of a problem, it would prove slightly difficult if she did get into trouble - though there were three Exalts within backup range, one of which that should have a bit more freedom if she could fool Lenco for long enough.

 

"Sounds good to me." She nodded, while wondering why Mia had approached her rather than Shaya - after all she didn't think that she'd hidden her initial dislike that well.

 

"Permission to be sneaky granted." was all she could think of by way of approval.

[Mistress of Whispers]

((We crossposted. The gist of my post above yours hasn't changed, but I elaborated on a few things.))

 

Mia nodded, feeling some relief that the Fireblood was willing to forego their bumpy start and work with her.

 

"I'll get on it then. Where do I report back to you?" After all, in this particular situation there was little point in acting as a scout if no one turned that information to a tactical advantage.

[Takhesis]

Pheonix knew the reporting back might be a problem, especially if they were in different locations.

 

"The best person to report to would either be Web or Hanzo - since they'll be on the inside as well. I'd imagine Web would be less watched if Lenco believes she's on his side.

 

If a message needs to be sent to the outside - Hare will be the go between. I'm too noticeable to get close without being recognised." Pheonix then indicated where Hare could be found once the group was inside.

 

The obvious reasoning was due to the fact those inside could use the information more readily than those outside. Plus she was no good at stealth did play a factor in the call.

[Mistress of Whispers]

Mia nodded, wondered briefly if she was supposed to salute but then figured that she was more of a civilian freelancer than a soldier, and went over to Hare to work out some signals in case there was trouble. After that, she made sure to change into nondescript clothes while stuffing her pockets full of coloured scarves that she could use to mimic the colour scheme of Lenco's servants. With that done, she was ready to go.

((Skip back to the meeting? So Shaya, Web and Hanzo are inside having tea, Pheonix and the unit are outside and Mia is trying to gain entrance so she can spy. Did I get that right?))

[Takhesis]

[yep - that covers it. And plans are fun - until they go wrong ]

 

 

Web accepted the tea from Sela - when her turn came around to be served. She did wonder where the serving girl she'd startled during her first visit here was, though only briefly.

 

Perhaps that one was serving the main meeting room.

[Biologist]

Sela smiled sweetly and bowed low to the guests. They had all taken the tea. Everything was going according to plan.

 

The tea was laced with a rare herb that would make them more susceptible to her favorite poison. The taste was masked by the flavour of the actual tea and the iron cups themseles. It had the added bonus to dampen the mind of the drinker after a while, so as to slow their thinking and their reflexes. It wouldn't have any effect on the dark exalt due to her exalted nature, but it would work nicely on the mortals. She was already relishing the kill and hoped that Lenco would go forward with it. But first she would play a bit.

 

"I have made arrangements for a bath." Sela said to Shaya. "I am skilled in several forms of massage, if you wish to unwind before or after the meetings."

 

Sela kept a humble demeanor with eyes to the floor and head slightly bowed, as was the custom in this household.

[Mistress of Whispers]

Shaya exchanged a short glance with Web and Hanzo and, assuming that neither had pressing concerns, accepted the servant's offer. Her knots had knots and she would like to relax a bit. She did make a mental note to keep track of the time - she didn't put it past Lenco to instruct his servants to try to delay her.

 

--------------

Standing in an alley, Mia observed the ambassador's mansion. With all the people going in and out - servants, messengers and catering, in addition to the guests and their entourage - she didn't foresee any problems getting inside. Her concern lay more with what happened after that - with Lenco an Akuma, he was certain to have magical defenses.

Edited March 18, 2014 by Mistress of Whispers

[Biologist]

Playing the role of dutiful servant, Silune took Shaya to her room and closed the door. She helped the other woman undress and bid her to lie down on the marble bench in the bathing room while she went to get the oils. As she returned, she admired the Lookshyan's physique.

 

It would be a shame to let that go to waste. she caught herself thinking, but discarded the thought immediately as dangerous and unprofessional. Instead she rubbed her hands warm with the oil and started to massage the extremely knotted muscles with expert hands, applying all her skill to untangle the woman's back.

 

It took her longer than she had intended. One of the reasons of her tenacity was personal pride: this was by far the most uptight person she had met, judging by the muscles, and she would get her supple again. Period. The other was far more mundane: she unjoyed working on the muscles of this woman, though luckily for Shaya, Silune didn't realise it until much later....

 

--------------------------

As Shaya disappeared into her quarters with the servant, Hanzo looked around, more nervous than he would like to admit. He turned to Web: "So..... Now what do we do? Just wait or do you need to socialise?"

Edited March 18, 2014 by Biologist

[Takhesis]

Web thought about the question as she finished her tea and placed the cup back on the tray alongside the others.

 

"Considering plans made, I believe I should mingle with the entourages of the other commanders. Find out what the current situation is." Web mentioned, thinking that she could at least put out some feelers for the opinions of the others present to see how much work they had to do to persuade them against Lenco's candidacy and make it look like she was going to undermine Shaya's position as per Lenco's plan.

 

It would also mean she may run into Mia to exchange initial observations without the more honest engineer inadvertently breaking her cover. That is, if Mia had managed to slip under the radar and find any useful hints.

 

"We also need to plan for possible scenarios that could occur. Including what to do if I'm compromised...." It may not be ideal - but doing something should help Hanzo calm his nerves.

 

[since Silune/Sela isn't planning immediate evilness, Web isn't going to read her easily to express any concerns apart from possibly a time constraint thing for the meeting.]

Edited March 18, 2014 by Takhesis

[Mistress of Whispers]

As Shaya relaxed under Sela's nimble fingers, she briefly felt longing stir inside her. It had been ages since she enjoyed the touch of another - and she was no monk - and Sela was an attractive woman. Sela was also, however, a servant and the Dawn had no interest in someone who might consider it part of her 'duty', not to mention that there really was no time right now. So she simply enjoyed the massage and made a mental note to go out to socialize sometime soon - in between rolling from one crisis to another.

 

 

-------------------------

 

 

It hadn't been hard to figure out the servants's colour scheme and, once she was convinced that she wouldn't set off any magical alarms, Mia had easily snuck inside. The first floor lay-out was quickly uncovered, given that there were more than enough servants about for her to blend in with. She had even learned out the location of Lenco's study, but that's where things got more tricky. Firstly, she hadn't seen Lenco himself so she had no way of knowing if he was currently inside, and secondly, she hadn't seen a single servant enter the room so she was sure to stand out.

 

 

[Biologist]

Hanzo nodded in agreement with Web's assessment of the situation. He wasn't much of a strategist, but he recognized a good plan when he saw one.

 

"Right, you go and head into the den of snakes, while I will try to figure out what to do when people find out who and what we are." He turned to pour in another cup and then faced Web again. "Be careful. What I remember from those servants of other... powers is that they can be nasty and deadly."

 

Then he turned to the tea, which had a wonderfully rich aroma he hadn't tasted before. The iron cups gave it a certain metallic taste which worked wonders with the subtle hint of herbs that he could discern just below the tea flavour. All the while wracking his brain as to remember the rules and regulations of the Seventh Legion that he could use to their advantage.

 

----------------------------------------

 

As mia approached the study doors in a way as unobtrusive as possible, she heard voices coming from the door and then the door opened. Three men stepped out, bringing with them a waft of tobacco smoke and other, strong scents of high spirits. One of them was smiling broadly, his armour shone and was decorated with crimson markings. The others looked more dignified yet their armour looked more travel worn and needed cleaning. The markings on their armour were crimson as well, yet different: it was impossible to tell who outranked whom. They passed Mia without a second glance, she could just catch the last of their conversation, pertaining a story about war, a dire situation and victory despite impossible odds...

[Takhesis]

"Understood." Web confirmed Hanzo's warning, and slipped out the room as he began his planning.

 

Once outside their quarters, Web started on her rounds. She figured that all the commanders would have been given rooms similar to theirs.

 

With that in mind, she began with her current floor. Her mission: information gathering on certain topics.

 

Topic 1: Stance on the Realm

Topic 2: Current feeling on the Chumyo elections

- subtopic b: whether they'd be pushing their own candidacy or favouring an existing claim.

 

Of course, she couldn't be too obvious with the questions. Though her position as aide to Shaya did give her an opening for an introduction - if not to the commanders themselves, then to their aides at least.

 

In fact, thinking about it, the aides would be a better bet - they were often in a position to hear and see more than the commanders were.

 

[want to RP her investigations in full or should we just post the summary of them (as in numbers and generic feelings)]

[Mistress of Whispers]

((Biologist just told me that the man in gleaming armor coming out of the study *is* Lenco. Since the group met him coming in to the mansion, Mia would recognize him. So I deleted my post above and created a new one.))

 

Mia watched as Lenco and a few of his friends exited the study. While she knew nothing about military ranks, she did commit their faces to memory so she might know them later. Then she slid in silently behind them and caught the closing door on her fingers. Waiting until the trio was out of sight, she slipped inside.

 

Standing right inside the door, with her fingers still between the door and the frame, she briefly closed her eyes. Then she opened them and opened them again. The world became duller to her, as if a faint grey film hung over the room. Mia was no longer looking at the material world, but beyond the veil where spirits and demons roamed. She remained still, shrouded by her Charms and studying the room before her.

 

(Biologist, let me know if she sees anything?)

------------------

((Takhesis, do you want to do summaries? Akin to the ones we did when Tinker and Web met with various River Council ambassadors, so flesh out several of them to show the proverbial lay of the land?))

Edited March 25, 2014 by Mistress of Whispers

[Takhesis]

[summaries would be good. Plus some being fleshed out would mean that Web doesn't automatically succeed on all Social rolls to get the information. *Assumes most Commander aides are Dragon Blooded Exalts with the occasional mortal thrown in (like Mouse is being a non-exalted thaumaturge)*]