[Jonathon, while fundraising, heard that Derk Johnson, lead guitarist of the pop/rock band Lifeblood, was known for making charitable donations and holding fundraisers for supernatural related causes.] [Following up on this rumor, he successfully makes an appoint at Johnson's London penthouse flat.] (tack a "ment" on that appoint. ^^;) (Check. :P) (Quickly makes sure he's got the date right) [Date: 8/1/03. Time: 2000 GMT Weather: Drizzling and foggy] [His apartment it on the top two floors of a chic London high rise. Jonathon has no trouble taking the elevator up to the door.] [Starrt] * Jonathon steps out of the elevator, whistling slightly, putting his hands in his pocket as he walks forward. He pulls one out to knock on the door but immediately puts it back in, still whistling off to the side and rocking back on his heels. [Jonathon rocks his heels in the nice atrium outside the door. Nothing happens for a minute.] * Jonathon stops rocking for a second and then knocks again, jamming his hands back in his pockets and looking around the atrium. He's not whistling now. [It's about a three meter cube with a peaked ceiling. Minimalist but classy decor.] [The double doors are carved oak, there's a knocker, but nothing particulary intimidating.] * Jonathon doesn't seem intimidated by the knocker. He listens to see if anything's going on in the penthouse though. Preferably directed towards the fine art of door opening. [Jonathon hears someone walking towards the door, easy pace.] * Jonathon waits then, looking around until the door opens. [A moment later the doors open to reveal a man with dark black straight hair and green eyes, instantly recognizable as Derk Johnson, he's wearing a sarong that looks like the sky during a sunset, with the colors slowly but perceptably shifting over time.] * Derk holds up a bottle of a particularly fine wine and a few glasses in his free hand. "Welcome to my home Mr. Marlyne, do come in." * Jonathon snaps up in a smile, flicks up his right hand to his forehead, two fingers touching it and does an off-hand salute for a greeting. "And good day to you as well. So pleased you would see me." He takes a step in and looks at the decor. [The room opens to a fairly vast central hall, it's fairly cheerfully adorned with an eclectic mix of artwork, mostly modern variations on tradition forms....] [About halfway down the hall, the ceiling raises, persumably because of a balcony on the second floor. This allows two level windows proffering a beautiful view of the city. Two of the latest ergonomically designed chairs are setup by a small table, well positioned to appreciate the view.] * Jonathon smiles at the interior and gives a distinct look of inspection before looking over his shoulder. "Is there a place I can hang my coat?" * Derk nods and holds out a hand. "Oh, just I'll put it away." With his other hand he proffers the bottle and glasses "And please do take these too the table and pour two glasses while I'm at it. Unless wine isn't too your taste." Rather kind of you. I appreciate it. (What type of wine is it? ^^) [White] * Jonathon swaps coat and wine, smiling all the time with the deftness of an expert. "And I love wine." He takes a sniff. "Is it chardonnay?" He takes another sniff to try and discern for himself. * Derk nods and goes over to a discrete walk in closet to hang the coat. "Yes, although to be honest while I do love a good wine, I'm no sommelier. Without the the help of my assistants, I wouldn't know that from a twenty pound bottle at a corner store." * Jonathon smiles and takes the glasses to the table. "I'm no connoisseur myself. I'm not much of a drinker but I do admit a fondness for it in the proper atmosphere. Sounds like you are much the same yourself." * Jonathon looks at the wine and hmms, swishing a bit. "White though? With the rumors, I'm sure some lesser men would expect red. I'm certain though that you're full of surprises, eh Mister Johnson?" He sets them down and turns, smilingly. * Derk grins as he steps out of the closet and walks up to the table. "I think life, whatever it's duration, should be surprising and enjoyed in the appropriate atmosphere. Otherwise we might not properly appreciate it." * Derk then sits down and takes a glass. So you've heard the rumors then. * Derk shrugs minutely, but it sends slight ripples through the sarong, greatly changing the appearance of the sunset. "Tanya is a terrific publisist, she keeps on top of these things." * Jonathon takes the wine and starts to pour himself a glass, speaking completely casually as he does so. "Are they true?" * Derk swishes his glass for a moment. "Ah, but truth might ruin such an amusing rumour. I prefer to leave a hint of uncertainty." Fair enough...it always seems best to leave some things unknown.. * Jonathon finishes pouring and picks up the glass, giving a faint smile. "Cheers. To your health and long life." * Derk smiles and raises his glass. * Jonathon swishes his glass as he lifts it, looking over the rim at Derk. "Now...the big question is...do "they" think it's true?" Oh, most that are inclined to believe such things are possible tend to believe this, ::he grins and then sips at his wine:: Although to be honest, I don't make a habit of asking 'them'. Yes...well..I'm not certain how they'd take someone posing as their own kind if they trully aren't one of them...although there are ravers and such who seem to want to be one... Wouldn't understand THAT myself but... * Jonathon smiles and takes a sip before glancing at Derk. "So what interests you about, shall we say, "special cases" if I may be so bold?" * Derk frowns ever so slightly in response to Jonathon's posing comment, quickly replaced with a look of amusement at the mention of ravers. Most charities don't touch them, even though needs are legitimate. So I try to do my part. * Jonathon sets down the glass. "Indeed. It just so happens I got wind of such a case myself. And while the poor girl's being treated well enough, I don't think she belongs there." * Derk nods. "Go on." * Jonathon shakes his head. "Of course the matter's...complicated. There was some destruction of property...and her family tried to...help as well. It didn't go very well." He lets out a slow breath. [The city, by the way, is looking quite lovely. More lights are coming on and shining through the fog as the last remnents of dusk slip away.] * Derk nods. "These matters do tend to be complicated." the bottom line quickly so we can end it right there if it's a trouble. 800 thousand." * Grysar nods. "I'm not so wealthy as to be able to give that away without a second thought. ::He then get's a wry grin:: Particularly as I get the impression this won't be tax deductable. But yes, I could be convinced to provide that." (Derk did that) * Jonathon smiles thinly. "Tax-deductions are things you get from charities you can prove. I'm sure the special cases are decidedly hard, which makes your contributions all the more noble." True enough. * Jonathon smiles and leans back in the chair. "If the gender helps any, two of whom you would be helping are female. I'm not certain if you're a shining armor type or not, but it is important for some to know." * Derk again shrugs slightly, resulting in a shimmer of colors. "I'm willing to remedy the plight of any gender. The question is, why this unfortunate group and not some other also worthy cause?" * Jonathon gets a serious look to his eyes and leans forward again. "Indeed. Do you want a personal reason first or would you prefer a more generalized approach?" * Derk sets his glass down. "General first I suppose." Well...I suppose I could go on by stating how I could help you in this instance. After all, I'm well enough known that an interview or such could definitely be to your advantage. However, for some reason, I get the feeling that while that may intrigue you, it wouldn't do to be the sole reason for my assistance. Am I correct in assuming that?" * Derk nods. "You're correct in that assumption. I'm actually even not all that intrigued by interviews, I'm satisfied with my press, although it so saddens Tanya when I say that. But I could certainly use more coverage of my next few fundraising and advocacy efforts." Very well. Then perhaps I should say that if you DON'T assist this case, it's very possible that these individuals could be used for someone else's ill-will again. * Derk leans back and closes his eyes for a moment. "As you have been circumspect about the specifics, I assume you'd prefer to protect these individuals's privacy?" * Jonathon smiles slightly. "Oh dear. Am I that transparent? I don't mean to be." * Jonathon opens his eyes and sips his wine. "These individuals have been used before. It's possible they were even brought up to be killing machines which they weren't meant to be. I'd hate to see someone else attempting to abuse that power again..." * Derk smiles slight with his eyes still shut. "Not really, but I've heard a great number of requests, and most are full of heart-wrenching details." * Jonathon waves his hand slightly as a dismissive gesture. "Melodrama is not my forte, Mister Johnson. I can assure you of that." * Derk nods and opens his eyes and leans forward a bit. "No, I suppose no one is meant to be a killing machine." He then pauses again, looking slightly distant. I must confess, I do have an inquisitive nature. My first inclination would be to meet these unfortunates to judge for myself. But... ::he waves his hand slightly dismissively:: future publicity arrangement aside, I do need to decide whether I should supress my first instinct and trust your judgment. * Derk pauses again for a moment. Perhaps they'd like to meet you after. I'm sure they want to know who helped them...although I must warn you, at least one of them is suspicious of anyone who wishes to help. She suspects alterior motives. * Jonathon sighs wistfully. "I do suppose I was able to get through to her at the end, but you never can tell with the fiestier ones." * Derk smiles. "Which is why they're worth dealing with." He then leans back again his chair. "Alright, you have me nearly convinced, but would you perhaps be willing to answer one question for me?" [The fog is beginning to dissipate leaving London bathed in moonlight and all manner of technological luminences.] * Jonathon nods slightly and leans back himself. "Depends on the question. I only agree to answering questions once I hear what the question is." He smiles. * Derk smiles. "Ah caution, all the more reason to trust your judgment. But your point is true, so here is my question. What were you doing on the boat? To save any confusion, suffice to say I've seen the security tapes and while your visage was disguied, your manner and more obviously your camera were more than enough to convince me." * Jonathon laughs lightly. "Not the question I was expecting. You've done well to catch me offguard." He grins a little. "Although it does give you away somewhat..." I'll answer your question if you may answer one of mine. Is that acceptable? * Derk shrugs, more visibly this time. "I've already done a small venue concert arranged by a fairly eccentric markswoman for a fan of mine whose vacation was brought to an abrubt end. My presence there can hardly be thought to be a secret." * Derk chuckles briefly. "I'm afraid I must answer you in kind, it will depend upon the question. But do feel free to ask." * Jonathon smiles. "What were you doing watching security tapes on a vampiric ship? I'm certain they don't allow just anyone to watch them..." * Derk grins. "I'd been vacationing and thus personally aware of the situation, and, as I've already said, my nature is a curious one. And my resources are sufficent to make satisfying my curiosity the economical choice." * Jonathon chuckles slightly. "Very well. I don't press. And you DID answer it..." * Derk nods slightly and watches Jonathon with a patient but quite interested look. * Jonathon leans forward slightly. "Erik Lester. You know of him?" I've heard his name before. Fairly unpleasant gentlemen apparently. Possibly more unpleasant than you know. He's being watched. * Derk nods slightly again and doesn't change his look. I'm afraid I can't go any further than that...I'm not certain of all the details myself but...it's all gone sour with the Campbell affair. * Jonathon lets out a long sigh and tangles his fingers in his hair. "Why can't people see that it's Campbell and not vampires in general that I meant to focus on? Sometimes people don't know the meaning of the word "spin." * Derk smiles slightly. "To be honest, I was hoping to learn a bit more, but you've been honest with me. More important, in your coverage and choice of actions, you, ::he frowns for a moment:: unlike some, have been thoughtful." * Jonathon smiles. "I'm always thoughtful, Mister Johnson. It'd be a crime not to be." * Derk removes a small disposable datapad from his pocket and puts it on the table. "This has all the information you need to make the transfer, you can work out the publicity details with Tanya later. And while you do make quite pleasant company, I'll not further delay you on your mission of mercy." * Jonathon rubs the back of his head nervously and smiles. 'Mission of mercy? Oh dear, I'm hardly a religious OR a mercifully kind man." * Derk nods somewhat distractedly and kicks out his feat, taking in the view, focusing his eyes on the giant ferris wheel by the Thames in the distant. "And, you happen to be wrong in one thing." * Jonathon goes to take the datapad and stops just short of taking it. "I am surprised though that you didn't ask the personal angle at all." I try to moderate my curiousity, we all need to control our traits lest they control us. But now it's been piqued again and I'll show myself the hypocrite. What would you have told me? * Jonathon smiles slightly. "What I would have told you then and what I'll tell you now is different. But both are true. What I'll tell you now is that it's because I said I would." * Jonathon flips the pad in the air a bit and catches it in his hand, grinning. "Now what am I wrong about?" * Derk smiles at that and then after a moment it fades. "My lawyers are quite clear on the fact that it's no crime to thoughtless slay the dead." * Jonathon smiles slightly. "Some crimes are not decided in the court of Law and Man, Mister Johnson. Now is there anything else you wish to speak to me about?" * Derk shakes his head. "Not at the moment, except to say that you're welcome to call me Derk if you prefer and that I wish you the best of evenings." And to you as well. Quite the unusual chap you are. It's been a pleasure. * Jonathon reaches out to shake Derk's hand. * Derk responds in kind, he's got a fairly firm, but in no way crushing handshake. "That it has. Can you find your jacket, or shall I fetch it for you?" [For the record, it would be relatively easy to find the closet in question.] I believe I can find it. Thank you for your generousity. I'm sure we'll see each other again. * Jonathon goes to find his coat and head out of the apartment. * Derk nods "I hope so." and then proceeds to watch the city as Jonathon leaves. (Alright, if you like, he can basically handle the bail offscreen and get straight to the consequences. Or that can be offscreen or for a latter time) (I don't think the bail needs to be RPed does it?) (Nope. People are more than a little surprised, but work out a release for the next morning, the tekes barrister handles the leg work from there unless Jonathon wants to handle matters personally. And he's informed of the release time, in case he'd want to be there.) (Surprised how? That Jonathon came up with the money or just the fact that he's doing it?) (Both really, although he's not dealing with people that really know him in this case so it's mostly just puzzlement as to what's up.) ( "What's up is that you need to give them a bloody proper farewell." (He'll be there on the release time, but probably let someone else handle the leg-work from here.) (* Receptionist talks into phone. "Apparently the guards will pass on the news and help them celebrate. Although at the time of their release, I'm told there's to be no ceremony except a clearing of the halls of any people or objects that may be disturbed by the enthusiasm of their departure." (So, anything else bail related, or wish to skip to the release, or handle it latter?) (It's getting kind of late. Unless you really want to do the release now" (Nope. I think it'll be quick. But I always think things will be quick. And I'm typically wrong. ;P) [Mini end]