[Date July 25, 2020. Time: 7 pm GMT] [All present SAB mercanaries and staffers were invited to a reception to celebrate recent victories] [The reception room is across the hall from the breifing room and shares a windowed wall with the first floor of lab.] [It's currently tastefully decorated and a fair number of tables have been set up with a mix of catered food. There's also an automated free bar in a corner.] [Presently there are a few staffers in the room. Including all the crew you've met so far.] [Agent Arthur Lord is actually visiting, on crutches, and chatting up a female researcher near the bar] [Start] [I'm not commiting anyone to be their yet, but if there are no PCs there yet, please inform me so I can ffed to the time of the first entrance. :P] (the ladies room is occupied) * Marcus shows up early, but is invisible as he does not want to be noticed as the first person there. [Quick fashion summary. Lord is in a tux, as you'd expect. Dame Eckerd has a simple black/blue dress with expensive looking trimmings. Victor's got on a suit, but he's already loosened his tie.] (after someone else shows up, Marcus will "walk in the door") [Walker Preston is there, looking hale and healthy, and wearing clubbing attire. Presently chatting with Victor.] [Rev. Warlow has on a shirt with a priestly collar, but it's under a mildly fashionable tan women's suit. She's currently putting cheese onto crackers.] [No one else there for now. To save GM attention span.] * Ari steps into the room. She's wearing a short-sleeved Chinese-style jacket, dark blue with silver clasps, and a long black skirt. Her blond hair is pulled up in a bun and held in place with two black hair sticks. She has a faint expression of "I don't think I want to be here, but I was told to, so here I am." [Preston] Just because you like the band, doesn't necessarily mean they have a fitting song. [Victor] I am avare of zis. But it can work... [Preston] You mean you can make it work, because you really like the band. [Victor shrugs] [NPC-NPC Conversations will be posted sporadically. Assume people are talking even if I'm not providing text.] [Dame Eckerd walks over to Ari with a thin smile.] "Thanks for coming." * Ari nods politely. "You're welcome. We have had quite a few successes lately, haven't we?" * Eckerd nods. "A few more like this and Parliament might start complaining about the expense of the prisoners you've captured." This prospect doesn't seem to bother her at all. * Ari doesn't seem bothered, either. "They can be asked whether or not they would like said prisoners running free instead. I'm sure the expenses of keeping them are far less compared to the prospective damage they could cause if allowed to remain free." [Victor to Preston] Verevolves of London? [Preston] Good song, but really your style? [Victor] Maybe.. [Preston] "Perfect hair, like to meet his tailor" [Victor] Zis is perhaps not often said of me. (*snerks*) * Marcus appears (to walk in the door), wearing a pair of black pants, a dark blue shirt, and his usual leather jacket [Eckerd] I certainly intend to. Ah, Mr. Smith, so good of you to come. Welcome to our little soirée. (Black and dark blue! The official colors of SAB. And, I think, Arcana.) * Ari nods politely to Marcus. "Good evening." Thanks. Figured the change of pace of a hopefully uneventful evening would be nice. * Marcus nods at Ari. "Evening" (Of course, now that you've said that... ^_~) [Rev. Warlow is eats a few cracker and cheese sandwichs and sips on some wine. She doesn't seem bothered by the lack of interaction.] How are you holding up after our last mission and your encounter with the demon cat? Feeling a lot better now, though it was Agent Lord that took up most of the role as that cat's scratching post. [The woman Agent Lord was talking to excuses herself and hurries over to do some work in the lab. He frowns for a moment and hobbles over on his crutches,] * Ari watches the aforementioned agent start walking. "He seems all right, though." * Marcus grumbles, "Wouldn't have been as much a problem if it weren't for that defective LAW I was issued." Can you believe it? Two shots from that thing and it couldn't hit a two-story-tall cat. * Ari chuckles softly. "They should look into that, then." * Marcus looks over at Lord and waves. "Ah, Agent Lord. Feeling better, I see?" * Angel enters, slinking along in a curve-hugging, ankle-length green dress with plunging neckline and slits up to there. [Lord] Good evening Dame Eckerd, Mr. Smith, ::he pauses for a second:: Ms. Ari. Thank you again for the rescue. Good God! Can't you hide that eyesore of a lab?! * Ari nods politely to Lord. "You're most welcome." She glances at the disturbance (i.e. Angel) out of the corner of her eye. * Marcus nods at Lord. "Glad to be of help." [Eckerd] We have, it appears the LAW was damaged after the first use. A definite disadvantage of a fairly disposable weapon, but nonetheless my apologies on that. * Angel moves to a window and turns her back to it, surveying the attendees. * Angel sniffs not as discreetly as she'd like. [Eckerd then glances up at Angel] And a pleasure to see you as well Ms. Crosse. She then sticks a hand in a discrete pocket and a set of curtains covers the windows to the lab. [By 2020, they've finally developed high quality dress pocket technology] * Angel glances behind her. Thanks, babe! [Eckerd gives a curt nod at that but doesn't make any other acknowledgement] Oh, and if you have any questions about any of your missions, I'll be happy to share some of what we've learned. * Ari takes a quick glance at Angel. Would she possible recognize her? * Marcus smiles at Eckerd. "Next time, I'll just take a laser pointer and catnip next time I need to deal with a two-story cat." (gimme a CA roll) (Okay. Apparently I *really* know things about her. ;p) (Angel, inform the woman. :P) [Preston glances at Angel's arrive and gets a look of recognition. He keeps talking to Victor though.] [Victor] Eyesore of a lab? It's a beautiful Lab, better zan ze one I had back at.. [Preston] Not everyone knows how to appreciate the virtues of a good lab, let it go. [Warlow moves over to the sushi table and gingerly samples a piece.] [Lord] It's not so bad, there are worse things than being a man on crushes. ::He gives a bit of a smirk:: And the ones Q branch hands out can do this. ::He aims one up at an unadorned wall::] * Ari does, apparently, recognize Angel from something or another and gives her a polite nod before turning back to her current conversation. [Only to be interrupted when Dame Eckerd pushes it back down and says icily] "Don't make me regret your invititation Agent Lord." [He seems a bit chagrinned] Destruction of property at social events is generally frowned upon. [Lord gives a faint grin] Obviously we go to different sorts of parties. I don't attend many parties, so I'll take your word for it. * Marcus shrugs. "This party does seem like it could use a little livening up, though." * Angel moves over to Marcus. Hey, my man! Good deal with those vamps. Ah, Angel. Nice to see you again. [Eckerd] I'm sad to admit I'm still a tad in experienced at entertaining such an eccentric assortment of individuals. If you'd care for any music or anything at all, please let me know. * Ari shakes her head. "I am fine, thank you." (Are the bite marks still visible, or have they healed?) [Rev. Warlow's ears perk up at the Vamps and she walks over.] * Ari watches her come over. She looks uneasy for a second, then resumes her neutral expression. (Oh, give me spot checks. Visions) (Vision) (If you have visions, lemme know that too) * Angel grins happily. What've you up to, Ghostly? Rescuing captured agents and serving as a scratching post for two-story tall demonic cats. You? * Ari blinks once. [Warlow digs threw her pockets for a moment as Angel and Marcus chat. Have to keep my business going. Haven't had time for these SAB flights of fancy. I thought about wearing my trophies tonight, but thought better of it. trophies? I have been studying up on those vamps and other turnees. I'm tired of being caught unprepared. Yeah, those fangs I ripped out of that vamp? I made a necklace. * Angel smiles widely. [Warlow smiles faintly] Well, if you maintain your enthusiasm after that landing last mission, I'll be glad to have you back. ::she finds what she's looking for in her pocket:: [Warlow doesn't seem bothered. Eckerd's eyes briefly flit ceilingward, but she maintains her composure.] * Ari blinks again. She looks slightly puzzled. [Victor] Vould you like a demonstration of zis new toy. [Preston] Certainly, should be interesting. [The two walks off into the lab through a cojoining door] Something I can help you with, miss? * Ari shakes her head. "No, just thinking about something." I don't believe we've met. Angel Crosse. * Angel holds out a hand. * Ari shakes Angel's hand. "Ari." [Warlow then takes out of her pocket and examines a fairly historic looking small bronze cross on a silver chain. She's looking at Angel but not interrupting.] * Angel sniffs loudly again. * Angel turns her head to Warlow. "Something I can help YOU with?" You know, it's not polite to stare. [There's a flash of light that shines through the curtains covering the lab windows and a faint electrical sound. No one left in the room seems bothered.] * Ari is not bothered, then! ;p [Warlow frowns at the latter comment for a moment before offering the cross. "A reward for your dedication, and an apology for what you had to go through. It provides some protection from mental influence attempts."] * Angel takes the cross. "Umm... thanks?" [The light then flashes again, bit longer this time, and you can here a muffled "Woohoo!" from the lab. Not really in a familar voice.] What exactly did I go through? [Warlow seems a tad put off, but replies.] Dealing with that officer for one, and doing what it took to see the mission through. * Ari smiles a bit at the woohoo, but also pays attention to Marlow and Angel's interaction. * Marcus looks over at the lab, puzzled, shrugs, and returns his attention to the present conversation [The lab door opens and a blond spikey haired asian man sticks out his head. "Mary, you've got to see this." Warlow then quickly nods and scurries off without awaiting further comment from Angel. She seems a bit relieved by the out.] * Ari smiles at him when he pops his head out. I wonder what Victor has cooked up this time. [Mike smiles back as he notices her. "You might appreciate this too Ari."] [He then goes back in the lab. Followed shortly therafter by Warlow.] (There's no one else left in the room we're in, besides the three of us, yes?) I *am* a bit curious. If you'll excuse me, Marcus, Miss Crosse... (Eckerd, agent lord, and some unimportant staffers) * Ari excuses herself and heads for the lab. At least SHE has some manners... Lose yourself in a pleasant memory, and they all leave! That officer was quite the suave one... Angel, care to go see what all the fuss is about? [Dame Eckerd nods. "Manners can be so lacking now a days." Agent Lord grins.] Not especially, Marcus. But feel free... Well, then, if you'll excuse me... * Angel asks Dame Eckerd and Lord to a table. [Both accept her suggestion] [As they move to the table a rather lithe young woman in an elegent royal blue dress walks in.] * Angel turns her head to the door as she pulls out her chair with a dirty look at the ungentlemanly Lord... [Brown hair in a bun held together by two chopsticks, and some nice jewelry including a silver armband.] [Lord glances back at Angel after eyeing the new arrival. "So sorry my lady. May I get you a drink?" Indeed. [New woman walks up to the table] Good evening. Vodka double, straight. * Angel nods to the new arrival. [Lord nods and goes to get it.] * Drew has joined #sab2020 Hello. I'm Angel. Have a seat, won't you? [Sarah Llewelyn, pleasure to meet you.] [Eckerd] Sarah Eckerd. Likewise. [Lord gets the drink and rushes back, barely avoiding spilling any. He puts it down in front of Angel then gallantly pulls back a chair for Sarah.] At least he learns quickly. Good boy. * Angel winks at Lord. * Angel smiles broadly. * Drew walks in. So, what brings you all to SAB? * Angel glances to the door. "Drew! Good to see you again! Join us, won't you?" * Drew calls over "She's my date. Well, a little more than that" * Drew is wearing a tuxedo, black tie, etc. He looks a bit like someone cast a hippie as James Bond. She who? Sarah? Nice catch, my man! [Sarah smiles demurely] So, Sarah, I think it's time for some girl talk. * Angel scoots her chair over toward Sarah. How'd you bag that animal? Heh, well I'll let you two have a "just-girls" moment. Anyone else here that I would know? Check the lab, Drew. Buncha people just ran in there. * Angel shoots her drink in one. Not a good party 'til you've got a buzz going! * Drew walks out of the room [Llewelyn smiles a bit at Angel. "I'm just extremely fortunate I suppose."] So, what do you know about Drew's work? Don't want to give up government secrets, you know. [Llewelyn "Oh, enough, but I will admit I'm not used to arriving to a party by the subway. Particularly in this manner."] It is a bit strange, but isn't that flashy-freeze thing cool? * Angel sniffs I'm personally a fan. You can peek into everyone's pockets. [Llewelyn: "Have you actually taken anything?"] * Angel looks guarded for a second, then wipes her face calm. No. But it's fun to see what's in there. * Angel grins. [Llewelyn: "I'd be afraid they might 'come out of it'"] Nope! [Eckerd chats amiably with Lord, to keep him from hitting on agent's fiances.] So, Madame, Sir, I don't believe we've met. How might I call you, and what brings you here? * Kendrick steps into the room, wearing a conservative suit. He smirks as he looks about. "Hey, Angel! Don't tell me you scared everyone else away." What, Kendrick, me?! Would that suit me? No one to enjoy my antics? Yes, yes it would. * Angel grins and lets out a 'ha' or two. [Eckerd gives a thin smile to Kendrick. "Glad you could come." Lord stands and offers a hand. "Name is Lord, Arthur Lord. Pleased to make your acquantence."] They're all in that lab, examining some gizmo or other. * Kendrick takes the hand and shakes it. "Oh really? Of which variety?" I don't know. There was a flash of some sort. The light kind, not the illegal one. * Angel winks at Kendrick. Pleased to meet you too Arthur. Name's Kendrick Wickham. While you're up, Lord... another vodka? Well, you know if it was illegeal I'd have been here a bit faster. [Sarah Llewelyn extends a hand: "Sarah Llewelyn"] Maybe you and I can stir up a little trouble soon enough, Kendrick. [Lord nods and turns to LLewelyn. "May I get you anything?"] [Llewelyn: "Drew is in the other room"] * Kendrick takes Llewelyn's hand and shakes it, being somewhat distraced by her. "Nice too meet you Sarah. As you heard from him, I'm Kendrick." [Llewelyn: (to Lord) "G&T"] [Llewelyn: "Ah. He gave me a 'briefing' (laughs a little) before we came here of the people he's met"] From me speeking to him, that is. * Kendrick lets out a nervous laugh. [Lord goes and forth to retrieve them. Dame Eckerd calls out after him, "Oh, wine for me Agent Lord. I'll trust you to pick the year and vintage." [Llewelyn: "Oh, nothing bad. Just general descriptions. It's nice to be able to put names with faces."] [Lord comes back with the drinks. Dame Eckerd takes a sip of hers and actually looks impressed. "My, you have been learning." * Kendrick chuckles. "At least some of us have. I'm still working here, should tell you how much I've learned." * Angel slams her vodka. Where's the music?! I need to dance! Or how much she's learned, for that matter. *motions at Angel with his head.* [Eckerd] What do you fancy? We've got a fairly wide selection, including even that fallout and classic rap that the kids are listening too today. Got any Tomcraft? Or Sugababes! Some of the old-school jams! Like they used to play in the discos! * Angel moves to the bar to pour another double. * Kendrick sighs. "Well, I'm not much of a dancer. I'm going to go see the rest of the team that I haven't met yet, if you'll excuse me." [Eckerd hits a button and some comes on.] * Kendrick walks out the room torwards the lab. * Angel sways to the music, looking to Lord and winking. "Join me?" [Agent Lord stands up. "My pleasure."] * Angel sliiiiiiiiiiiides over to Lord, and gets close enough to make any self- respecting Englishman uncomfortable. I loooooooooove thish shong! [Lord doesn't blink] I had to infilitrate a disco once, they seemed to believe no secret agent could learn the moves. They were wrong." [He gets his groove on] (*laughs*) [Eckerd] They probably assumed our pople had more dignity. * Drew walks back to the room * Drew approaches Sarah L. Hi honey, anything interesting besides the disco music? Just been chatting. You? * Angel reaches up and caresses Lord's face. "Aren't you a handsome one?" Met a few other agents, they're playing with some gear. Hey, Drew, Sharah! Join ush! * Drew whispers something into Sarah's ear * SarahLlewelyn mouth opens in to a surprise "O" for a moment, and then goes back to a thin line Do you want to dear? I just want to get something to drink first * Ari walks back in from the lab. This is a little before my time, but I can give it a shot [Dame Eckerd bares the music with a stiff upper lip.] * Drew walks over to the bar and pours a Scotch on the Rocks * Angel pulls Lord even closer and reaches down for a better 'grasp' So, what're you doing after the party? (Okay, Angel and Lord are on the dance floor, and Drew and Sarah are at a table, and Eckard's at the bar. Who else is there?) (That's it for now) * Ari eyes Angel and Lord briefly, then shakes her head and walks over to Drew and Sarah's table. "Do you mind if I join you?" Not at all. (extending a hand) "Hi, I'm Sarah" * Ari shakes her hand. "Ari." * Angel slips away from Lord. "I'll be right back." * Angel shimmies as she moves toward Ari and Sarah. That's funny, you both are wearing ornamental chopsticks I guess it's a more popular style than I thought * Angel motions the girls in to hear what she has to say. I suppose. It seemed like an acceptable style when I... oh, excuse me. * Ari moves/leans towards Angel. "Yes?" * Angel sniffs. "Girls... the boys won't dance if you don't get out there and make them want to join you. And it's not a party without girls shaking their groove things to get the boys. Know what I mean?" Drew and I were about to come out there. He's just getting his courage up, if you know what I mean I... don't really dance. * SarahLlewelyn flicks her eyes over to his drink. Bethides Angel, I have my girl already I suppose you do at that. Guess I'm being a little loud, ey? [Lord shakes it for King and Country. He actually is fairly attractive. He does favor his leg still, but seems like the crutches from before, which are still at the table, weren't entirely necessary.] Ari... just come on out. Some different music, maybe? I suppose I could try. Good. [Eckerd] Feel free to set it to anything you like Ari. I'll even share Lord with you. * Angel winks at Ari. That is quite all right. * Ari smiles a bit. * Angel shakes her booty onto the floor, and runs her fingers through Lord's hair as she closes in on him. * Ari stands up and walks to the dance floor. She looks around. Shall we? * SarahLlewelyn offers her hand "Sure" (the two of me walk out on to the dance floor) * Ari decides that mimicking Angel is probably *not* a good idea. * Lord seems only mildly surprised. "Ah, I love the twenty first century." (Still disco music?) My, you're the quiet one, aren't ya? (Was that addressed to me?) (to Lord) * Ari moves one arm, then the other. Then moves her feet a little. It's rather awkward. No, make that very awkward. Poor girl. * Lord puts his arm around Angel's back. Well, depends on how low you consider back. "I'm more of a man of action. Just a moment, Action Man. Let me make myself useful before you take advantage of my vodka. * Angel winks at Lord. * Drew starts disco dancing, doing an impression of John Travolta. Except not. * Angel moves to Ari, and tries to teach her some basic grooving. [Lord dances with himself] * Ari looks a bit embarassed, and tries to groove. Emphasis on tries. (Gimme a performing arts roll (dance) Ari) [Ari's got some natural talent at this thing.] * Ari grooves? She does! Wow. Go, her! * SarahLlewelyn steps side-to-side slightly. She doesn't want to move too vigorously, and also because she is having more fun watching Drew try to dance (My disco needs me!) * Angel steps behind Ari, and motions for Lord to join her. * Ari relaxes a little as she seems to get the hang of it. [Lord does, and actually acts gentlemanly, keeping his hands to himself.] [Eckerd keeps her eyes on Lord. The one may be related to the other.] * Angel gets herself another vodka double, and sips it this time to give Ari a chance to enjoy herself. * Ari is enjoying herself? She looks like she's concentrating fairly hard, but on the other hand, she's definitely moving in time with the music, and it looks pretty good. (like I said... she's giving her time to enjoy herself. Not necessarily that she's doing it yet :P) * Angel moves to sit next to Eckerd. "So, how about them vamps?" [Lord as he dances] Best part about infiltrating a disco, is that they always put on Kung Fu fighting before the ambush. They just can't resist. (lol) * Angel flashes a big grin. (Bwahaha. *cues up WinAmp*) * Ari cracks a smile. * Marcus re-enters the main room * Kendrick walks in. Eckerd, do you dance? There's gentlemen a-plenty, now. [Dame goes with the thin smile. "When the tune is right." * Ari is dancing. And doing a pretty good job of it now. * Angel stands and approaches Marcus. "Do you dance?" I'm a bit rusty, but I think I can manage something. * Angel whispers to Marcus. * Kendrick takes a seat at the bar and just watches the dancing. Would you mind cutting in on Ari and Lord? She's a minx, and I had Lord first, if you know what I mean. [Lord to Ari] Ever heard any techno? Going out a limb here, but you might like it, * Ari tilts her head. "Perhaps? It's mostly electronic music, is it not?" * Drew continues to dance up a storm. Storm meaning drizzle [Lord nods] Although there's a selection of other music that uses synthizers and the like. But it might be a good place to start. I shall keep that in mind. Thank you. * Kendrick seems to be observing the dancing ladies more than the men. Which actually is to be somewhat expected from him. <.< * Marcus whispers back, "I can try, but it's been a long time since I've done anything of the sort." * Jonathon opens the door, fashionably late as usual, his duffle over his shoulder but for once, he's not wearing his camera. He's wearing a fashionable tux as he walks into the room, smiling around at everyone. "Cheerio. Sorry I'm late." Jonathan, you rogue! * Marcus looks up over at Jonathon I was wondering when you were going to get hereee * Ari looks over at Jonathon and waves. She smiles at him. [There's occasional explosions from the lab continuing throughout the night. Not gonna mention them. The sound proofing is pretty good though.] * Jonathon smiles back at Ari and waves, walking in. Of course, he never stops so it's hard to tell if it's special or not. * Angel walks over to Jonathan. "What party favours have you brought us in that bag of tricks of yours?" * Dame Eckerd smiles as Jonathon enters. "Welcome to the soire Mr. Marlyne" Eh? Party favors? No, no, I just thought I'd bring the tripod in case people wanted a group photo or something. * Jonathon then smiles at Marcus. "Ah, so you were expecting me?" Aww... and I was hoping for some new toys! They've got new toys in the lab. I was just trying out a railgun that shoots stakes. * Ari keeps dancing. Still doing all right. Poor girl's probably not going to stop unless the music does. ;p Gentlemen, the ladies await... * Drew wanders over to "Jonathan" with Sarah in tow * Jonathon watches Ari dance and peeks to see who she's dancing with, if she's dancing with anyone. [Lord keeps dancing with Ari] Care to learn anything a tad fancier? * Angel saunters back to Eckerd. "So, what's it take to get a Dame to dance?" Hi, I'm Drew, and thith is my fiancé Sarah. * Ari blinks. "Oh. I suppose." * Jonathon finds a place to set his duffle and smiles cheerfully at Drew. "A pleasure I'm sure. Jonathon Marlyne." He offers a hand. [Eckerd] Formal or ballroom are more my style. [Lord says something fairly quietly] * Kendrick sits at the bar observing the (lady's) dancing. Those are a little more my style, but I'm not sure how the others would feel Ari says something quietly back to him. Well, Lady, I'd like to see it. Shall we change it up? I can handle anything. [Lord grins and returns a comment] [Eckerd smiles slightly] "I'm sure you would. If the rooms amenable I'll gladly change it." * Ari smiles and replies. * Angel glares at Ari and Lord. I'll see to it, Dame. * Ari looks over at Angel and blinks. "Is something wrong?" * Angel walks over to Lord. "Thought we might have something a little slower. Might I have the next dance?" * Ari steps aside. * Jonathon shrugs slightly and heads over to the bar, ordering a martini. No offense, Ari, but I had this hunk first. You understand. * Ari blinks and looks confused. "Oh, it was never my intention to get in your way. Did it really seem like that?" [Lord gives a 'I can't help that women want my attention' shrug which may be directed at Ari or Angel. He then nods graciously to Ari, "Thank you for the Dance." And moves over to Angel. [Eckerd takes out a datapad and puts on a mix of classical instruments but with a slow jazzy sound that came in style around 2017.] * Jonathon hmms as he sits back at the bar, looking out to the dance floor. "It would seem I got here a bit late. Lord's gotten all the attention." * Angel leans back to Ari. "I saw Jonathan eyeing you, if you'd care for a different partner. He's a fabulous guy." [Eckerd] Can't have my agents feeling unappreciated. Care to dance, Mr. Marlyne? (uh oh...) * SarahLlewelyn offers her hand to Drew, who accepts * Ari smiles at her. "That's quite all right. I think I'll just sit for a while. Enjoy yourself." She nods politely to Lord. "You're welcome, and thank you." [Lord waits patiently for Angel, tapping his foot to the keep the beat.] * Jonathon smiles. "No no, simply an idle comment. I'd like an opportunity to shmooze first if you wouldn't mind." * Ari heads off the dance floor. She looks in Kendrick's direction and narrows her eyes briefly. But thank you for the kind offer. * Drew dances a lot better than he was attempting during the disco. It's a little tricky to tell if he's more practiced or sobering up [Eckerd gives what might almost be a grin] Well, it appears the powers of my youth no longer command. Enjoy yourself Mr. Marlyne. * SarahLlewelyn is waltzing with Drew like a swan in water * Ari walks over to the bar. As she gets closer to Kendrick, she blinks, then stares at him. * Angel joins Lord and rests her head on his shoulder. Come now, it's not like a lady such as yourself to sell yourself short, Miss Eckerd. [Lord puts an arm around Angel and dances slowly with her, leading into fairly interesting steps if she's up to it. Looks like he spent time he should have been spending studying UFOs at dance class.] * Jonathon sips his martini and watches the entire scene, his eyes wandering around the room. (I'm the one who's been studying UFOs instead of dance class. ;p) * Angel keeps up, but gets a bit dreamy, and seems to inhale deeply at his neck. [Eckerd grins slightly broader] Spare me your charm, ""she then goes to grab something from one of the tables"" [Lord doesn't really seem to notice] * Angel reaches up for Lord's head, and pulls him down for a kiss. [Around now a new figure floats through the wall. Looks like a man in his fifties, dressed in the height of fashion for three years ago.] I'll take a dance Dame, now that the music's too my taste, * Jonathon shrugs slightly and smiles, watching Ari. "Is something amiss that I don't know about?" * Ari turns to Jonathon. "Just confirming a theory." Well, is it confirmed? Or are you going to bore holes in the poor fellow? [Lord kisses her. Juliet might say 'He kisses by the movie' were it a modern adaptation of the pay and the screenwriter was playing fast and loose with the language] He seems a bit distracted at the moment. I shall have to speak with him more later. [Dame looks over at the fairly ethereal figure. "Not sure that'll work Alfred, but I'll give it a try."] [The Dame dances with the newly arrived gentleman quite well. They're only slightly out of sync, so it's hard to notice that they aren't actually touching each other.] * Ari glances back at the dance floor, then looks at Jonathon. "I'm surprised you're not taking a picture of them." She motions to Dame Eckerd and the spirit. * Jonathon shrugs slightly. "Reporters have days off too, you know. I like a break as much as the next man." He turns to Ari and smiles. "Care to have a seat?" [Alfred] Oh, and to keep up my duties. Boo, oooh, remember the dead, and what not. [Dame flits her eyes up again] You honestly think I'd forget? * Ari sits. "I meant to ask... what do you intend to do with those pictures you took of me during our last mission?" Well, with your permission, I'd like to use them in the story. What story? * DShadow is now known as Marcus [Dame whispers something to the etherial gentlemen, he says something quietly back.] (Oh, and for the whispering stuff, you wanna listen, you've got to ask for a hearing check. Saves GM sanity) (body or mind?) (mind I guess) (HA doesn't count for these rolls) Well, I don't know if I'm supposed to say...it's more of a..private arrangement. * Ari nods. "I see. Well, I would prefer that you not use the pictures. I enjoy my privacy as well." I have no problems with you keeping them safe for your own private collection. But beyond that... I feel rather uneasy. I hope you understand. * Jonathon looks at Ari and, while his face doesn't quite frown, he does seem somehow disappointed. "I'm sorry to hear that. It's nothing to be ashamed of. You are very photogenic." * Angel whispers to Lord [Lord whispers back] * Ari shakes her head. "It's not that. It's... difficult to explain." Honey, would you mind making me a Cosmo? I'll see what I can do otherwise. Hopefully it's not too frazzling for poor Blake though. * Angel takes Lord by the hand, and leads him through the exit door. * Drew and Sarah finish dancing and wander over to a table. Drew is fixing her drink, and picking up some small food Thank you. I appreciate that. * Kendrick watches, well, he's been watching pretty girls all evening. Wonder when that's gonna stop. ^^; * Angel calls back as she departs: "Kendrick, stir them up for me, will you? Had a great time, everybody. See you next time!" * Ari waves to her. "Have a good evening." Any particular reason you wish to say though? If you don't mind a more normal photograph, it would really help. [Lord walks off confidently. Better night than he expected.] * Jonathon smiles and waves over to Angel. "Have a lovely evening." I prefer keeping a low profile. * Kendrick waves at Angel. "You know I don't 'stir things up'. I just keep them spinning." See you again * Marcus waves to Angel. "Goodnight" It will be, Ghostly! I don't know if you have to worry much about profile as much as you think. * Ari leans back against the bar a little. "And why is that?" * Jonathon smiles sheepishly. "But if you're trully worried...actually, I believe Eckerd wants this." * Ari looks surprised. "Really." * Jonathon opens his eyes just slightly and his smile turns into a smirk. "Now now, prying for answers ourselves, are we?" * Marcus yawns. "I think I must be going now. Nice seeing everyone again." Don't worry...consider me....PR for the SAB. * Ari smiles. "We all have our senses of curiosity." Whether it's good or bad is up to you. * Ari waves to Marcus. "Good night, Marcus." * Kendrick shrugs and takes a drink. "'night Marcus." * Jonathon waves back over to Marcus. "Have a magnificent evening." [Eckerd suddenly puts her dance partner on hold and meanders over to Jonathon and Ari after waving to Marcus. * Marcus waves back. "Goodnight, everyone." * Jonathon stands up as she approaches and smiles. "Yes, madam?" [The ghostly guy wanders over to the table, and floats some sushi to his mouth, keeps it there for a minute, and then it drops to the floor. He then cleans up after himself.] * Marcus walks through the door and disappears [Eckerd smiles at Jonathon for a moment and then turns to Ari "I believe Ari may have had a question about our publicity policy." Yes. Is it wise to reveal... certain things to the public at large? * Jonathon just smiles at Ari and puts his hands in his jacket pockets. [Eckerd] Many don't, it's largely a matter of what you are comfortable with. And I think the gentleman here likely errs on the side of publicity, as is the nature of his profession. * Kendrick walks up to the discussing party, listening to the conversation. "Journalism isn't all it's cracked up to be." Lady, you wound me. I am a just and fair reporter. [Eckerd goes to a slight grin] And I err on the side of secrecy, as is the nature of my profession. I understand. It's simply that I prefer to keep a low profile, for personal reasons. [Eckerd] Certainly, then I trust Mr. Marlyne will respect that. And will happily oblige you should you latter change your mind. * Jonathon shrugs slightly, hands still in his coat. "And I will respect that. I would not profess to post pictures without permission of course. It simply makes my job more.. difficult. * Jonathon smiles at Eckerd. "Absolutely. I would do nothiing to offend such a charming pair of ladies such as these." Thank you, then. Speaking of which, I believe you wanted a dance? [Dame nods and offers her hand] [Ghostly guy wanders over and looks at Ari] Don't suppose you'd care to dance? I quite assure you I won't step on your toes. * Jonathon takes her hand delicately and kisses the knuckles before smiling and leading her to the dance floor. Thank you for the offer, but I have a question for this gentleman here. * Ari motions to Kendrick. Perhaps in a little while? Hmm? [Ghost guy nods] [He then floats over to the bar. And gets an etheral cup. After some effort.] (Yay, etheral cup!) (With some etheral mustard and etheral burger?) [Dame smiles slightly and let's Jonathon lead] So, any questions for me? I have certain senses, you might say. And when I am in close proximity to you, they seem to increase. I am correct in thinking this isn't a coincidence, is it? * Kendrick shrugs. "What do these senses detect, if I may ask?" I have an affinity for computers. * Jonathon smiles a little nervously and sweatdrops. "Oh please, madam. Do I really come off as being constantly on the job? Can not a man simply enjoy the pleasant evening in peace? And other tecnology. (technology, rather) Ah, hmmm... Well, depending on the nature of this affinity, I could very well agrivate any 'extra' senses you have. It's so bloody embarrassing, getting recognized everywhere you go. There are just some days where I wish I could go out and have a normal night out. [Dame goes back to that trace of a grin expression] Certainly. And this works for other abilities as well? [Dame is dipped and keeps up her end of the dance quite well.] Oh, certainly. Most who have any extra-ordinary powers find something 'odd' about me. * Kendrick takes a sip from his drink. * Jonathon grins and speaks to Eckerd in a low tone. * Ari nods. "I can see why SAB hired you, then." [A Chinese woman in her mid thirties wanders in about now, and glances around the room with a smile. She's got on a robe, but no chopsticks in her hair. She gets to chatting with the etheral guy.] More like I found them and they hired me to keep me quiet, but yes. * Ari frowns slightly. "Interesting." [Eckerd keeps the trace of a grin] Well, I certainly wouldn't want to ruin your evening.... So, what are you exactly? Sheez, look at the time Ruined? Well, it is a disappointment to be sure; however, I did obtain some fabulous pictures from the last escapade. And they loved the draft of "Dead Again." * Ari blinks at him. "I'm sorry. What do you mean?" We should probably be heading out ourselves in a bit. (to Sarah) If you'll excuse me * Drew wanders back over to the lab * Kendrick stirs his drink with his straw. "It's a given that you have some other powers than just being good with computers. Your speech isn't very normal for a Brit or an American either, yet you speak with no accent. And the fact that you were able to tell that there's something odd about me certainly makes you more than you look." [Eckerd adjusts something on her dress] "Well.. I do know some things to make your next article a bit more informed." * Jonathon nods. "Information is, as you know, always a good thing. That is why I wish to post on the cruise liner as soon as possible. They've apparently received, or perceived, more bad publicity than I realized from the Campbell Affair. [The music changes to a jazzy tango. It's actually a fair famous song, as the associated dance has the woman lead.] * SarahLlewelyn makes the rounds saying "good night" to people * Ari gives Kendrick a level look. "You're very observant, Mister Wickham." * Ari says good night to Sarah as she passes by. * Kendrick bids Sarah a good night when she passes by. The other reason they hired me. * Kendrick winks at Ari. * Jonathon bids Sarah farewell as well and then looks up at the tune. "Oh my." He turns to Dame Eckerd. "Does this mean you care to lead?" [Eckerd says her goodbyes to Sarah and then takes the lead in the dance] For vampires, most any publicity tends to be bad publicity. Perhaps, but the story needed to be told. [She keeps the faint grin] But, I believe we'll be breaking the ring within the month, ideally within the next two weeks. [Eckerd spins Jonathon around if he lets her and then turns the dance around. * Jonathon spins and grins himself. "Don't you wish you had a plucked rose for such an occassion?" * Ari seems a bit more at ease. "Well. I'll let you see if you can't figure out a few more things on your own, then." (Heh heh) Okay, let's see... [Eckerd continues the dance] I have enough drama in my life. Regardless, we've also learned a good deal about that island base. * Jonathon nods and follows Eckerd's lead. "Shame about Lighter. If I'd had time to prepare, I would have stopped him when I had the chance. Of course, he wasn't a primary target, but still..." You're analytical in your speach, so that's likely the way you think too. You said you have an affinity for computers and technology of all kinds, and look like you enjoy information. You're also very curious. I guess it's a good thing the entrance is by Underground. Gives us a chance to sober up * Drew re-enters the room [The chinese woman and the ghost seem a bit confused by the new dance. A book suddenly materializes in the Chinse woman's hand and they both look at it, while tenatively trying the moves.] [The ghost laughs at Sarah's comment. The Chinese woman just smiles.] * Ari simply nods at Kendrick. "Go on." * Drew walks over to Kendrick and Ari. * Kendrick thinks. "Curious fits Kitsune, but they are not known for technological know-how. On the other hand, your affinity with computers and logical thinking, it would be a good assumption that you are very close to it and computers, particularly." [Dame] We'll get another chance I'm sure. I'll have my people write up a file on what we've learned, but until that's ready you can ask questions. [Turns and spins him again] If you don't feel it would put a damper on the evening. Nice to meet you Ari, and to see you again Kendrick. If you don't mind me jumping in to your conversation, I also noticed something sensory when I met you However, being curious is a common theme in *all* spirits... Oh? I can't place my finger on it, but I'm afraid the topic will have to wait for another time * Jonathon smiles mysteriously as he spins, clasping her hands. "Well, interviews are hardly as entertaining as investigation." * Kendrick smiles at Drew. "Of course. Until later then." * Ari looks up at Drew. "It was nice to meet you as well. Have a good evening." See you later Drew. * Drew makes the rounds * Ari stands up from her stool, perhaps a bit more hurried than necessary. "I really should be going as well." * Drew and Sarah head out. As they are leaving, Drew says to his S.O. "I warned you she was like that" [Dame calls out "Farewell Mr. Wilson" when he comes closer and then turns back to Jonathon. "We actually are still uncertain about Mr. Drake's, the leader you captured, sponsors, but apparently he's planning to publish results of his own." * Kendrick nods. "Well, if you must go, at least let me see you to the door. It looks like the party's winding down, and I should leave soon anyways." * Jonathon nods and stops the dance. "If you give me one moment, I would like to say my farewells to those leaving." All right. Of course... What was your name, sir? [Dame curtseys] Certainly. Don't let me hold you if you need to leave yourself. * Jonathon turns to smile at Kendrick. "Sorry we didn't have a chance to officially meet." He walks over and extends a hand. "Jonathon Marlyne. Pleasure to meet you, I'm sure." * Jonathon looks over at Ari. "And a shame I didn't have an opportunity to dance with you as well. Perhaps another time." * Kendrick takes it and shakes it. "Kendrick Wickham. Of course, pleasure to meet you as well." Maybe we'll work together sometime on a case? We'll see. [The ghost and the Chinese woman are doing their best with the dance. The book is hovering a small distance in front of them as they work on the steps.] * Jonathon grins. "Watch the lady. She's a sharp one at that. Though I think mildly still curious. I can't fathom why. I'm just your everyday mild-mannered reporter." He smiles softly. * Ari smiles back at him. "But of course you are. Good night, Jonathon." And to you as too, Ari. * Kendrick taps his head with his finger. "I'll say, but you gotta be always thinking. I'm just your everyday writer as well, you know." * Jonathon gives her a slight wink. Ah. Truly? What sort of writing do you do? I've done a few outside of journalism. None too good, I'm afraid (That's actually the author's quote on the book flap) * Kendrick smirks. "'Fictional', mostly. As you know, the truth can be stranger than fiction. I've yet to finish my masterpiece, though." Really? I shall have to look into both of your works, then. [Dame watches the ghost and the chinese woman with a bemused expression. Of course Ari. * Jonathon smiles at Ari. "Try "Drifting Passages." I'm sure, given our first mission together, you would enjoy it." * Ari nods. "And do you have any recommendations, Mister Wickham?" * Kendrick hmmms... "Nothing in particular, I'm afraid. I never look at my works after I'm done with them. Otherwise I'd never get on to the next one." Nothing is ever perfect. Most artists are like that. A work is only so much as the process of the journey more than the product of completion. It's the flaws that make the masterpiece, they say. Exactly. And, after all, we're all only human here, right? * Kendrick checks the time. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have work in less than twelve hours. And I know I certainly am." [The two dancers give up and talk amongst themselves and with Dame Eckerd for a moment.] * Ari smiles. "Yes, of course. Good night, Mister Wickham. Have a safe trip back." Indeed. Good night to you both if you are both leaving then. I believe I shall stay for a while longer. Shame I came so late. Good night to you Jonathon, it was certainly a pleasure to speak to you. And everyone knows I'm the safest driver on the road." And to you, Ari. You do have a ride back, don't you? [Dame turns back "Good night Ari, Mr. Wickham."] The pleasure was all mine. Good night Dame. Shame I couldn't stay later. Thank you for the offer, but I can reach my destination on my own. If you say so. I do. * Kendrick bids everyone a good night before he leaves through the main door. Outside you can hear some screetching rubber and a VERY loud engine as his sports car speeds off. [Well, there's a few lead doors, and the subway ride thingy. But it's a very loud car, so. :P] * Ari watches Kendrick leave. She frowns slightly. * Jonathon smiles to himself. "Sounds safe indeed." (Hey, I paide 4 CP for that car. It should be loud!) At any rate... good night, Jonathon. I'm sure I'll be seeing you again in the future. Indeed. It's always a...unique experience to work with you. Good night to the rest of you as well. * Ari steps out. [The remaining staff wave and say their goodbyes.] * Grysar sets mode: -vvv DShadow jnespuxah Kendrick * Jonathon turns back around. "So. You were saying, Miss Eckerd?" * Kendrick is now known as Zegon * Eckerd walks over to the bar and pours herself another glass of wine. "Mr. Drake apparently was running an experiment." * Jonathon goes to the bar himself. "Please don't tell me it was to see if those bloody rules work. Because quite frankly, they seem rather trite. And apparently don't work as well as he'd hoped." (*laughs*) [Eckerd] Care for anything to drink? ::she then smiles slightly at his comment:: I can't tell you that, as I'd certainly never mislead the press. As you will then. * Jonathon smiles and flips out a notepad, licking a pen he mysteriously draws from his pocket with a flick. [Eckerd] But, he's apparently going to be suggesting new rules, and commenting on which of the old are refuted in this paper. (*cracks up* Evil Overlord research! I love it! ^_^) Becoming a better Overlord one step at a time so to speak? Care to share any of the new rules or is that confidential until his paper is published? [Eckerd] Quite so. Apparently he has a family history of it, though his family's resources are largely spent, so that's not who sponsored him. [Eckerd thinks for a moment] He's confidence is the least of my concerns... [Eckerd] Keep an air gap between your escape system and your main computer, wireless can be highly overrated for overlords, and don't capture agents unless you're ready for the consequences. [Eckerd] I think he's working on suggesting a process of expulsion and arbitration at the U.N. to stall for time if you catch an agent, but he's still working that one through. [Chinese woman snacks and chats with the ghost in the background.] * Jonathon smiles slightly again. "Seems Ari made quite an impact. However, the last one doesn't seem to fit. You cannot obtain information that way." Perhaps a better rule would be "Don't broadcast an enemy with an ultimatum from your home base." [Eckerd goes back to a trace of a grin] As important as your reporting is, I'd suggest that your journalistic neutrality should mean that you shouldn't suggest better rules to the other side. Miss Eckerd, I assure you, this is simply conjecture. I've no intent of including it in any stories I write. [Eckerd nods] Lovely. As to his funding, we suspect one of a few corporations or nations, and perhaps the organization DETRACTOR, but they covered their tracks quite well, so we aren't certain yet. Do you believe printing out the suspicions may help draw out the true benefactor? [Eckerd] I have some hopes that someone may see your article and for their own reasons offer you more information, but my primary goal is of course to keep the public informed as to our purpose. ::thin smile again:: Certainly. Though it appears some certain individuals are skeptical of my intent. Or perhaps she simply wishes for me to have private photographs of her. For reasons I certainly could never fathom. But as it is, I'll see if my informant can turn up any leads. [Eckerd smiles a bit more] I wouldn't place to much weight on that hypothesis Mr. Marlyne, but good luck with that. * Jonathon shrugs vaguely. "Who am I to say where the weight of contemplation should and should not lie?" [Eckerd does the flick her eye skyward thing] Oh, and the grunts. We have learned their nature. I'm tempted to have Victor explain it, but I should be able to handle it. [Ghost and Chinese woman wander out at this point] Data analysis. Reporting information towards the main source...is that not so? Falling in battle for the good of the organization. I never truly thought of the term "pawns" used literally until now. [Eckerd smiles] Excellent guess, and that was how they were used, but it's a bit more complex than that. * Jonathon shrugs. "And I am simple, Dame Eckerd. Do proceed." [Eckerd] Apparently, Alex Lawrence, the king or queen of your metaphor, has developed technology by which he can recruit other, less successful, versions of himself from... [Eckerd pauses] Parallel universes, ones where he made different choices is probably the easiest description. We're still analyzing the nature his technology. We did notice that they were clones of sorts....but...parallel dimensions. That is a conundrum. I wonder if there's a version of me out there who isn't quite as cheery. [Eckerd] Perhaps, or perhaps that version isn't really you any more. But that's a question outside of my experience. But...what's to prevent him from finding a MORE successful version of himself that ends up taking control? Or if a group of less successful versions decide they've had enough and mutiny. Unless this device actually enables him to 'undo' his choices by shifting universes. But that theory wouldn't explain how there could be multiples of him at the same time. [Eckerd] Apparently his personality just doesn't work that way. Were a more successful version to come to him, he'd work for that version, similarly his less successful versions are happy to risk sacrifice for a chance at success. [Eckerd] Victor says it will be a few months to really reverse engineer the device, unless Mr. Lawerence becomse much talkative. But I'll happily share what we find out then. Oh sure, they all SAY that, until it actually happens. Then you really are seperated with the "me" versus the world. Or worlds in this case. * Jonathon smiles slightly. "But for ease of discussion, I'll presume that this Mister Lawrence is a bloody bugger." [Eckerd adopts a slight smirk] Obviously your personality is not one suited to serving in the ranks of an army of you. Which is for the best I'm sure. * Jonathon waves his hand idly. "Oh, I'm certain I would get on my nerves if I were me. I would give myself such a slap and tell myself to go back to where I came from before I do something I might regret." [Eckerd then thinks] On the other lieutenants. The Hooded Falcon is now in quite a secure facility, being kept asleep for now until we learn enough of her powers to keep her secure. [Eckerd chuckles at Jonathon's comment] * Jonathon smiles. "She has a pretty flare. May have gotten me a strike or too. Pity, I wanted to get a picture." * Jonathon opens his eyes and looks a little more serious. "Any news on Lighter?" [Eckerd] We could scan the surveillance tapes and perhaps provide you one, but not at the quality of your camera of course. Oh, and finally apparently Mr. Lighter's boxers were a recent concession to his sense modesty. * Jonathon raises an eyebrow at that. "Oh?" [Eckerd] But otherwise he's keeping a low profile. Probably awaiting another job at lower pay. [Eckerd nods] And the logo on them actually matched the logo on those ponchos the vampire security were wearing. He WAS rather badly wounded. It begs the question of how exactly we would have kept him if we were able to capture. And granted, I have ways of capturing him but it wouldn't nearly keep him as long as need be. [Eckerd] Energy or depleted uranium cage I suppose, but you make a good point. I'm not sure even that would hold him over the longterm. I THOUGHT it looked familiar. So is that a provider or an employer? [Eckerd] Provider, we've found an exceptionally vague website with the same logo, but... No proof? [Eckerd] It regularly changes what server it's running on, and the contact email it gives is apparently untracable. It also requires a reference before any sales can take place. Has Ari investigated? [Eckerd] Not yet, we've been having her focus on tracking those behind Mr. Drake. But, we may ask her to assist our technical staff in this investigation as well. If there is such a link, then it would be best to know before it gets too out of hand. I could pick up the traces on the physical end using my contacts as well if you so desired. [Eckerd nods] I'll have our people send you what we have on the matter. * Jonathon whistles slightly and turns a bit away in his stool, looking up in the air. "Of course, such information is not easy to come by. It puts my informants at risk if I put them in too deep. I'm not so certain I can do it without due consideration of the cost versus the rewards..." [Eckerd chuckes again] Well, if information you find proves helpful, we would of course bring you in to report on the results, even if you aren't embedded in the team on that particular mission. * Jonathon smiles slightly. "Smashing. I look forward to it then. And anything necessary I may need to know about the team as well?" [Dame idly sketches the logo on her datapad and shows it. It's a P and a reversed K, both stylized.] (Stylized? What sort of style? Like gothic writing?) (No, more modern/techy looking) (I'll make it up in photoshop at some point) * Jonathon nods and checks out the pad. "Interesting. Why do you suppose it's reversed anyway?" [Eckerd] Oh, we're still just speculating about this particular mystery, although once we find more, we intend to dry up this source of technology. [Eckerd looks thoughtful for a moment] I just don't know enough to productively guess. I don't even know what the letters could mean. One of our technical staff said it was an abbreviation for the term 'Player Killer' but that wasn't mentioned anywhere on the site. Now then...I understand the shields, but why the boxers? Unless it's to indicate that Lighter himself is the employee. I would hate to believe that the boxers actually have a special function beyond decency. Although, the technology apparently allows them to be phazed as well. * Jonathon rolls his eyes idly as he retraces a grin. "RPG fanatics. Bloody wonderful." [Eckerd] He did mention the expense in the mission logs. Obviously clothing has it's protective advantages, but perhaps that's all he could afford. [Eckerd shrugs] But I'll not concern myself with it until we know more, just thought you'd want to know. * Jonathon raises an eyebrow like that. "A hired assassin such as Lighter? Must be a rather expensive pair of drawers." [Eckerd nods] Tens of millions at least. If that is the case, I'd gather that the Vampire Security Force has quite a great deal of money to burn. [Eckerd smiles] Well, they say compound interest is the most powerful force in the universe. * Jonathon chuckles. "Must be nice to be able to collect after a few centuries." [Eckerd nods] We're probably looking at different sorts of products here, as many of those vampires weren't the phasing sort, but I agree with your guess that if the boxers were so expensive, the rest of their products probably cost a good deal as well. And remember quantity as well. There was quite a great deal of security. [Eckerd nods] Quite true. [Eckerd] Past buyer we assume. Or a source the seller trusts. But if we knew who the seller trusted outside of buyers... * Jonathon smiles. "Then we could pay them a visit of our own." [Eckerd nods] Something to look into for certain...but... [Eckerd] But? * Jonathon looks down for a second and reaches into his pocket, pulling out a phone to his ear. "Jonathon Marlyne here. Hello? Ah. Yes right. I'm on my way." He puts the phone away and smiles sheepishly. "Duty calls. No rest for the weary." [Eckerd nods] Have a good night Mr. Marlyne. Hope you do get some sleep eventually. Undoubtedly. It has been a pleasure, Miss Eckerd. Kindly keep our arrangement at least somewhat a secret? I do like some privacy of my own. What little I can from my work. [Eckerd smiles] You didn't even have to ask. * Jonathon grins slightly. "I do not like loose ends, Miss Eckerd. Have a pleasant night." * Jonathon goes to retrieve his duffle and casually walks out the door. [Session End]