Absently, more of habit than anything, Bao straightened his cuffs. The mayor didn't intimidate him, nor did the bitch (although he was just as happy she was standing on two feet again); Amir was another matter. While not precisely intimidated by Amir he was quite aware that his creator was more than a little displeased. He had no desire to discuss this further with Amir. For a fleeting moment he toyed with the idea of walking into the sun or simply disappearing for a century or two, until Amir cooled off.
Even though he was being held captive by a pack of werewolves though this was just another court appearance. That was the best way to look at this. He needed to answer to the wolves' satisfaction but without saying more than need be. It was a touch trick with Amir as the judge though. Of course, any details Amir felt lacking he might ask for in private.
"Yes, it was for the blood but she... you...†For the briefest of moments he looked at the she wolf he'd just released absently noting she was naked. "she was not targeted specifically. It was simply by chance you came to my attention and we noted you didn't have a pack around you at the time.â€
He had quickly become aware of her family in Europe, enough to threaten harm to them if need be, but he'd caught her at a time when she had been alone. Her family had never been touched though.
"There as been a largely unsuccessful attempt to,†Bao paused considering his choice of word, "develop your species into a more cooperative form.â€
After all, not every one was able to command a wolf to do their bidding or even to locate a wolf. Undoubtedly the program should have ended years ago but the scientist could be quite stubborn and even though there was less and less need for a compliant wolf as the technology improved encouraging them to press on.
"I will do what I can to shut them down at this point. Although, I cannot promise they will not start again.â€
This was more for Amir than for the mayor. Bao didn't give a damned if the project continued and certainly wasn't placating the wolves. But he did know Amir would see the project as a threat to the clan now and it should be eliminated.
What have you got to say for yourself?
There were all kinds of tales of the strange things that vampires could do; worse yet there were the actual inherited memories that proved that those tales were mostly true. Holding a mulo for any length of time was something they rarely wanted to do. Still it was something that the R'asa expected to do more of when they started moving into the cities. Vaughn and The Legion had set up numerous holding cells and interrogation rooms underground in Nachton.
He nodded to the guards at the entrance as he made his way down to the first holding cell. In the outer room Vaughn found Antoine and another Legionnaire watching the cameras. Leaning over his friend's shoulder he could see the younger looking vampire inside.
"How many darts did we hit him with?†Vaughn frowned at the prone form on the screen.
"At least a dozen according to those that swept the area clean.†Antoine shrugged slightly. "We are not sure how many of those went through.†He nodded to the holding cell. "He was wearing armor.â€
"That wasn't entirely unexpected. It still seems to have taken a awful long time to bring him down compared to the other one.â€
The Legionnaire chuckled and said. "Well the other one was just wearing a suit.â€
Vaughn dropped into the chair and shook his head. One was dressed for battle and the other wasn't. "A bodyguard?†He raised his chin in the direction of the man on the cameras.
"Could be.â€
But the other man, the one who had been giving commands to Therese said he had been ordered not to release her and this guy said he was there to make sure the commands were dropped from Therese. That made him more than a bodyguard and the first person that Vaughn intended to deal with. The bastard in the suit would just have to wait his turn.
The other Legionnaire pointed to the screen. "He's starting to move.†The soldier looked up and rubbed his hand. "If you need help convincing him to be cooperative then a couple of us would be happy to oblige.â€
Antoine hid a smirk and found something fascinating about the far wall.
"Explain.†Vaughn saw that the man's hand was an angry blotchy red. He raised his eyebrows at the obvious allergic reaction.
"Silver dust, silver plating, silver blades.†Antoine filled in, slowly turning back around to look at the cameras, "The guy was a veritable one man arsenal.â€
"It'd be damned convenient if they had their own allergy.†Vaughn muttered. He hated silver dust with a passion beyond most werewolves. It was what had killed his father.
"They do. We call it sunlight.†Antoine shrugged again. The mulo were certainly 'allergic' to that; it was true.
"To bad we can't make weapons out of sunlight.†Despite what shows like Underworld would have the masses believe. They had yet to breed a super wolf either. Damn they needed to step it up.
Vaughn looked at the man with the silver rash. "We will start with other methods of communication.â€
Pushing the button that projected his voice into the cell, he spoke calmly. "I trust you had a nice a nap.â€
Bao
12 years ago
Vaughn Emiliano
12 years ago
Therese seemed to understand the need for patience, if not calm. After heaving a huge sigh, she returned to her human form. Vaughn unbuttoned his dress shirt as she answered the first part of the question for the suit. The commands had started with the vampire wanting to take her blood, apparently to study.
Bao did not appear to fully comprehend the danger he was in when Vaughn promised that they would keep an eye on him and if he fell out of line then they would not hesitate to kill him the next time. He had promised to let Bao leave here alive and nothing more. One patent leather clad toe out of place was all it would take as far as he was concerned. Perhaps the man thought vampires were unstoppable, immortal and unmatched by werewolves but Vaughn didn't exactly plan to play fair. He never planned to play fair unless he had to. Quite frankly it was an odd opinion to have while in a cell surrounded by werewolves who could have ended the man's long years of existence while he was sleeping like a baby.
He slid out of his shirt and helped Therese into it, sliding it up over her shoulders. It was not that she had ever appeared to have a problem with being naked, and he suspected that normally she was quite comfortable sans clothing, but he didn't want the mulo to see her that way. Perhaps it was a sort of protective possessiveness on his part but he did not want Bao to be able to stare at her lithe body in all its glory. Thankfully, his shirt covered her like a short dress.
Wrapping his arms around Therese's waist, he held her close while he listened to the rest of the bastard's reasons for commanding Therese. It appeared that she had been targeted because she had been alone when the vampire found her. That seemed like unfortunate circumstance and he was glad that it was no longer the case.
Raising his eyebrows, Vaughn scoffed at the idea of a more cooperative werewolf. Wolves were not like their canine cousins. They were not easily tamed, they might consider a human a part of their pack but a wolf would never be a lapdog. Werewolves, along with sharing that wild nature with their lupine kin were also sentient. A fact that this vampire seemed to have forgotten. All the research in the world would not keep a sentient being from thinking and thinking meant eventually wanting rights of their own.
"What made you think that was even possible? Were you hoping to create some lesser version? A weredog perhaps to be your faithful companion?†Why not vampire dogs? Wouldn't those at least have a tendency to like their vampires masters a little better?
He turned to Amir to see what the other vampire thought of this plan. Smiling mildly, he asked pleasantly, "Could I have a vampire puppy of my very own, while we are playing Frankenstein's monster with the supernatural races?†Vaughn had never heard of such a creature and suspected that it was not possible for vampires to turn anything but humans. No doubt in all their many many years of life they had tried.
"Well I can assure you that there is never likely to be such a cooperative werewolf, unless the current ones have a change of heart.†Vaughn frowned. "And with episodes like this one that possibility seems highly unlikely.â€
"These scientists that you are going to call off. Are they vampires? Humans? Werewolves?†No one knew about their DNA better than their own people but that would require that the suit either lie, and very well, to more of the shifters or command them to do his bidding. Vaughn wanted to make sure the latter wasn't happening. The scientists could be vampires who fully understood and agreed with what the suit was trying to create or they could be unsuspecting humans who thought they were researching some lab made genetic material. At least he hoped that Bao had not explained to an entire research team about the existence of werewolf kind.
"That was what she was doing in the beginning. What did you have her do later?â€
Bao did not appear to fully comprehend the danger he was in when Vaughn promised that they would keep an eye on him and if he fell out of line then they would not hesitate to kill him the next time. He had promised to let Bao leave here alive and nothing more. One patent leather clad toe out of place was all it would take as far as he was concerned. Perhaps the man thought vampires were unstoppable, immortal and unmatched by werewolves but Vaughn didn't exactly plan to play fair. He never planned to play fair unless he had to. Quite frankly it was an odd opinion to have while in a cell surrounded by werewolves who could have ended the man's long years of existence while he was sleeping like a baby.
He slid out of his shirt and helped Therese into it, sliding it up over her shoulders. It was not that she had ever appeared to have a problem with being naked, and he suspected that normally she was quite comfortable sans clothing, but he didn't want the mulo to see her that way. Perhaps it was a sort of protective possessiveness on his part but he did not want Bao to be able to stare at her lithe body in all its glory. Thankfully, his shirt covered her like a short dress.
Wrapping his arms around Therese's waist, he held her close while he listened to the rest of the bastard's reasons for commanding Therese. It appeared that she had been targeted because she had been alone when the vampire found her. That seemed like unfortunate circumstance and he was glad that it was no longer the case.
Raising his eyebrows, Vaughn scoffed at the idea of a more cooperative werewolf. Wolves were not like their canine cousins. They were not easily tamed, they might consider a human a part of their pack but a wolf would never be a lapdog. Werewolves, along with sharing that wild nature with their lupine kin were also sentient. A fact that this vampire seemed to have forgotten. All the research in the world would not keep a sentient being from thinking and thinking meant eventually wanting rights of their own.
"What made you think that was even possible? Were you hoping to create some lesser version? A weredog perhaps to be your faithful companion?†Why not vampire dogs? Wouldn't those at least have a tendency to like their vampires masters a little better?
He turned to Amir to see what the other vampire thought of this plan. Smiling mildly, he asked pleasantly, "Could I have a vampire puppy of my very own, while we are playing Frankenstein's monster with the supernatural races?†Vaughn had never heard of such a creature and suspected that it was not possible for vampires to turn anything but humans. No doubt in all their many many years of life they had tried.
"Well I can assure you that there is never likely to be such a cooperative werewolf, unless the current ones have a change of heart.†Vaughn frowned. "And with episodes like this one that possibility seems highly unlikely.â€
"These scientists that you are going to call off. Are they vampires? Humans? Werewolves?†No one knew about their DNA better than their own people but that would require that the suit either lie, and very well, to more of the shifters or command them to do his bidding. Vaughn wanted to make sure the latter wasn't happening. The scientists could be vampires who fully understood and agreed with what the suit was trying to create or they could be unsuspecting humans who thought they were researching some lab made genetic material. At least he hoped that Bao had not explained to an entire research team about the existence of werewolf kind.
"That was what she was doing in the beginning. What did you have her do later?â€
Therese
12 years ago
To Thérèse, who had spent more time with this monster than Vaughn, the fact that he hadn't acknowledged the threat/promise of death indicated he was taking it very seriously. After all, he'd mocked or insulted her when she'd said such things. This Bao seemed to have three modes of being, totally impassive, derisive and insulting, and cruel and hurtful. She was of the opinion he was incapable of anything else.
Availing herself of the offered shirt Thérèse smiled quiet thanks. Perhaps she should have thought her change through. She had not liked being naked in front of the vampires, although she wasn't embarrassed she felt vulnerable. While she wasn't going to be bending over any time soon the shirt did help. As did Vaughn's hand on her waist.
She nodded quiet agreement that she had been alone at the time. Her family lived fairly nomadic life style and Thérèse was often on her own for weeks or months . it had made her vulnerable, although, none of them had ever anticipated this. Now that she was able to speak again she would certainly be in touch with her grandfather and impress upon him that they stay in pairs at the very least.
The mulo's goals disgusted her. She couldn't hide the revulsion on her face. It made Thérèse sick to think that she had been, no matter how unwillingly, part of this. Stars what if they had succeeded? That idea gave her pause and for a second she did think she would vomit. It took some concentration to get that reaction under control.
As Vaughn was doing a fine job covering most of her questions she didn't feel the need to interject.
"Do you still have any of my blood? Or any of us for that matter.â€
They had taken enough for her to believe they still did. The thought made her more than slightly uneasy. It was probably they could continue the work even without those samples, but forcing any remaining samples to be surrendered would slow them down. Wouldn't it?
Availing herself of the offered shirt Thérèse smiled quiet thanks. Perhaps she should have thought her change through. She had not liked being naked in front of the vampires, although she wasn't embarrassed she felt vulnerable. While she wasn't going to be bending over any time soon the shirt did help. As did Vaughn's hand on her waist.
She nodded quiet agreement that she had been alone at the time. Her family lived fairly nomadic life style and Thérèse was often on her own for weeks or months . it had made her vulnerable, although, none of them had ever anticipated this. Now that she was able to speak again she would certainly be in touch with her grandfather and impress upon him that they stay in pairs at the very least.
The mulo's goals disgusted her. She couldn't hide the revulsion on her face. It made Thérèse sick to think that she had been, no matter how unwillingly, part of this. Stars what if they had succeeded? That idea gave her pause and for a second she did think she would vomit. It took some concentration to get that reaction under control.
As Vaughn was doing a fine job covering most of her questions she didn't feel the need to interject.
"Do you still have any of my blood? Or any of us for that matter.â€
They had taken enough for her to believe they still did. The thought made her more than slightly uneasy. It was probably they could continue the work even without those samples, but forcing any remaining samples to be surrendered would slow them down. Wouldn't it?
Amir
12 years ago
Once the most immediate danger had passed Amir moved away from Bao to stand facing him as Vaughn and his bitch were, but slightly apart from them. He listened to everyone with a grimace of distaste upon his face, shaking his head at Vaughn's angry words.
"A pointless pursuit," he said at the notion of weredogs, and also in response to Bao's mention of 'tamer' weres in general. "Our races are not meant to co-exist in that manner, and the sooner you disabuse yourself of that notion, the better."
He glared at Bao. Amir had been willing to turn a blind eye to his child's 'hobby' as long as it had no real impact on them as a race, or a Clan. Now, however, it had the potential to start a war. Amir wouldn't mind killing werewolves if his Clan asked it of him, but he was all for avoiding the pointless sacrifice of vampires.
At Vaughn's further questioning Amir nodded shortly to Bao. He had told him he wanted him to answer the werewolf fully and he meant it. Bao had put them in a situation where they were literally in the lion's jaws. Vaughn was not a man to take lightly. Perhaps alone, on the street, but they were in the middle of his den surrounded by his kind. They had one option and that was honesty. If they injured Bao for it, well, he had brought it on himself.
"A pointless pursuit," he said at the notion of weredogs, and also in response to Bao's mention of 'tamer' weres in general. "Our races are not meant to co-exist in that manner, and the sooner you disabuse yourself of that notion, the better."
He glared at Bao. Amir had been willing to turn a blind eye to his child's 'hobby' as long as it had no real impact on them as a race, or a Clan. Now, however, it had the potential to start a war. Amir wouldn't mind killing werewolves if his Clan asked it of him, but he was all for avoiding the pointless sacrifice of vampires.
At Vaughn's further questioning Amir nodded shortly to Bao. He had told him he wanted him to answer the werewolf fully and he meant it. Bao had put them in a situation where they were literally in the lion's jaws. Vaughn was not a man to take lightly. Perhaps alone, on the street, but they were in the middle of his den surrounded by his kind. They had one option and that was honesty. If they injured Bao for it, well, he had brought it on himself.
Bao
12 years ago
Watching the mayor offer his pet his shirt Bao wondered momentarily what he would have done if he'd been aware of this relationship before. Would he have tried to exploit it? No. It would have been too much of a risk and draw too much attention and there would have been no gain.
He raised one eyebrow very slightly at the man's sarcasm and disbelief. Granted it sounded rather far fetched and there were certainly difficulties but one could just shut down an avenue of research. Of course they mayor could afford this attitude as he was holding all the cards right now.
"A horse and a donkey breed to create a mule. It has characteristics of both and is able to do a job that is not ideally suited to either horse or donkey."
That was the reasoning on many levels. He did not, however, mention the Sorensen woman and her dog. Bao frowned, he'd not be able to peruse that now would he? It would only expose them to the other pack. The thought irritated him, beyond irritated it made him made. The key to all of this was very probably locked up inside that dog and now they would never know.
A blink was the only show of surprise that he made. The very idea that they would work with werewolves on this. Certainly not. Of course, one had slipped through, Dr. Gounder. That still rankled him and part of Bao wished they had not released the woman when they had her. Of course, at the time he'd been too worried about Amir to suggest a hostage, but it would have been nice.
"Mostly they are vampires. Some humans but they are either familiars or only doing the very basic lab work and have no idea what is going on."
The she wolf decided to speak up and he could only shrug.
"I do not know. I never have worked in the lab. They may, they may not."
Later. Ah yes, this is where all the trouble had come from. If they had kept her only for blood samples and not tried to use her as a resource no doubt they would not be here now.
"Research, reconnaissance."
He said simply. Bao desperately wanted to avoid dealing with the other pack as well. The ones who had nearly broken his father. He had no way of knowing how much information was shared between the two sets of wolves.
"Only very basic things she was never used as a weapon, for sabotage, to lure another to us or to gather terribly sensitive information if that is your worry."
He raised one eyebrow very slightly at the man's sarcasm and disbelief. Granted it sounded rather far fetched and there were certainly difficulties but one could just shut down an avenue of research. Of course they mayor could afford this attitude as he was holding all the cards right now.
"A horse and a donkey breed to create a mule. It has characteristics of both and is able to do a job that is not ideally suited to either horse or donkey."
That was the reasoning on many levels. He did not, however, mention the Sorensen woman and her dog. Bao frowned, he'd not be able to peruse that now would he? It would only expose them to the other pack. The thought irritated him, beyond irritated it made him made. The key to all of this was very probably locked up inside that dog and now they would never know.
A blink was the only show of surprise that he made. The very idea that they would work with werewolves on this. Certainly not. Of course, one had slipped through, Dr. Gounder. That still rankled him and part of Bao wished they had not released the woman when they had her. Of course, at the time he'd been too worried about Amir to suggest a hostage, but it would have been nice.
"Mostly they are vampires. Some humans but they are either familiars or only doing the very basic lab work and have no idea what is going on."
The she wolf decided to speak up and he could only shrug.
"I do not know. I never have worked in the lab. They may, they may not."
Later. Ah yes, this is where all the trouble had come from. If they had kept her only for blood samples and not tried to use her as a resource no doubt they would not be here now.
"Research, reconnaissance."
He said simply. Bao desperately wanted to avoid dealing with the other pack as well. The ones who had nearly broken his father. He had no way of knowing how much information was shared between the two sets of wolves.
"Only very basic things she was never used as a weapon, for sabotage, to lure another to us or to gather terribly sensitive information if that is your worry."
Vaughn Emiliano
12 years ago
This guy was seriously comparing their race to mules? Vaughn's hand clenched tight as the urge to punch the bastard became nearly overwhelming. Amir seemed to agree. "No, I personally think the world is big enough to share but we are not food. The only good thing is that we don't also need humans to live." They could easily breed amongst themselves and humans were not a source of life for them. "Though they can be quite tasty."
Slowly he relaxed his hand and listened to the man answer the questions.
Only he did a piss poor job of that. This lab may or may not continue working after he tells them to stop, which Vaughn had serious doubts about the man doing in the first place. The lab may or may not have Therese's blood. To further add insult to injury when asked what he had Therese doing while he had her under his control, the suit said two words. As if research and reconnaissance would be sufficient. He then went on to say that she was never used as a weapon for sabotage or to lure more of their kind to him. As if that should placate him in some way.
Turning slightly to Amir, Vaughn said. "While he might be more truthful with you here, he does not appear to be very forth coming.†Amir had suggested that his 'son' answer the questions fully. Obviously that was not going to obeyed. "If this is him cooperating then I hope that any other children you might have are better behaved.†He glanced back at the suit. "At this rate I am finding it more and more likely that he will come out of here more on the near to death side of alive.†Vaughn wouldn't break his word; Bao would live but the deal was that he would cooperate in exchange for them not making that life a painful existence for a week or so. If he didn't start giving some clear answers soon then Vaughn might have to find other methods of persuasion.
He leaned down to Therese. "Do you remember what he had you do? Perhaps you could jog his memory for him.†And let Vaughn know what other questions he needed to be asking the guy.
Slowly he relaxed his hand and listened to the man answer the questions.
Only he did a piss poor job of that. This lab may or may not continue working after he tells them to stop, which Vaughn had serious doubts about the man doing in the first place. The lab may or may not have Therese's blood. To further add insult to injury when asked what he had Therese doing while he had her under his control, the suit said two words. As if research and reconnaissance would be sufficient. He then went on to say that she was never used as a weapon for sabotage or to lure more of their kind to him. As if that should placate him in some way.
Turning slightly to Amir, Vaughn said. "While he might be more truthful with you here, he does not appear to be very forth coming.†Amir had suggested that his 'son' answer the questions fully. Obviously that was not going to obeyed. "If this is him cooperating then I hope that any other children you might have are better behaved.†He glanced back at the suit. "At this rate I am finding it more and more likely that he will come out of here more on the near to death side of alive.†Vaughn wouldn't break his word; Bao would live but the deal was that he would cooperate in exchange for them not making that life a painful existence for a week or so. If he didn't start giving some clear answers soon then Vaughn might have to find other methods of persuasion.
He leaned down to Therese. "Do you remember what he had you do? Perhaps you could jog his memory for him.†And let Vaughn know what other questions he needed to be asking the guy.
Therese
12 years ago
"Vous devriez me laisser mordre.â€
She muttered very -very- quietly to Vaughn. Oh the creature spoke French and undoubtedly they both heard her, she cast a quick glance at the other the 'boy' but she said it any way. Thérèse was still angry, livid really, and was feeling a bit rash as a result.
"Oui, I remember but I did not understand exactly why or what he wanted. He had quite an interest in a human, her dog and a Kadzait male.â€
Those two ultimately wound up being the key to getting her out of this mess, for which she was eternally grateful. Perhaps she should send them a thank you note or flowers.
"He was very clear that I should not touch them, not harm them though.â€
That had been the loophole, she had been able to attack but she couldn't hurt them. Which is why she'd run after accosting them.
It was rather disheartening to realize how helpless she still felt. He'd never had to explain anything to her, only command it. Even when she had been able to question the reason, it had not been provided. Perhaps she should have worked less on avoiding commands and more on what his reasons and motivations were. That would be more help now.
She muttered very -very- quietly to Vaughn. Oh the creature spoke French and undoubtedly they both heard her, she cast a quick glance at the other the 'boy' but she said it any way. Thérèse was still angry, livid really, and was feeling a bit rash as a result.
"Oui, I remember but I did not understand exactly why or what he wanted. He had quite an interest in a human, her dog and a Kadzait male.â€
Those two ultimately wound up being the key to getting her out of this mess, for which she was eternally grateful. Perhaps she should send them a thank you note or flowers.
"He was very clear that I should not touch them, not harm them though.â€
That had been the loophole, she had been able to attack but she couldn't hurt them. Which is why she'd run after accosting them.
It was rather disheartening to realize how helpless she still felt. He'd never had to explain anything to her, only command it. Even when she had been able to question the reason, it had not been provided. Perhaps she should have worked less on avoiding commands and more on what his reasons and motivations were. That would be more help now.
Amir
12 years ago
Amir gave a nearly inaudible sigh at Bao's short answers. This was how Bao answered fully? Anger welled up inside of him; he had given Bao a directive to follow and Bao was still standing on pride when both their lives were on the line in this. Amir had offered up his life for his child's and that child returned his sacrifice with reticence and pride. Amir didn't care at this point if Bao made up his answers; Vaughn and Therese clearly would not be satisfied until they had more information.
Did Bao not realize they were at the mercy of the enemy now? They were surrounded by werewolves, walking a very very thin line of trust, and Bao was doing his best to tapdance on that line just to see how fragile it was.
Amir narrowed his eyes and shot a glance at Vaughn, ignoring the bitch's soft words about biting Bao. He didn't want to let either of them goad him into action, but if Bao was going to be injured maybe it were best if Amir did it. Wolves beating on Bao may increase his reluctance. And, Amir admitted, he was getting tired of Bao's stubborn unproductive behavior.
He was still very close to Bao after moving to protect him from Therese, and in the blink of an eye he was back to his own child. Standing very close, he turned burning dark eyes to Bao. He didn't strike him but Bao should know the signs by now; Amir was only holding off by the measure of a thread of patience.
"Your answers are insufficient," Amir said. "What is the name of this laboratory. What is your role. Who calls the shots. Names, Bao, locations. Specifics. Now. Or I swear to you, these two," he gestured behind him, "will be the least of your concerns and I will walk out of here with a ziploc baggie of ashes to deliver to your next of kin."
His words were soft but intense. He had thought this was an amusing little game for Bao but it was no longer such and Bao needed to stop treating it like it was. The time for tapdancing was long gone and if Bao didn't start coughing up some solid details now, he would be gone too. Amir wanted to avoid that - desperately. He didn't care if Bao was selling out some of their own kind. This experimental bullshit was risky and unsanctioned to begin with. They had brought it on themselves.
Did Bao not realize they were at the mercy of the enemy now? They were surrounded by werewolves, walking a very very thin line of trust, and Bao was doing his best to tapdance on that line just to see how fragile it was.
Amir narrowed his eyes and shot a glance at Vaughn, ignoring the bitch's soft words about biting Bao. He didn't want to let either of them goad him into action, but if Bao was going to be injured maybe it were best if Amir did it. Wolves beating on Bao may increase his reluctance. And, Amir admitted, he was getting tired of Bao's stubborn unproductive behavior.
He was still very close to Bao after moving to protect him from Therese, and in the blink of an eye he was back to his own child. Standing very close, he turned burning dark eyes to Bao. He didn't strike him but Bao should know the signs by now; Amir was only holding off by the measure of a thread of patience.
"Your answers are insufficient," Amir said. "What is the name of this laboratory. What is your role. Who calls the shots. Names, Bao, locations. Specifics. Now. Or I swear to you, these two," he gestured behind him, "will be the least of your concerns and I will walk out of here with a ziploc baggie of ashes to deliver to your next of kin."
His words were soft but intense. He had thought this was an amusing little game for Bao but it was no longer such and Bao needed to stop treating it like it was. The time for tapdancing was long gone and if Bao didn't start coughing up some solid details now, he would be gone too. Amir wanted to avoid that - desperately. He didn't care if Bao was selling out some of their own kind. This experimental bullshit was risky and unsanctioned to begin with. They had brought it on themselves.
Bao
12 years ago
His reluctance to answer wasn't purely pride, wasn't purely stubbornness, certainly both of those played a part but beyond that, Bao was very much used to being able to research and think out his answers. To ensure that nothing he said could be misconstrued or used against him or anyone else. He was not used to being held against his will and being threatened by a pack of werewolves. It was somewhat disconcerting, a great deal in fact. Despite his outward calm Bao was well and truly rattled, holding to his court room mentality was some sense of normalcy.
To his credit, he didn't flinch when Amir promised consequences. He did, however, feel rather like vomiting. Bao wasn't even sure he could vomit any more he hadn't since he'd been human. It was odd but he almost wished Amir would hit him and he wasn't quite sure why.
He took a deep breath he tried to organize his thoughts, but he did not close his eyes. He didn't dare. If his creator chose to act he'd do it while Bao's eyes were open, it would be a lesson, but he didn't trust the wolves to have the same type of honor.
"I honestly do not know how long the project has been going on. I have only been involved since the late 1800s. There was no serious progress until the mid-1950s and since 2003 when the human genome was mapped. I am not a scientist, I've done none of the research or experiments I've only read some of the results. My role until her," he nodded at the she wolf, "was simply to thoroughly erase each lab, each corporation and to set up the new ones and to handle some contracts. The only reason I became more involved is neither of the three lead researchers is able to command and of the two others, they are younger than myself it was felt I might be better able to control her."
If he'd made this big a mess of that control Bao shuddered to think what one of the others would have done. Jeremy, one of the younger researchers, might have been with the project his entire life but he wasn't quite two centuries old and had little to no life or experience outside of the lab. Undoubtedly the curator would have caused even more havoc if he'd tried to control her.
"I have never asked for or been given access to their experiments or data, so I cannot answer questions regarding that. They are currently operating the name Woodley Labs and have locations in Nachton, San Palo and Hong Kong. The San Palo location is the largest and will splinter off into the next corporation within the next eight years."
He was already working on that.
"There are three of our kind leading this project, one at each lab. Alfred Quincy is in charge of the Nachton lab but he is currently in Hong Kong. His oldest child, Julia Lepareaux is running things in his absence."
Ordinarily Bao would have stopped there. It was considerably more than he would like to say, but he wasn't sure exactly how much the curator would remember and it was certainly best not to try Amir any further. Although part of him did rather morbidly wonder which off spring Amir would present his ashes to.
"There is a belief that a dog here in Nachton hold a break through. An attempt was made to take the dog but the woman it belongs to proved to be protected by both the other pack and Evenhet. We lost four familiars in the attempt her" again he looked to the only woman in the room, "job has mostly been surveillance since then."
He was sick at having given so much information, but there had been no other way. This was certainly not going to end well. Quincy might have the sense to stay in Hong Kong, not that it would protect him, but he had no idea what would happen to the others.
To his credit, he didn't flinch when Amir promised consequences. He did, however, feel rather like vomiting. Bao wasn't even sure he could vomit any more he hadn't since he'd been human. It was odd but he almost wished Amir would hit him and he wasn't quite sure why.
He took a deep breath he tried to organize his thoughts, but he did not close his eyes. He didn't dare. If his creator chose to act he'd do it while Bao's eyes were open, it would be a lesson, but he didn't trust the wolves to have the same type of honor.
"I honestly do not know how long the project has been going on. I have only been involved since the late 1800s. There was no serious progress until the mid-1950s and since 2003 when the human genome was mapped. I am not a scientist, I've done none of the research or experiments I've only read some of the results. My role until her," he nodded at the she wolf, "was simply to thoroughly erase each lab, each corporation and to set up the new ones and to handle some contracts. The only reason I became more involved is neither of the three lead researchers is able to command and of the two others, they are younger than myself it was felt I might be better able to control her."
If he'd made this big a mess of that control Bao shuddered to think what one of the others would have done. Jeremy, one of the younger researchers, might have been with the project his entire life but he wasn't quite two centuries old and had little to no life or experience outside of the lab. Undoubtedly the curator would have caused even more havoc if he'd tried to control her.
"I have never asked for or been given access to their experiments or data, so I cannot answer questions regarding that. They are currently operating the name Woodley Labs and have locations in Nachton, San Palo and Hong Kong. The San Palo location is the largest and will splinter off into the next corporation within the next eight years."
He was already working on that.
"There are three of our kind leading this project, one at each lab. Alfred Quincy is in charge of the Nachton lab but he is currently in Hong Kong. His oldest child, Julia Lepareaux is running things in his absence."
Ordinarily Bao would have stopped there. It was considerably more than he would like to say, but he wasn't sure exactly how much the curator would remember and it was certainly best not to try Amir any further. Although part of him did rather morbidly wonder which off spring Amir would present his ashes to.
"There is a belief that a dog here in Nachton hold a break through. An attempt was made to take the dog but the woman it belongs to proved to be protected by both the other pack and Evenhet. We lost four familiars in the attempt her" again he looked to the only woman in the room, "job has mostly been surveillance since then."
He was sick at having given so much information, but there had been no other way. This was certainly not going to end well. Quincy might have the sense to stay in Hong Kong, not that it would protect him, but he had no idea what would happen to the others.
Amir
12 years ago
Amir listened as Bao answered fully. He nodded his head, eyes still narrowed, and glared at his child. Bao had been in this for longer than Amir had thought. He hadn't realized it had been going on for so long. On the one hand, if their research hadn't panned out in the last two hundred years or so, he didn't think the weres had anything to worry about. On the other hand, this shit needed to stop. Amir might not have felt so strongly about it if Elder Mai hadn't told him herself that they had new priorities but she had, and for Amir that may as well have been the word of God.
Of course, after giving a thorough answer Bao immediately turned around and went back to being vague. Amir growled, low and under his breath. He wasn't fooling around. One werewolf, two, might be a laughing matter. Caught unawares in the Park with weapons of silver Amir wasn't intimidated and Bao might not be either but they were in the thick of it here and their enemies had won this hand. Bao had to respect that. Enemies could be honorable; he and Vaughn were certainly not about to go out for brewskies after this but they could communicate reasonably for the time being.
When Bao turned from detailed to vague, therefore, Amir's growl turned into a snarl. Fast as a vampire can move, he lashed out at Bao. His backhanded fist caught the other vampire across the jaw, much as he had when he'd first learned of Bao's blundering attempts to control the werewolf bitch.
"I told you I wanted answers," Amir said, staring hard at Bao. "Who is this woman? What dog, how are the Evenhet involved, and what do you mean by 'mostly' surveillance?"
His questions shot forth, low, intense, one right after the other. Bao would tell every detail even if Amir had to rip them from him physically. He hoped Bao understood why he was doing this... but he suspected it might not be. Amir wanted them to both leave here in one piece. Playtime with the wolf chemistry set was over. Amir was taking away Bao's toys and dragging him home. Maybe he could join the astronomy club or something safe after this.
(ooc: permission to cut the line!))
Of course, after giving a thorough answer Bao immediately turned around and went back to being vague. Amir growled, low and under his breath. He wasn't fooling around. One werewolf, two, might be a laughing matter. Caught unawares in the Park with weapons of silver Amir wasn't intimidated and Bao might not be either but they were in the thick of it here and their enemies had won this hand. Bao had to respect that. Enemies could be honorable; he and Vaughn were certainly not about to go out for brewskies after this but they could communicate reasonably for the time being.
When Bao turned from detailed to vague, therefore, Amir's growl turned into a snarl. Fast as a vampire can move, he lashed out at Bao. His backhanded fist caught the other vampire across the jaw, much as he had when he'd first learned of Bao's blundering attempts to control the werewolf bitch.
"I told you I wanted answers," Amir said, staring hard at Bao. "Who is this woman? What dog, how are the Evenhet involved, and what do you mean by 'mostly' surveillance?"
His questions shot forth, low, intense, one right after the other. Bao would tell every detail even if Amir had to rip them from him physically. He hoped Bao understood why he was doing this... but he suspected it might not be. Amir wanted them to both leave here in one piece. Playtime with the wolf chemistry set was over. Amir was taking away Bao's toys and dragging him home. Maybe he could join the astronomy club or something safe after this.
(ooc: permission to cut the line!))
Vaughn Emiliano
12 years ago
Vaughn squeezed Therese a little tighter when she suggested that he should let her bite the vampire in front of them. It was sorely tempting to let her do exactly that. Not yet though. They still needed answers and he had made a promise; there were other R'asa to consider. If she started attacking the bastard then she might be very difficult to stop without the use of force and hurting Therese was the last thing he wanted to do.
Therese explained that there was a woman, a Kadzait male and a dog, of all things, that the vampire wanted her to investigate. It sounded ridiculous and had it come from the vampire and not Therese then he would have had a hard time believing that it was the truth. It sounded like the beginning of a bad joke.
He did not seem to be the only one to notice the vague answers. Amir stepped closer and threatened his child with death if he did not start providing more information. Vaughn tried to consider a point in which he would ever threaten Tobi or Tavi with the same thing and could not think of one. They were still children in his mind, to be protected no matter what stupid thing they might have done. However, it would be hard on him if they ever made him choose between one of them and the pack.
Raising his eyebrows slightly, Vaughn slowly turned his attention away from the intense young looking vampire and focused once more on the 'older' one. The suit started explaining about the laboratory, giving the name of the place and the leaders of the project. He had no doubt that those individuals would disappear conveniently soon after these vampires were released from their custody. Vaughn looked up at the camera, where he knew that Antoine was watching. He could trust that Antoine would know what to do without him needing to tell him. The Legionnaire would get a computer specialist on it now, while they were still questioning Bao. If locations could be found for this research company then Antoine would assemble strike teams with the goal of burning them to the ground. Vaughn did not care whether the vampires were caught or not. He wanted their research stopped and any werewolf DNA destroyed. If they happened to get some crazy mulo scientists in the process then so much the better.
Then the information became scarce again. Vaughn was about to ask who the woman was and what was thought to be so special about her dog when Amir struck the other vampire hard across the face and demanded the same information. Well, it appeared that they did not need to torture the bastard after all. It was less satisfying this way but he would admit that, so far, it had been more effective.
Vaughn did wonder about how the Evenhet and Kadzait were involved in protecting the mysterious woman and her unique canine companion. Therese had said that a Kadzait male was involved in this somehow as well. He suspected then that the woman was Kadzait and that was why they were involved in protecting her. It was difficult to believe that a vampire clan and a werewolf pack were actively engaged in protecting just a dog.
Unless of course he really was some miracle missing link...
Nah, that was just crazy.
The whole story was almost enough to make him laugh. Teams of vampire scientists trying to make some kind of were-dog to be their loyal companions. It was like some cheesy cult movie plot. Next the vampires would be having babies, walking around in the daylight and sparkling.
Except this guy was for real. He seriously believed that such a thing was possible and, no matter how insane that idea was, he tormented Therese in order to further his goal.
((OOC: Sorry he didn't have much to say after that. His questions were the same as Amir's so for now he will wait until there are answers. In case anyone is wondering, he is using Cult Following. ))
Therese explained that there was a woman, a Kadzait male and a dog, of all things, that the vampire wanted her to investigate. It sounded ridiculous and had it come from the vampire and not Therese then he would have had a hard time believing that it was the truth. It sounded like the beginning of a bad joke.
He did not seem to be the only one to notice the vague answers. Amir stepped closer and threatened his child with death if he did not start providing more information. Vaughn tried to consider a point in which he would ever threaten Tobi or Tavi with the same thing and could not think of one. They were still children in his mind, to be protected no matter what stupid thing they might have done. However, it would be hard on him if they ever made him choose between one of them and the pack.
Raising his eyebrows slightly, Vaughn slowly turned his attention away from the intense young looking vampire and focused once more on the 'older' one. The suit started explaining about the laboratory, giving the name of the place and the leaders of the project. He had no doubt that those individuals would disappear conveniently soon after these vampires were released from their custody. Vaughn looked up at the camera, where he knew that Antoine was watching. He could trust that Antoine would know what to do without him needing to tell him. The Legionnaire would get a computer specialist on it now, while they were still questioning Bao. If locations could be found for this research company then Antoine would assemble strike teams with the goal of burning them to the ground. Vaughn did not care whether the vampires were caught or not. He wanted their research stopped and any werewolf DNA destroyed. If they happened to get some crazy mulo scientists in the process then so much the better.
Then the information became scarce again. Vaughn was about to ask who the woman was and what was thought to be so special about her dog when Amir struck the other vampire hard across the face and demanded the same information. Well, it appeared that they did not need to torture the bastard after all. It was less satisfying this way but he would admit that, so far, it had been more effective.
Vaughn did wonder about how the Evenhet and Kadzait were involved in protecting the mysterious woman and her unique canine companion. Therese had said that a Kadzait male was involved in this somehow as well. He suspected then that the woman was Kadzait and that was why they were involved in protecting her. It was difficult to believe that a vampire clan and a werewolf pack were actively engaged in protecting just a dog.
Unless of course he really was some miracle missing link...
Nah, that was just crazy.
The whole story was almost enough to make him laugh. Teams of vampire scientists trying to make some kind of were-dog to be their loyal companions. It was like some cheesy cult movie plot. Next the vampires would be having babies, walking around in the daylight and sparkling.
Except this guy was for real. He seriously believed that such a thing was possible and, no matter how insane that idea was, he tormented Therese in order to further his goal.
((OOC: Sorry he didn't have much to say after that. His questions were the same as Amir's so for now he will wait until there are answers. In case anyone is wondering, he is using Cult Following. ))
Therese
12 years ago
Thérèse listened to her keeper rather shocked. She'd had no idea how much effort was going into this and how long it had been going on. They had to have done other things in those years not just attempted to make werewolves in test tubes. Other than the blood samples she very much hoped her 'contribution' had been minimal.
She let Vaughn restrain her, glad of the contact to help her remember her manners and keep her from breaking down. That meant something to her, a great deal. All those times she'd dealt with this creature alone to now have some one with her and to not be the victim it was a heady sensation.
Vaughn had to feel her cringe when the 'boy' struck her keeper. It had been terribly sudden and watching his head snap back like that. Watching these two Thérèse was starting to suspect that mulo knew nothing of softness or cooperation. She'd been dealt with harshly and now the boy dealt with the other in much the same manner. The power and speed in the one blow though was rather impressive, it was a wonder she'd not been hurt worse. Although her thoughts touched briefly on the child she'd lost. That child had experienced the full power of these things.
When 'it', she couldn't, wouldn't use his name, was grilled on the Kadzait Thérèse shot him a cold humorless smile. Those were answers she knew better than he but she wasn't going to give them. She'd not been asked the question. Those two were ultimately what had brought them here now. Thérèse wondered if he knew it, she suspected he did.
She let Vaughn restrain her, glad of the contact to help her remember her manners and keep her from breaking down. That meant something to her, a great deal. All those times she'd dealt with this creature alone to now have some one with her and to not be the victim it was a heady sensation.
Vaughn had to feel her cringe when the 'boy' struck her keeper. It had been terribly sudden and watching his head snap back like that. Watching these two Thérèse was starting to suspect that mulo knew nothing of softness or cooperation. She'd been dealt with harshly and now the boy dealt with the other in much the same manner. The power and speed in the one blow though was rather impressive, it was a wonder she'd not been hurt worse. Although her thoughts touched briefly on the child she'd lost. That child had experienced the full power of these things.
When 'it', she couldn't, wouldn't use his name, was grilled on the Kadzait Thérèse shot him a cold humorless smile. Those were answers she knew better than he but she wasn't going to give them. She'd not been asked the question. Those two were ultimately what had brought them here now. Thérèse wondered if he knew it, she suspected he did.
Bao
12 years ago
He'd seen the blow coming and might have been able to defend himself, or at least avoid it but he didn't. He couldn't. Things went rather gray and pain radiated through his jaw. Bao was certain that a few teeth had been knocked loose, at least his jaw hadn't been dislocated this time. He was grateful for that. Although, that was probably due to Amir's aim being off or sheer luck than any feeling of softness.
Flexing his jaw experimentally he felt his stomach turn over. His creator was breathing down his neck, he was being held captive by werewolves and that bitch was smiling at him. It was too much for him to take in, undoubtedly he wasn't handling it well. It might be best if Amir left him with the wolves...
"Reign Sorensen and Andrew Benally. She plays pool and it is her dog. Her mother had some contact with the project and has worked with Dr. Gounder. Her relationship to the wolves and the Evenhet were not made terribly clear and may not be formal. Her neighbor is Kem Raaisu, they seem to be on good terms."
Bao didn't dare let his irritation show but he knew full well that had been his undoing. His command hadn't been clear enough she'd gotten around it.
"We had hoped the curator would be able to separate dog from mistress but she made herself rather well known to them and forced us to rethink our approach. That is when things rather fell apart."
Beyond that Bao had very few answers. This was not his project and he had volunteered to do more than paper work without thinking the consequences through and without all the needed details.
Flexing his jaw experimentally he felt his stomach turn over. His creator was breathing down his neck, he was being held captive by werewolves and that bitch was smiling at him. It was too much for him to take in, undoubtedly he wasn't handling it well. It might be best if Amir left him with the wolves...
"Reign Sorensen and Andrew Benally. She plays pool and it is her dog. Her mother had some contact with the project and has worked with Dr. Gounder. Her relationship to the wolves and the Evenhet were not made terribly clear and may not be formal. Her neighbor is Kem Raaisu, they seem to be on good terms."
Bao didn't dare let his irritation show but he knew full well that had been his undoing. His command hadn't been clear enough she'd gotten around it.
"We had hoped the curator would be able to separate dog from mistress but she made herself rather well known to them and forced us to rethink our approach. That is when things rather fell apart."
Beyond that Bao had very few answers. This was not his project and he had volunteered to do more than paper work without thinking the consequences through and without all the needed details.
Amir
12 years ago
Amir watched Bao stone-faced after striking him. He didn't want to let any emotion show. Inside, he was an unpleasant mix of desperate, angry, and hopeful. The longer the wolves let them continue talking the better their chances were of getting out of here alive. He couldn't trust Vaughn to keep his word; in his position, Amir thought he might have killed the vampires already. He couldn't say for sure. Things were not the same as they had been a thousand years ago - his reactions weren't always his own yet.
He listened as Bao gave more details, feeling grateful to have put on his poker face when the name of his lost son came up. So Kiamhaat was involved in this somehow? Maybe. Bao did not elaborate there; he apparently lived near this human and her dog. Maybe that was the extent of it. Amir wasn't sure if he hoped that would be the case or not. He didn't analyze his feelings on the topic right then and there; there would be lots of time for introspection later if they got out of here.
He studied Bao's face for a few minutes more and then turned to Vaughn, taking a step back from Bao. "I don't know that he has any more to give you," he said honestly. As far as he could tell Bao had answered the questions he'd been asked as thoroughly as he could - even with Amir's prompting. Maybe especially with Amir's prompting. If Vaughn wasn't happy with it Amir would have to think of another way to get them out.
For now, he simply watched the wolves and waited for whatever would come next.
He listened as Bao gave more details, feeling grateful to have put on his poker face when the name of his lost son came up. So Kiamhaat was involved in this somehow? Maybe. Bao did not elaborate there; he apparently lived near this human and her dog. Maybe that was the extent of it. Amir wasn't sure if he hoped that would be the case or not. He didn't analyze his feelings on the topic right then and there; there would be lots of time for introspection later if they got out of here.
He studied Bao's face for a few minutes more and then turned to Vaughn, taking a step back from Bao. "I don't know that he has any more to give you," he said honestly. As far as he could tell Bao had answered the questions he'd been asked as thoroughly as he could - even with Amir's prompting. Maybe especially with Amir's prompting. If Vaughn wasn't happy with it Amir would have to think of another way to get them out.
For now, he simply watched the wolves and waited for whatever would come next.
Vaughn Emiliano
12 years ago
Vaughn was rather incredulous while listening to the rest of the story. He had wanted Therese to play dog catcher? She should be commended for managing to thwart such an easy task and make it known to those following her that something more was definitely going on.
He would have to talk to Xephier about this woman, her dog and his packmate. Perhaps the other Alpha already knew that the vampires were interested in her but perhaps he didn't. It might be embarrassing to explain Therese's part in the whole situation but the safety of their kind was more important than pride. It could be that the dog and the woman meant nothing to Xeph but they might mean something to this Andrew Benaly.
A sneaking suspicion entered his thoughts. Vaughn had a bad feeling that he already knew exactly what Mr.Benaly looked like. Antoine had followed Therese and found out that she had been following some young male around. Then his daughter had showed up and appeared to be quite familiar with the man. And here he was hoping they were finished with the complicated for a least a day or two.
Squeezing Therese close, he whispered softly to her. "Now that you are free. You do not need to remain. I can escort our guests out.†She was no longer quite dressed for an outing. Vaughn guessed that she wanted to be away from the suit as quickly as possible anyway.
Turning to Amir, he nodded. "I believe you are right.â€
He looked up at the camera. "Open the door please.â€
Walking through the door after Therese, he assumed the other two would follow. Vaughn turned to Amir and asked. "Shall we exchange people at the Vesper Gardens?†Fishing his phone out of his pocket, he handed it to the vampire. The gardens were open with no rooftops to hide on and neutral, as far as he knew.
Antoine handed him a tee shirt with a smile and a shrug. Vaughn had a sinking feeling that he did not want to wear it. Often the witness protection services brought people here, and the other places like it, to change clothes, collect passports and id, etc...before sending the people on their way with their new lives. He suspected this shirt was meant for one of the clueless masses who mildly annoyed Tavi.
Turning it around, he saw that it was a black tee shirt with the words "Stress: The confusion created when one's mind over-rides the body's desire to choke the living shit out of some asshole who desperately needs it.†It would seem that his Legionnaire thought this one was appropriate to the situation. Vaughn was just thankful that Antoine had not pulled out a shirt for the people who had really aggravated his daughter or he would end up wearing a shirt that said something like "I pooped today!â€.
Shrugging into the shirt, he found it to be a little loose but otherwise wearable. He raised his eyebrows at Antoine. The Frenchman stared blandly back at him.
He would have to talk to Xephier about this woman, her dog and his packmate. Perhaps the other Alpha already knew that the vampires were interested in her but perhaps he didn't. It might be embarrassing to explain Therese's part in the whole situation but the safety of their kind was more important than pride. It could be that the dog and the woman meant nothing to Xeph but they might mean something to this Andrew Benaly.
A sneaking suspicion entered his thoughts. Vaughn had a bad feeling that he already knew exactly what Mr.Benaly looked like. Antoine had followed Therese and found out that she had been following some young male around. Then his daughter had showed up and appeared to be quite familiar with the man. And here he was hoping they were finished with the complicated for a least a day or two.
Squeezing Therese close, he whispered softly to her. "Now that you are free. You do not need to remain. I can escort our guests out.†She was no longer quite dressed for an outing. Vaughn guessed that she wanted to be away from the suit as quickly as possible anyway.
Turning to Amir, he nodded. "I believe you are right.â€
He looked up at the camera. "Open the door please.â€
Walking through the door after Therese, he assumed the other two would follow. Vaughn turned to Amir and asked. "Shall we exchange people at the Vesper Gardens?†Fishing his phone out of his pocket, he handed it to the vampire. The gardens were open with no rooftops to hide on and neutral, as far as he knew.
Antoine handed him a tee shirt with a smile and a shrug. Vaughn had a sinking feeling that he did not want to wear it. Often the witness protection services brought people here, and the other places like it, to change clothes, collect passports and id, etc...before sending the people on their way with their new lives. He suspected this shirt was meant for one of the clueless masses who mildly annoyed Tavi.
Turning it around, he saw that it was a black tee shirt with the words "Stress: The confusion created when one's mind over-rides the body's desire to choke the living shit out of some asshole who desperately needs it.†It would seem that his Legionnaire thought this one was appropriate to the situation. Vaughn was just thankful that Antoine had not pulled out a shirt for the people who had really aggravated his daughter or he would end up wearing a shirt that said something like "I pooped today!â€.
Shrugging into the shirt, he found it to be a little loose but otherwise wearable. He raised his eyebrows at Antoine. The Frenchman stared blandly back at him.
Therese
12 years ago
She leaned into Vaughn and shook her head. As much as she wanted to simply get way from these two she refused to allow herself to simply run. It wouldn't do to hide from these two, from this, forever. If you fell off a horse you got right back on. She answered Vaughn quietly.
"If you need me, I will come."
Thérèse looked down for a second and considered her state of dress.
"Perhaps on four feet."
People had risked themselves to help her separate from the mulo and she wouldn't belittle that contribution by not helping to retrieve them.
As she left the room she smiled at Antoine. She'd grown to like him. She smiled a bit more broadly after reading the shirt Vaughn had put on. Under ordinary circumstances Thérèse would have laughed, helped him straighten the shirt, but with the creatures there she didn't. They already had too much of an idea the she and Vaughn were involved and she didn't want to give them any more. Besides, they were not in the presence of friends, they only had a wary temporary truce with them.
"If you need me, I will come."
Thérèse looked down for a second and considered her state of dress.
"Perhaps on four feet."
People had risked themselves to help her separate from the mulo and she wouldn't belittle that contribution by not helping to retrieve them.
As she left the room she smiled at Antoine. She'd grown to like him. She smiled a bit more broadly after reading the shirt Vaughn had put on. Under ordinary circumstances Thérèse would have laughed, helped him straighten the shirt, but with the creatures there she didn't. They already had too much of an idea the she and Vaughn were involved and she didn't want to give them any more. Besides, they were not in the presence of friends, they only had a wary temporary truce with them.
Bao
12 years ago
Bao let himself slouch against the wall. It appeared that he'd finally answered all of their questions and they they would be getting out of here alive. Unless of course the mayor simply didn't want to make a mess here. Ashes didn't take much work to clean up though.
How Amir had done this was beyond him. Once he'd realized they'd been taken by the wolves Bao had expected that they'd come out of this much the worse for wear. He simply couldn't accept that this was all there was to it, undoubtedly the curator wanted some revenge. She and the mayor seemed to be quite cozy as well and it seemed hard to believe he was simply going to let them walk. Out of here.
He also knew, however, even if the wolves released them he was not free and clear. There would be consequences and undoubtedly they would come from his maker. In some ways it might be better for him to stay here, or work on his tan.
Having allowed himself that small moment of weakness Bao straightened himself up and waited for Amir before following him out. This was the second time they'd mentioned having people held. That only meant there were more things that could go wrong.
On a more positive note, it was highly unlikely Amir would have gone to this much trouble just to kill him. Therefor unless something went terribly awry he would live through this.
How Amir had done this was beyond him. Once he'd realized they'd been taken by the wolves Bao had expected that they'd come out of this much the worse for wear. He simply couldn't accept that this was all there was to it, undoubtedly the curator wanted some revenge. She and the mayor seemed to be quite cozy as well and it seemed hard to believe he was simply going to let them walk. Out of here.
He also knew, however, even if the wolves released them he was not free and clear. There would be consequences and undoubtedly they would come from his maker. In some ways it might be better for him to stay here, or work on his tan.
Having allowed himself that small moment of weakness Bao straightened himself up and waited for Amir before following him out. This was the second time they'd mentioned having people held. That only meant there were more things that could go wrong.
On a more positive note, it was highly unlikely Amir would have gone to this much trouble just to kill him. Therefor unless something went terribly awry he would live through this.
Amir
12 years ago
Amir felt his chest tighten when Vaughn opened the door. The urge to grab Bao and fight his way out was very strong but he held back; maintaining his helpful friendly facade had been working so far. Why ruin a good thing?
With a nod he took Vaughn's cell phone and made a quick call to Mara and Evan to let them know of their arrangements. He knew Mara would communicate that to Jin, and there would be plenty of backup there in case the exchange did not go as planned. It was only fair; the werewolves had brought the masses from the outset. There were no agreements not to have a standing army available at or near Vesper.
Amir waited to be escorted from the room and from the building, knowing it would be under heavy guard. But even that knowledge did not stop him from feeling as if there was a target upon his back. His shoulders remained tense, as if he might feel a stake plunged through them at any minute. It was no good, trusting wolves to keep their word. This experience might have gone well, but Amir harbored no dreams that they would ever live in peace together nor did he want to.
There would be no harmony between them - ever. But at least, this once, there was at least a measure of honor.
((ooc: All out))
With a nod he took Vaughn's cell phone and made a quick call to Mara and Evan to let them know of their arrangements. He knew Mara would communicate that to Jin, and there would be plenty of backup there in case the exchange did not go as planned. It was only fair; the werewolves had brought the masses from the outset. There were no agreements not to have a standing army available at or near Vesper.
Amir waited to be escorted from the room and from the building, knowing it would be under heavy guard. But even that knowledge did not stop him from feeling as if there was a target upon his back. His shoulders remained tense, as if he might feel a stake plunged through them at any minute. It was no good, trusting wolves to keep their word. This experience might have gone well, but Amir harbored no dreams that they would ever live in peace together nor did he want to.
There would be no harmony between them - ever. But at least, this once, there was at least a measure of honor.
((ooc: All out))