Please visit |
| What am I? A travel agency? (Genoa); Attn: Joachim | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Apr 9 2016, 02:07 PM (543 Views) | |
| Featherstone | Apr 9 2016, 02:07 PM Post #1 |
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[alias=Roberto] [avatar=http://lh5.ggpht.com/7CAbpD7Y56wxxpjiSE_BeEBK0WA6fYBUDVrOBdZ87Rvfi6BqyqSf5BIpzy-w_GyeeRsH4ZCZZI_t-pvRXjidjsA=s285-c]The meeting place was close to the port of Genoa; its bustling activity, however, seemed so distant - a different world, despite the spacial proximity. The area where Joachim had been directed was rundown, neglected, apparently deserted; a series of dusty and rusty warehouses flanked the poorly lit, squalid street that the Brujah had to walk. Soon enough, he could recognize the most precise indication than the Primogen had given him (once he had at last stopped his rambling about Mazzini and whatnot): a rusty signboard, hung above what looked like a decrepit garage; a board on which, once upon a time, the name “Officine Manella” must have been painted in bright red and bold characters, although now its brownish remains were barely readable. The service door was open. Once in, a dim light displayed old dusty machinery and an assortment of vehicles, boxes and other amassed items half-concealed by shadows. The space was wider than its exterior would have suggested, and Joachim had to walk past a few vehicles before he could recognize a humanoid shape. A man was sitting at a plank table and looked confidently towards the visitor; a man in his forties, or so his appearance suggested, at least, and dressed like a most stereotypical street thug. His grizzled hair were long to his shoulders, tied in a ponytail that was just a bit too soft, only slightly old fashioned. When he saw Joachim, he didn’t rise, but he looked at him with a questioning and slightly annoyed air. "So that'd be you?" |
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| Joachim Stiller | Apr 9 2016, 02:37 PM Post #2 |
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He didn't expect much from the visit. Not after the ennui and lack of care he had received the last time. Why would it be different here, of all places? He walked in, taking in the shapes, smells and sounds of the place. It was either a set in a fifties film, and a bad one to boot, or this place mirrored indeed glory long faded. He took in the man and tried not to think he was even more glory long faded. At least, not right away...appearances can deceive and...yup, he looked the stereotype. Joachim halted and nodded in the doorway. 'It appears so. It's me.' |
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| Featherstone | Apr 9 2016, 02:56 PM Post #3 |
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[alias=Roberto] [avatar=http://lh5.ggpht.com/7CAbpD7Y56wxxpjiSE_BeEBK0WA6fYBUDVrOBdZ87Rvfi6BqyqSf5BIpzy-w_GyeeRsH4ZCZZI_t-pvRXjidjsA=s285-c]There was a second seat at the other side of the table. If Joachim wanted to make himself more comfortable, that was up to him. Roberto didn't invite him to sit, however. He lit a cigarette, having at least the decency to keep the lighter covered. He looked Joachim from head to toe once more. "So Joachim. All that I know about you is that you want to go to Turin. But the real question is, why should it be my concern? Looking to do business there, or what?" Despite his attitude, the question was even genuine. The Primogen hadn't told him much about this guy's intentions; in all honesty, Roberto doubted he had even listened to him that much. He had just announced the arrival of this new kid who had an interest in Turin for some reason. Well, for what he was concerned he could go anywhere, right? |
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| Joachim Stiller | Apr 9 2016, 03:14 PM Post #4 |
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'Frankly? Turin doesn't seem to be anyone's concern. So I made it mine. And no, no business...' He needed to find the right tone with this man, that much was certain. '...I'm not a businessman. More the idealistic idiot who'd venture over there because knowing a neighbour like Turin could either turn out to be a blessing...or a nightmare waiting to happen.' He didn't take the chair. Not yet. |
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| Featherstone | Apr 9 2016, 03:35 PM Post #5 |
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[alias=Roberto][avatar=http://lh5.ggpht.com/7CAbpD7Y56wxxpjiSE_BeEBK0WA6fYBUDVrOBdZ87Rvfi6BqyqSf5BIpzy-w_GyeeRsH4ZCZZI_t-pvRXjidjsA=s285-c]He laughed. The very concept of idealism had that effect on him. But, at least this one was self-aware enough to call himself an idiot. "I am not one that deals in blessings or nightmares, you know... Unless they're of the chemical kind", he said. His little drug empire was no mystery. He shrugged: "For what I'm concerned you can move wherever you want as long as you don't mess with my stuff, but if that's you're asking, I doubt anyone here has any plan for Turin. I mean, you've met the beloved leadership. I'm sure they've got dreams and nightmares but of an entirely different style". |
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| Joachim Stiller | Apr 9 2016, 04:57 PM Post #6 |
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'No worries...I have no dealings in what you call 'your stuff'. And no, noone here seems to have any plans for Turin...' He pauses and watches the man, as he takes the seat. '...which leaves me to wonder: why would they send me here, to you? To annoy you? To annoy me? Or something unknown yet? |
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| Featherstone | Apr 9 2016, 05:18 PM Post #7 |
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[alias=Roberto][avatar=http://lh5.ggpht.com/7CAbpD7Y56wxxpjiSE_BeEBK0WA6fYBUDVrOBdZ87Rvfi6BqyqSf5BIpzy-w_GyeeRsH4ZCZZI_t-pvRXjidjsA=s285-c]"You bet it's not to annoy me", he said, squinting sardonically, implying that such a feat would have been a terrible, terrible idea. As for the option they were poking fun of the kid... he didn't openly deny it, because he just didn't bother; but he didn't think that was the reason, either. He took another long drag of smoke and shrugged. "They don't really care about Turin; I'll tell you, they won't touch it with a 170 kilometer-long pole. Now, since sometimes I have some interest in the local market if nothing else, someone might assume that I could know something that's good for you, or that you could do something for me, or both. That'd be my guess". |
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| Joachim Stiller | Apr 9 2016, 05:52 PM Post #8 |
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"I see" He nodded. "And I suspect you do live up to the reputation? Of knowing useful things, that is? As well as I suspect that 'thing' I supposedly could do for you, would be the payment for said information?" He leaned back in his chair again. "Which brings us to the matter at hand: what on earth could I do for you?" |
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| Featherstone | Apr 9 2016, 05:59 PM Post #9 |
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[alias=Roberto][avatar=http://lh5.ggpht.com/7CAbpD7Y56wxxpjiSE_BeEBK0WA6fYBUDVrOBdZ87Rvfi6BqyqSf5BIpzy-w_GyeeRsH4ZCZZI_t-pvRXjidjsA=s285-c]"Maybe?", he said, looking at Joachim like a huge cat would look at some small new critter. "What do you already know about the place? Other than what one finds on a tourist guide?", he asked. |
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| Joachim Stiller | Apr 9 2016, 06:03 PM Post #10 |
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"Land of opportunity to some, sewage bin to others...no real structure, no real leader...not claimed by any Sect, or so is said. Anarchs? They probably are, sure, but I don't think it's a Barony. Autarks? Too much people around for them to be comfortable So what is it? What is it really? An experiment? An opportuniy? A disaster waiting to happen? All of the above?" |
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| Featherstone | Apr 9 2016, 06:37 PM Post #11 |
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[alias=Roberto][avatar=http://lh5.ggpht.com/7CAbpD7Y56wxxpjiSE_BeEBK0WA6fYBUDVrOBdZ87Rvfi6BqyqSf5BIpzy-w_GyeeRsH4ZCZZI_t-pvRXjidjsA=s285-c]Roberto let him speak, but it was obvious he didn't find any of his words very interesting. "Of course, of course", he said, "But what do you know on the reason why Kinderd seem to have so little love for the place? What about the disappearances, the people who saw monsters and all those things? Hey, do you believe in monsters?", he said, winking - they were monsters after all... "Anyway. I'm not exactly a scholar of magick, but I have heard too many stories to say it's all bullcrap. There might be actually something if sects are staying out of it instead of jumping to seize the opportunity. So, would you keep an eye on anything strange, while you're there?" |
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| Joachim Stiller | Apr 9 2016, 06:44 PM Post #12 |
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'Good', he thought, 'it isn't anything drug-related.' 'Define strange? What are those stories? Better to know what I'm looking for, no?' So what was he now? A ghostbuster? Yet...there was the feeling he was the seventien foot pole they were touching Turin with. Something had them worried...scared perhaps even. Now there was a worrying thought. 'What does scare the monsters?' |
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| Featherstone | Apr 9 2016, 08:50 PM Post #13 |
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[alias=Roberto][avatar=http://lh5.ggpht.com/7CAbpD7Y56wxxpjiSE_BeEBK0WA6fYBUDVrOBdZ87Rvfi6BqyqSf5BIpzy-w_GyeeRsH4ZCZZI_t-pvRXjidjsA=s285-c]After another drag, Roberto extinguished his cigarette against the wall and tossed it away. "Never seen any of those personally. I've been in Turin, yes, but it was a more or less normal Domain back then", he said, seeing that the kid was wiling to cooperate. "Anyway. At some point of 19th century something happened - nobody knows, nobody asks. Something happened and, in a few years or so, all vampires were gone. All of them. Some disappeared at all, leaving no trace whatsoever; that's the majority, to say it all. Others ran after having... visions? Of a variety of weird things that didn't seem to belong to this world. Places that suddenly changed their appearances, feelings that came out of nowere, creatures of nightmare one could barely describe. Some even saw their fellow Kindred vanishing in front of their eyes, like swallowed by something. Now I don't know if imagination played its part, but episodes like that happened again, over and over even when the place was mostly deserted. And other disappearances. So you see, after stories like that the sects must have decided that the place was just cursed and that there were better places to conquer, after all. Still planning to go?" |
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| Joachim Stiller | Apr 9 2016, 09:02 PM Post #14 |
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"Against my better judgement...was there a pattern to the episodes? Has any of the vanished been seen or heard from ever since?" He seemed to ponder the idea. "And yes, I am still planning to go. Like I said, sometimes all it takes is an idiot with ideas..." |
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| Featherstone | Apr 9 2016, 09:20 PM Post #15 |
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[alias=Roberto][avatar=http://lh5.ggpht.com/7CAbpD7Y56wxxpjiSE_BeEBK0WA6fYBUDVrOBdZ87Rvfi6BqyqSf5BIpzy-w_GyeeRsH4ZCZZI_t-pvRXjidjsA=s285-c]"Never seen again, for what I can tell at least. And as for patterns... Haven't I said I am not some kind of occult scholar? But, if you take a look into all this for me, maybe you'll find one", he said. He nodded when Joachim called himself an idiot once again. He chuckled, as if he needed... but idiots can be very useful at times. "Not to stick my nose into your business, but what do you hope or plan to do there? Other than keeping your eyes open for me? Ideals and opportuinites are nice words, but that's all they are", he said. Then if he wanted contacts, asking was up to him. |
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| Joachim Stiller | Apr 9 2016, 09:39 PM Post #16 |
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"Politics...an unruled city...with Kindred...I wonder how does it organize itself? is there method to the madness? Does it need rules? And so, which? And should matters shift, and the Sects do become interested...I don't want it to become a beachhead for the Sabbat.", he answered rather honestly. "But that doesn't seem to be a problem for now, judging from your information." Edited by Joachim Stiller, Apr 9 2016, 09:47 PM.
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| Featherstone | Apr 9 2016, 10:21 PM Post #17 |
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[alias=Roberto][avatar=http://lh5.ggpht.com/7CAbpD7Y56wxxpjiSE_BeEBK0WA6fYBUDVrOBdZ87Rvfi6BqyqSf5BIpzy-w_GyeeRsH4ZCZZI_t-pvRXjidjsA=s285-c]Was he saying he hoped to organize the city? Him? Whatever. It could have become relevant later, not now. "There aren't many of them to be organized", he said with a shrug. "Or, maybe there's the fact most people aren't entirely idiots, and can get by without too much organization". That wasn't entirely a Cam thought; Roberto did believe in the Cam and its purposes, but was a bit (well, a lot) more cynical about them. "So if you're looking for a Court, you'll be quite disappointed". |
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| Joachim Stiller | Apr 9 2016, 10:53 PM Post #18 |
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"Sometimes a Court present is more of a disappointment than a Court missing...I will take my chances. After all, disappointment has never killed anyone, as far as I know." He stood again. "Thank you for your time...is there a way I can reach you if I have ....'things'....to report?" He still was sceptical, so much was obvious. |
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| Featherstone | Apr 10 2016, 09:23 AM Post #19 |
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[alias=Roberto][avatar=http://lh5.ggpht.com/7CAbpD7Y56wxxpjiSE_BeEBK0WA6fYBUDVrOBdZ87Rvfi6BqyqSf5BIpzy-w_GyeeRsH4ZCZZI_t-pvRXjidjsA=s285-c]Maybe, not entirely an idiot, after all? He had a point on Courts, especially if one thought to the one in Genoa. Although, still enough of an idiot to be ready to leave without milking every info he had paid for. "Already leaving?" Normally, Roberto wouldn't have objected to that - if you don't ask, why should I tell you. However, given his task, telling a few more things was convenient for everyone. "I may know of some guys in Turin that you might like to meet". |
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| Joachim Stiller | Apr 11 2016, 08:34 AM Post #20 |
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Joachim masked a face...so he had turned him into an eager seller then. Roberto could act all uninterested as he liked, but he was a curious as a cat about what was happening in Turin. Joachim halted and turned. "Oh? Pray tell...associates of yours?." |
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| Featherstone | Apr 11 2016, 10:03 AM Post #21 |
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[alias=Roberto][avatar=http://lh5.ggpht.com/7CAbpD7Y56wxxpjiSE_BeEBK0WA6fYBUDVrOBdZ87Rvfi6BqyqSf5BIpzy-w_GyeeRsH4ZCZZI_t-pvRXjidjsA=s285-c]"Jack Sheridan. You've probably heard her name*", he said. "She's taking good care of my business there, and I bet that, if anyone is coming and going, she knows it better than I do. Her base is a club called Charlie Byrd, or something like that. Just a word of warning" he said, with the air of someone you really don't want to displease, "if you ever decide to say 'hi' to her, make no mention of all the occult stuff I told, or that you've seen or anything. Ever seen someone who'd punch down a warship but run in front of a black cat? Don't mess with that". He restrained a chuckle as he had now that image of Jack in mind. "Then... Now that I think about it there could be another kid of our clan. Jessica Marra, big hair, I bet she's dumb enough to be on the phone book. Bit useless kid if you ask me... The most she could achieve was flipping out when she killed a dude by mistake", he said, as if were talking about a roadkill. "If you stumble on her let me know what she's doing. Not that anyone wants her back". Right, Jessica. She'd told everyone she was going back to Turin - that and a lot of swears and bullshit. And nobody had gave a damn. But who could tell, maybe she had still some use after all. "You can write to my ghoul if you have news", he said, tossing on the table a scrap of paper with an email address, "he does all the computer thing".
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| Joachim Stiller | Apr 11 2016, 10:21 AM Post #22 |
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"A Gangrel mercenary and a wayward kinswoman...a motley crew indeed." He took the note, folded it and tucked in in his wallet. "I'll reach out to them once I get settled in...and as soon as I stumble across something worthwhile to know, I'll send you a message." He nodded. "Much appreciated" |
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| Featherstone | Apr 11 2016, 10:29 AM Post #23 |
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[alias=Roberto][avatar=http://lh5.ggpht.com/7CAbpD7Y56wxxpjiSE_BeEBK0WA6fYBUDVrOBdZ87Rvfi6BqyqSf5BIpzy-w_GyeeRsH4ZCZZI_t-pvRXjidjsA=s285-c]Roberto smiled by himself. Not a bad plan, after all. "So, what are you doing still here?" He'd decided to play cooperative, but it didn't mean he had time for more chitchat. |
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| Joachim Stiller | Apr 11 2016, 06:10 PM Post #24 |
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He tipped his proverbial hat and left the building. |
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