undergrounds | BRAVE NEW WORLD (OPEN POST; PREPARATIONS)

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BRAVE NEW WORLD (OPEN POST; PREPARATIONS)

ANY SUGGESTIONS? (MULTIPLE TIMES; MULTIPLE PLACES)

The school like to think their hand was forced in doing this. At best they hoped to do this plan maybe later in the year, at the end of the October when everyone was wrapped up with activities like storing ingredients for the coming winter or securing their residences for the chill.

But the death of a metahuman in an area where they should have been protected made some feel on edge, wondering amongst themselves if they can really trust their alliances with the others. Not everyone in the staff and the board felt like that, confident of the protection of Daybreak and Council, but there were enough people who were worried, were unsure.

Clara was one of the people who voted and argued for the push to go find a new area sooner rather than later. Better to show they were being proactive in wanting to protect others. Better to be safe than sorry. Though only a security guard, she wasn't alone and enough people agreed to the sentiment either out of that sentiment or for their own reason. It helped that someone else had suggested that they try to do this peacefully as possible to not raise the ire of the factions they were surrounded by -- Hillingdon, Midnight, the Council -- since they were supposed to be the closest thing a neutral party in the climate.

The questions were endless even after they reached the conclusion of trying to make a claim for themselves. Where do they go? How will they approach this? Who will help them? What do they need to do to get this to work?

That's what they had to find out.

[ OOC: The preparations post for the attempt to claim Haringey for Redbright. Open threads can be found inside. Feel free to comment to them and I'll tag you as Clara and/or some of the NPC minions like Bianca OR you can make your own top-level comment here and people can tag that if you and they want. Please feel free to tag others here and have your own threads going on!

There will be some closed threads for individuals here for certain purposes and if you want one, please feel to hit me up either in this plotting comment or through any means of communication you'll like from PM'ing Clara's journal to hitting me up on Plurk if we have each other added. Prose and brackets welcomed!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

STATUS: OPEN TO EVERYONE

The first thing they had to do was decide where they'll go. It was easy(ish) to get others to agree with the idea of seizing territory if it was for the better of everyone. It's a little bit more difficult to set the plans to motion when they're looking at the current state of things, trying to see which limits they can push without fear of too terrible a backlash.

Knowledge is power, they agreed, and knowledge can be obtained either through learning or through experience. So from the 1st to 4th of September, agents, ranging from adults in the staff and in the outreach program to volunteer-students to others connected to the school either through loyalties or other means, are being sent out to inspect possible new locations for the Redbright Institute to set up as a safe zone. Preferably close to them to make it easier to keep track of things.

Either they'll be in a small group of four or be paired together for protection, knowing safety is in numbers. Some can be found loitering in Enfield to see what's going on over there and some braver souls opt to wander into Camden to inspect the borders of Islington in relative safety before going into the territory itself after they gather some courage. These aren't the only locations they can be found but only a named few.

Clara herself could be found in Haringey due to the fact her part of the cemetery happens to be close by due to how large it is. It definitely gives her a personal reason to get this area despite the current situation between the werewolves and vampires. Clara can also be found in the other places too, keeping an eye on the groups or certain members so they don't get into trouble or get dragged into trouble. The faster they settle this, the easier it'll be.

STATUS: OPEN TO EVERYONE

After scouting the are and gathering intel and splitting their numbers a bit to help Circle Daybreak defend Croyden, the more senior members come back and present their suggested areas to take for themselves. It doesn't take long to choose thanks to process of elimination:

Havering, for example, is shot down and for good reasons. Too far away from them and the location is surrounded by both the vampires and the fae factions. Seems like a doomed enterprise to go after. The fact it's considered for twenty minutes is interesting.

A few more are suggested and are turned down before, finally, Clara makes her suggestion of Haringey. It's close and nestled the Night Council line. It meant being squashed against Midnight, the werewolves, and the vampires but it's still close to the rest of the established territory. It'll be easier to get to if it needs help.

There's a round of voting and it's decided. From the the 7th to 10th of September, there's a sudden spike of Redbright-affiliated individuals loitering in Haringey, trying to get a feel for the individuals there and what tensions or issues maybe lurking underneath the surface. Some people who are charming and casual strike up conversations with people, mingle in popular areas, and do what they can to squeeze information from the people who lived there. Some opt to skulk and hide, keeping track of what others do when they think no one is watching.

Clara can be found during the day with Bianca Aster at her side but, at night, is only around during the very late hours of the night thanks to her security shift in the school. There are still people there, bustling about and communicating to each other back and forth to stay updated. Looks like they're being serious with this one.

STATUS: CLOSED FOR brightwitch

On the 11th of September, Clara heads to Westminister. She had been meaning to go earlier but following the incident with Croyden and some other things, she opted to hold back a bit and wait until she's sure there maybe time and effort to be given to the school. She knows this is a loss and they need to do a lot of things in the wake of what happened but she hopes there still might be a few parties interested in helping the school out.

The nice lady who met her -- call me Ashley, it'll be easier for everyone -- promised her to relay the message to Sylvia and see if something could be done. She just had to please wait in this room and see, hm?

So she does, floating nearby a window to inspect the outside as she waits for news if she'll have an audience or not with Sylvia Redbright. Clara has a little speech prepared but between the flurry of activities and plans and the long travel from her original haunting grounds, she's tuckered out and still determined to see this be a success.

Sylvia is, in a word, busy. That's because of the absolute disaster unfolding in Croydon, of course, which has witches fleeing the area in droves. They all need to be looked after and accounted for, and as the Mother of Witches Sylvia has to be there for them in this time of need.

She feels stretched, more and more lately, like she's being pulled in a hundred different directions, each with their own problems that require her presence to solve.

But now more than ever it's important that Redbright strengthen their position in the north, to give them a solid footing to support the witch communities in the south. And when she hears that Clara has come all this way, she makes time in her schedule to see her.

So Clara will be invited to her office, where she will find a remarkably composed Sylvia, considering the circumstances. The only real clue to the toll that recent events have taken on her are the deep shadows beneath her eyes.

Sylvia stands up from behind her desk to greet her, feeling the usual prickling at her neck at a ghostly presence. "Clara. I didn't expect you to come all the way here. How are you?"

"Fine," is the answer you're supposed to say. What Clara felt is tired, really, and she feels it in her very core. She feels like it'll be rude to complain about it to Mrs. Redbright who has her own concerns to look after. It's a surprise she's getting a chance to speak with the head witch at all.

So she does her best to show a smile and look positive if nervous. "I've... No, I'm sorry. We've been making good progress with advancement so far with our project back in the institute."

That's what the board and groups have been calling the attempted expansion for Haringey. Project. It sounds less ominous and imposed when put that way, less of an open secret for grabbing territory and more of a group activity anyone can join.

"Which is why I'm here, actually. The school and I... We would and have done our best to not disturb you and the other Daybreak members." Considering what they were going through. Clara wrings her hands, trying to muster courage to push her words out. She isn't a politician or an orator. She was a housewife before passing away years ago, getting most of her speech skills from scolding her boys. "But I am here for a reason and it's for what we've been developing for the past week."

Yes, the timing of this is not ideal. But they have a plan and Sylvia is more determined than ever to go through with it. This is important, which is why she is making time for it.

So she nods, encouraging. "Of course. Go on."

"We're planning to push to claim the are of Haringey for the institute," she explained, making her reasons here plain as day moment she sees and hears the encouragement. "Since it's disputed between two rival factions, we're aiming for a 'soft' approach to it. Negotiate with them both to agree that the school take it over, make it a safe zone for all parties.

"So far it's working out well for us," she adds, hoping to add a positive light to the progress they've been making. "We've been observing who is there and what they do. We've been keeping an eye on our own territories to ensure no one tries anything funny. There are some people and groups that we would like to approach and discuss this with. It's fine so far but we were hoping if we could have a few more hands on deck, so to speak."

Sylvia nods again. Yes, this is the strategy she approved of. She's had less time than she would have liked to oversee it, so she's glad to hear that all is going well. A nice bit of positive news in what has not been a great start to the month.

"Of course," she says in response to the request. "What do you need? More people on the ground? I'm afraid I can't offer any witches, for reasons I'm sure you'll understand, but it should be possible to divert a few volunteers from the Night Council, just to make sure that everything goes smoothly. Would that be sufficient?"

"We just need a bit more hands around the other territories of the school," she explained, trying her best to make it sound simple and not at all a trouble for the already burdened leader. They only need a couple of hands, any hands, to keep their areas safe and defended if the times comes to protect it.

Particularly Barnet since, as someone pointed out during their discussions, it was most vulnerable unlike the others since it wasn't completely surrounded by either its own territories or 'safe' territories like the aforementioned witches or the Council...

"That's all we need," she stresses, knowing that the school must not look like burdens at a time like this. "I swear, it's all we're going to ask from you, Mrs. Redbright. It'll be a great help to us if that little thing could be done if you would allow. We'll be quiet as church mice after we've turned Haringey into a safe zone for everyone."

It's possibly the most apologetic request she's ever had.

"Don't look so worried, Clara." Her tone is warm and reassuring. "This is my school we're talking about, I have every bit the same interest as we all do in making this work. You'll have all the help you need. Because we can't be quiet on this. Quite the opposite. We have to say it loud and proud: we're here to keep the peace, we're here to help. We want to make Haringey truly safe."

STATUS: CLOSED FOR chronobreak

Everyone is taking the orders of 'being careful and being subtle' to heart considering where they are, who they'll be dealing with.

This group? Not so much. The outreach members are just happy to be out of school, happy to be of help and most of them are still itching to be outside even with summer vacation and recruitment was done. Like the rest of the younger members, they're simply taking notes of people's schedules and familiar faces while they spend more time chatting to each other and wonder if this will be the first of many. Most agree they hope not, nice as it is to be outside for a bit.

Their conversation with each other stops when someone steps in front of them, a towering man who is backed by a friend of his who isn't as tall but just as aggressive looking. Some of them may be able to identify him right away -- a werecreature, a rogue known for his poor temper and for being connected with a string of crimes in Haringey but never proven so far.

He 'smiles' at them, bares too sharp teeth that are stained yellow thanks to smoking, as he huffs and puffs at the sight of them here at a place like this. So this is what the others are being resorted to using for fights. Kind of pathetic even for the school and almost makes him feel bad for doing this but not really. "I don't think any of you are old enough to be in these parks. Shouldn't you all be weaving flowercrowns and singing around campfires like good little boys and girls?"

He doesn't mind trying to take more territory for Redbright. It just means more safe places for supernatural types. There's nothing wrong with that-- though trying to take over this sketchy place is definitely pushing them into some new, unfriendly faces.

They really don't scare Ekko, even though they reasonably should. He's not that tall, he's not strong, and he doesn't look even half as intimidating. And he's not that kind of criminal either. "Nothing wrong with going for a stroll."

"Long as you and your buddies here don't plan to make it a routine," he sneered, looking visibly annoyed that he wasn't getting his desired effect from this one here. He hated it. "My friend and I couldn't help but notice your lot have been poking your noses here a lot. Don't think we didn't see the lady over there write something down right now."

The girl mentioned makes a noise in the back of her throat and tries to hide from view. The others are more than willing to let Ekko take the lead as they let him talk, with only one person standing right next to him, Aleo. Aleo was always a bit more foolhardy and reckless thanks to him being able to turn his skin into dermal armour.

"Hey man! It's free speech to walk around wherever we went, whenever we want!" Aleo chimes in, face getting red in indignation. There's a pause as he looks over to Ekko for confirmation. "Er, something like that. Right?"

Ekko just leans a bit back, resting his elbow on a nearby bench. The werecreature's not wrong. Redbright's been in the territory a lot, but it's not techinically claimed by anybody so who's really going to stop them? Other than the (obviously) dangerous people who've decided to call it home base.

If his ability is turning back time, he's perhaps worse than Aleo. Any mistakes he makes can be easily forgiven. Of course he knows fear, but he also knows he's got plenty of second (or thirtieth) chances. "It's a free country. So something like that."

The werecreature does not like how casual they're being, that much is clear. He narrows his eyes and clenches his fists, looking like a keg of gunpowder ready to go off and someone might be the lit match soon. And when one says 'soon' they actually mean 'right now' with Aleo piping up.

"Yeah!" Bolstered by the confirmation, for some reason, Aleo turns to the guy and, recklessly and despite someone behind them begging him to not do anything stupid for once, puffs up his chest in an attempt to appear intimidating and threatening to an already ticked off wer. "How about you amscray! We'll let this slide for now and--"

The student gets a brutal punch in the face as an answer. They weren't in Redbright territory and since this is disputed lands, no real rules have been settled down. There's no rule for the guy to try and smash the punk's obnoxious face in if he wanted to. Aleo reflexively turns his skin to a metallic-like substance to ease the blow but it does a lot of damage since he still has to stumble back and a friend of his has to keep him upright with how shaky his legs have become. That... That was the wrong move to do, he realises too late as he looks up at Ekko with a worried expression.

The man's face is ruddy red as he snarls and tries to make his way past Ekko to get the annoying boy and his shocked friends as the person behind him jogs up.

"So this is how we're going to be dealing with this, huh? Fine! I always wanted to smear a prep's smug face on these stones for a loooong while."

The first thing that runs through his head is 'Fuck' but the second is the way more helpful option of simply rewinding. It's not like Aleo's going to retain any damage and Ekko himself didn't 'talk shit and get hit' so to say. He's more than happy being casual, but he didn't actually want to deal with a fight today.

And so he's back to the beginning. Back to the were creature mocking them.

So instead of looking completely at ease there's some residual concern from a minute or two prior. He quickly schools it back to fairly relaxed at least. "Nothing wrong with some fresh air every once in a while."

It's weird how time works. Sometimes people will do the same thing over and over and over again no matter what some may try to do to stop them or sometimes something new will happen instead of what happened before because the saying is true: Time makes fools of us all.

The scenario is reset and Aleo's face isn't metallic and panicked and the burly guys are keeping a good enough distance from the group once again as the events play out again:

"Yeah!" Bolstered by the confirmation, for some reason, Aleo turns to the guy and, recklessly and despite someone behind them begging him to not do anything stupid for once, puffs up his chest in an attempt to appear intimidating and threatening to an already ticked off wer. He's confident they're not going to do anything to them so what's there to worry about? He's about to say something to mock the wer and make him and his friend leave them be--

He can feel the headache coming on already. Time is so much easier for him to deal with when he only has to worry about himself. Ekko knows what to expect and what to avoid-- but the people around him don't. If it's just him, it's an advantage, when he's with a group of friendlies? Not so much. Especially when he's with someone like Aleo.

He wishes he could actually stop time for a moment, but rewinding will have to be good enough here.

He resets it again.

What happens if he doesn't say anything. Is it better or worse this way?

Since Aleo doesn't get confirmation from anyone in the group, he wilts a bit under the silence and crosses his arms as he mutters, "Well I think it is."

There's that problem out of the way. So far those people aren't hurt anymore so there's progress down this new/old path. Someone from behind them speaks up as she moves forward a bit but hands back, the girl who was singled out earlier looking nervous but determined to get out of here in one piece.

"Look: We're trying not to cause any trouble. We're just passing through and nothing else." A look at Aleo to keep him quiet and he does, thank God. "Can we please go now?"

"You think we're gonna let you pass without showing us what the little project of yours is? Don't think that'll be a fair trade of letting you guys out of here easy." The werecreature laughs and snaps his fingers at the girl like she'll jump at his command. "Show us what you've got there for the class. Don't be shy. You guys got nothing to hide if you're out for some 'fresh air' as your friend says over here."

The girl looks over at Ekko for direction as she makes a few fake motions like she's going to show her notebook but is having a hard time retrieving it from her bag. She looks ready to bolt back but also ready to just hand over the documentation she's been doing if they want this to be over with.

Some progress, he'll have to remember that the next time he rewinds. Staying quiet doesn't get anybody punched. They don't actually want a fight unless they get cornered into one.

He has options, not that his classmates are aware of it. He can see either branching point for as long as he's willing to turn back time. And he's always been plenty willing.

The easiest option right now is just to nod at her. Let's see what happens if they take the notes. "Not looking for a fight."

She looks at Ekko with trust as she approaches the wer and hands over her notebook, wincing a bit when they're roughly taken away from her as the guy tears through the pages and passages to get to the most recent writings.

"Times. Places. Names." He peers down at her and Ekko while growling, looking less than impressed with the idea of these kids poking their nose in personal business. He shuts the notebook shut but keeps it in his grip, fingers digging into the leather cover with far too much ease. "Looks like you're trying to see who's who here. Kinda a little invasive if you're all here for a 'stroll' around our property, don't you kiddies think so?"

"Not that weird. Haringey's close to our school. Might as well know when the worst times to be here are." He's not sure these are the best words to say, but he sounds as sure of himself as ever.

As many times as it takes to get a good result. He's prepared to rewind as many times as he needs. Hours in these few minutes or days- it won't bother him much.

The wer's face goes red at Ekko' retort but he says nothing in response, grunting in the back of his throat as he tucks the notebook in the back of his jeans and definitely out of their reach.

The girl immediately protests, "You can't do that! Give that back!"

"Tough luck, girlie. I don't think any of you should be snoopin' into shit that ain't your business." He gives them all the evil eye, cracking his neck to the side. "I don't think any of you should be here, period. You're lucky I'm in a good mood and choosing this as my 'payment' as we're gonna be calling it."

Fuming with impotent rage, the girl uses her telepathy powers to send out a quiet but firm message to the others, Can someone distract him? Please? I just need to get the notebook back without either of them noticing. We can't let them have it. What if they report it to the others? We can't be accused of spying or anything like that. It'll be bad for us.

Considering the girl is much more levelheaded and careful than Aleo, maybe her actions won't result with people being punched. Maybe.

He's fairly certain she won't get punched. If anything Ekko's more likely to get hit- because he's the one that's taking up the distraction role. That evil eye does basically nothing to deter him.

It should, but it doesn't. Besides, she needs him to bother the wer enough that he doesn't notice her.

"Haringey's close enough that it is our business."

Like Ekko thinks, the guy doesn't focus on the girl anymore as he sets his sights on him and him alone. He takes a step closer, posturing and growling in the back of his throat. "Oh really? Should we being doing the same thing? Start sniffing at your places, taking notes about what you're doing over there?"

Meanwhile the girl isn't complaining at all now that attention is diverted from her. When the men begins acting (more) menacing to them, she takes a side step under the pretext of staying out of the way. She looks over at Ekko and gives him a little thumbs up, wishing him luck as she inches nearer to the bull of a man to get back her notes.

Alright, now Ekko looks amused. "You think a bunch of kids are as threatening as you?" He doubts that's true, but they way the were phrased it makes it sound that way.

He's fully prepared to get hit. He's seen what's happened to Aleo and these guys don't exactly have long fuses.

They definitely don't and the short fuse finally cracks as the guy flares his nostrils one last time and pulls back, winding his arm for a particularly nasty punch. "Not after I'm through with little annoying shits like you!"

The group behind him yell for Ekko to watch out, Aleo needing to be held back so he doesn't jump into the fray and cause the situation to get any worse.

The spike in Redbright presence at Haringey didn't escape Heiji, who figured that now might be as good a time as any to find Clara and confirm what was up. They certainly didn't seem to be resting on their heels...

When he spotted Clara, he gave her a little wave. "Hey, Miss Clara! Lot of familiar faces around here, ain't it?"

Clara, tucked away in an assuming and surprisingly underused part of the are, looks up from some notes and a map she's looking over with a redheaded girl next to her. Her smile is immediate, though on closer inspection she seems very tired.

"Heiji! I haven't seen you in a while." Looking over at the girl next to her, Clara nods to let her know that he's a friendly face and nothing will happen here. She makes sure the student tucks away her wand properly and begins to collect the documents they were pouring over seconds earlier.

At his question, Clara opts to play a bit dumb for a bit. Never hurts to be too careful with their plans. "Has there? Well-- It never hurts to explore one's surroundings. I should know! I would hate to be stuck in one teeny tiny coffee shop forever."

Oh, Clara. She might be good at grandmothering, but Heiji thought that part of being twice a mother was learning a few tricks of your own. Getting-your-child-in-the-bath tricks, getting-the-baby-to-sleep tricks. And of course, making someone take medicine without a fuss.

"Haringey's a dangerous business, all the same," he said, as if making an idle observation. There was a little glint in his eye as he looked at her, though. "But maybe it's about to become a bit less dangerous."

For those Sylvia Redbright approved of, in any case.

Lancelot is still getting used to balancing the mix of Night Council work, police work and his own personal life. There's so much to learn, and nothing in the way of extra hours to do it in. He's almost considered taking holiday from one job to allow himself time to learn the new one, which is not much in the way of an actual holiday.

When the witch finds him he's just leaving the Night Council headquarters, half frowning at a few pieces of paper -- so much so that he almost runs into her. He startles, causing her to startle in turn, before apologising profusely and desperately trying to take blame for the entire incident. He wasn't looking where he was going, honestly, please forgive him. Shouldn't be reading and walking at the same time!

As such, it's a moment before she can lure him away to 'show him something', to explain her purpose, and he's thoroughly confused until she casts and he blinks at Clara.

"Oh! Good lord, I -- forgive me, if I'd realised you were looking for me I would come to find you myself. How might I help?"

Bianca smiles at Lancelot sweetly as she steps back and allows Clara to take over the conversation, pleased as punch she could help out somehow. The witch is just there to ensure the magic allowed him to see the spectre while she watched and made sure no one was going to eavesdrop on this little conversation here.

Clara can take it over from here and she does by starting off with a friendly tease, "It's rather hard to find a ghost when they're out of their natural territories. Which is strange cause I like to think all of us ghosts are too bootiful to ignore."

Though looking a bit wan even for someone of her status, she does her best to appear chipper and ready for anything. Puns and all. "But really-- It's good that I managed to find you! I was wondering if we could discuss something... I would hate to say it's 'urgent' since I know everyone is involved in something at the moment. Something that could possible use your help if you're interested. A school 'project' that's going down."

He lets out a surprised half of laughter at the joke regardless, lips flicking into a warm smile in turn as she carries on that slowly turns into a frown of thought. Not urgent, but something she wants help with regardless. A 'school project'. Somehow, something about her expression and demeanour make him suspect it isn't exactly homework or building models of volcanoes.

"Of course," he insists, focusing his attention on her a little more as he considers this. "The school is important to Sylvia so it is important to me in turn. If there is anything I can do you need only ask, Clara. I suppose I'm something of a public servant now."

His smile flicks up again, lightly playful -- trying to project that it's okay while equally being a little curious what this is all about.

STATUS: OPEN TO EVERYONE

No establishment likes to overspend. Especially a school establishment since it meant a lot of juggling of the books and rearranging future events or activities. They wanted this area of London badly, however, Clara used that to her advantage and was able to secure a grant from the school to buy gifts or things of note for people, along with the school's promise that they'll officially help another faction or individual if they could provide help. Haringey's residence and leaders are met with Redbright residence and leaders to discuss the matters and offer terms and agreements. Promises are made, bribes are offered, and Clara leads the negotiating most of the time if she must since, otherwise, she'll let others take the lead if she thinks they'll get a better result than her.

The last few days, 12th to 14th of September, are a frenzy of activity from all people involved in the project.

Knowing that they can't all focus on Haringey when they have other areas to defend and protect, people in Ealing, where the school can be found, are debating who will go where and where they'll do next. It means there aren't as many compared to before, the rest away to take care of other places. Clara can be found in all of the mentioned places in different times of the day, looking ragged but stubborn to see this through the end.

The school and Clara does they're best to stress that they should not get into fights or arguments with the people there in these final days, needing to keep a squeaky clean(ish) image of peace and cooperation. But-- If anyone is unhappy with the notion of them taking responsibility of Haringey and try to scare or chase away some of them, well, Clara and a few others are going to have a few words about that since they can't be seen as pushovers too much.

STATUS: CLOSED FOR vampiracy

Goodness, the person giving her the message is so excited to inform her that an earl would be willing to speak with them.

Since she doesn't know much about the structure of the vampires here in London, trusting others to lead the negotiations or talks with them most of the time with her just there to assure they come in peace and mean no harm, she's a little unsure of what's the excitement about. She's going to assume from the hushed excitement of their voice that an earl is someone of with considerable rank with the rest.

Though she is a bit puzzled on why she's asked to see them herself. She trusted the others so far with handling this party on their own thanks to their success so far and her own discomfort being around them but-- It if it was for the school, she'll head to the agreed location to speak with the person. While she brought the messenger along with her to make sure this arrangement is legitimate.

Just in case.

Edited 2015-09-02 17:04 (UTC)

Things were truly in a bit of an uproar, as far as the nest was concerned. With the recruitment drive in full roar, and quiet plans cobbling together for a territory grab, he was busier than usual. In a way he wasn't particularly fond of, granted, he'd almost rather be bored. He didn't care much for the internal workings of the nest, his position simply required them. There were quite a few strings in need of pulling, it was just a matter of timing.

Islington was really not enormously known for cooperating with Redbright. Still, it was hard to miss the lull of takeover, and Killian saw an opportunity in helping them that most might not. They'd been reluctant after his request for secrecy, but he couldn't quite blame them. Islington wasn't known for it's amicable tendencies.

The meeting place was a rather nondescript meeting room in a local hotel, and he didn't intend to linger long. There was a bit of danger involved in this if any of his kind realized what he was doing, and he was hoping to avoid that. The Redbright associates were checked in by one of his employees before they made it to him, and while he didn't recognize the messenger, he did recognize at least one of them.

"Well. Didn't realize I'd be seeing a familiar face." He might be passingly nervous about it, if he's honest — hopefully Clara could be trusted to keep this meeting a secret.

It doesn't take long for them to get there, both living and dead looking wary. Though the look of restraint and caution soon fly out the window when Clara sees just who this person she's meeting with is. She smiles and this smile one is much more natural and at ease compared to the ones she's been giving for the last few days when in meetings or gatherings.

"I could say the same myself," she says, her tone warm but also quiet, whispery even. Even when with someone she, more or less, can trust she knows better than to speak aloud. Walls may have a few ears here.

The messenger with her looks surprised by the conversation taking place, looking at the earl with awe before addressing Clara in with a confused, "You know him...?"

"Yes. From before." A long before. When she was still alive, for one thing. When she wasn't in London and spoke just enough English to help people out if they dropped by her barangay. "From my experience? He's a good person. We can trust him with whatever this is."

They nod at her words, seeing no point to disagree and possibly ruin their only strongest ally and connection with the nest here. "Do you want me to here? As planned?"

After a moment of deliberation, Clara shakes her head and lets the person know they can wait outside. They can simply alert her if anyone suspicious or familiar is hanging around here, letting her know all of them should get out of there while there was a chance. She would have kept them in with her but this is someone she's dealt with before, has some idea of unlike a total stranger. It'll be better for them if the outreach member kept an ear and eye out there.

When the person has stepped outside to loiter in the halls, Clara addresses the familiar vampire with clear bemusement: "Looks like there's something else we'll have to discuss but that's for another day. You said you're interested in giving a 'hand' so to speak with a project of ours."

The idea he was a good person was perhaps arguable to the pirate himself. He was too selfish and self centered to be a good person. Even in this, he really wasn't doing this because he wanted the progression of Redbright and more people to be safe. He was adjusting things to his liking, being opportunistic and trying to get something out of something he was already going to do. A bit underhanded, yes, but the pirate in him still lived quite strongly. If he could get ahead, he was going to.

He wouldn't have minded her courier minding the rest of their meeting, but he wasn't going to complain about her sending them away, either. He waited until the room was clear, pale eyes watching until the door was properly closed, and then they landed on his company. "It's hard not to hear that Redbright intends on a peaceable takeover of Haringey. My kind isn't necessarily known for peaceable, but I could make it easier for you if you granted me something that was worth the risk."

It would be a bit of a risk to stick his neck out for no good reason. Fact was he could blend the risk fairly easily with the recruitment drive roaring and the upcoming claim pressing in as well, but Clara didn't need to know that.

She smiles at his words and she gives a shrug, knowing it was impossible to deny what was going on in terms of the school being here in these areas so often considering, well, she was here making a deal with him for his help after all. It would seem a bit silly to deny it now. "We're trying to... be soft as possible about it. I urged for this to be a peaceable one since I would hate to add fuel to the fire that's already been made."

Of course she's referring to the incident with Croydon and the whispers of the school needing to defend their own areas due to them spending so much time here. It'll take more than niceness and 'please' to get this down.

Which is why she's willing to take her chances with this. She has to. Clara had suspected that she'll need to promise more than just items to the nests and she came prepared for that. Hopefully. "--I managed to get the school to agree to something. Give a formal promise of aid and support to a person or a group who helps us in this," she informs him and she then stresses, "with us helping out through non-violent means, of course."

School has a reputation to maintain after all.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

BRAVE NEW WORLD (OPEN POST; PREPARATIONS)

WHAT A SCOOP! (ALL DAY; DIFFERENT AREAS)

FEELING IT OUT (ALL DAY AND EVENING; HARINGEY)

TO LET YOU KNOW (WESTMINISTER)

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THEM'S SOME FIGHTING WORDS (LATE AFTERNOONISH)

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WESTMINSTER;

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CARROTS AND STICKS' (ALL DAY AND EVENING; MULTIPLE AREAS)

CROSS MY HEART (NIGHT)

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