/ k j ʊ ə , k j ɔ ː /

[Bjorn]

A little hypocritical to single out death row inmates -- some of their crimes aren't nearly as bad as those that many in our community get away with. It seems a matter of who gets to be a vampire and skilled enough not to get caught / sentenced / imprisoned. We both know very well no vampire would allow itself to be caught alive...

I can't say I'm bothered about the Lionelli though... I spend much time culling their numbers myself. The mention of other lineages makes me err, however. How are they getting this information? Imagine if this was happening before I'd been welcomed into the d'Artois... I'd probably be amongst the test subjects. How many fledglings who have no idea what they're doing, are getting caught and tested on? There's a new kid who reached out, who is getting shot at by cops for being caught feeding. What if that sets them up to be caught and tested on?

What happens to the vampires who are getting turned into humans? Are they being released to have normal lives, compensated? Or are they turned back, and tested on again. They seem to be aware that people can easily be bitten again.

I don't necessarily disagree with there being a cure, E. I don't think I'd take it -- I've got nothing to return to, or at least nothing that would measure up what I've built myself into. That doesn't mean there aren't others who could benefit from it. That is, if it's a second chance at life...

Then again... what if they weaponise this? What if it becomes a way to weaken us and kill us off permanently? The emails seem to suggest it's about choice, but choice is an illusion between those with power and does without it. If they have the cure, they have the power.

Paladins would have too easy a time infiltrating the team. Hell, how do we know this isn't their doing?

You say you've trapped yourself, and I told you not to do stupid ****.
What the **** are you doing, Every?

[Every]

I never said that I haven't done worse things, but at the time while I was human, that was what I felt. And that was before I committed murder, before I had lost my brother. And no, that's not true. Enver Marshall II. That moron would allow himself to get caught alive - he's my cousin, biologically. There are some vampires fighting for the cure, I'm sure. I've seen them fight for the ability to reveal themselves during my time in Ty.

Truthfully, it's not the Lionelli that concerns me, but the lineages. And as you said, the fledgelings. I know I can turn someone just from a bite, have been for a while now. It's why I no longer allow people whom I feed from to live, or I drink from a blood bag. If this was happening before you'd been welcomed into d'Artois, it'd be a different battleground. I was still fairly new at that point. I'm sure there's a significant amount. There's always been vampires turned who don't have decent sires. I've taken in a few over the years.

See, that's one of the things that I wonder about - what's happening to the test subjects. To these individuals they have been working with. Why aren't any of them running around? Why aren't they speaking up? How do they not reconnect with people that they know? People are easily bitten, you can't really throw a stone without smacking a vampire in this city.

The pieces I've found? They're getting more and more... interesting. I think there is a cure.

"Some of the other scientists keep discussing calling them something other than vampires. Joe jokingly said we should call them blood sucking monsters, but some of the more serious minded guys have been talking about creating a formal classification for them. "

I wouldn't take it, myself. I do the majority of things like surfing and snowboarding in the evenings when allowed, so it isn't different. I wouldn't mind a big *** cheeseburger, though. That's probably the only positive thing that would cause me to be content. But, I don't have anything human to go back to. My family is dead, with the exception of a kid.

Then again... what if they weaponise this? What if it becomes a way to weaken us and kill us off permanently? The emails seem to suggest it's about choice, but choice is an illusion between those with power and does without it. If they have the cure, they have the power.

Truthfully, the idea of it being a weapon is the thing I'm concerned about. All they would have to do is make a distribution factor, or turn it into something that will kill whatever makes us, us. But, I have black blood. I'm a shadow - literally didn't have one for a long time without having to learn how to project it. I don't see a cure for that, for this path.

Paladin just want to kill us all - there's a handful of them running around. This one man, I know him as Marcus - he knows my stepfather's brother from California - is in here. But, the bitchy part of me responses with that they aren't intelligent enough for it.

You say stupid ****, I say strategizing - I've dealt with worse than this as a member of Ty. I'm leaning against a wall with a shrapnel bomb at my feet waiting for the ******** to reappear and get himself blown up. I cursed him, too. Truthfully, this is probably one of the lesser stupid things I've done in a long time.

I do appreciate your concern though.

Every.

[Bjorn]

What’s Enver’s take on this? Have you spoken with him since this **** broke? Given his public image as a vampire, surely he’s been asked to comment on the rumours… I’m not invested in the political theatrics, but I recall seeing something about a public forum being cancelled so I presume there’s got to be a handful of vampires that are out to the public, not just him…

I’m not a hacker, but I reckon if all able hackers pool their resources, there’d be more information to work with. I’m happy to give it a try, but I think my skills are best used elsewhere. I’m currently in communication with a fledgling, and am intent on making myself available should they need help or weapons. In light of that, I’m not going to check out the facility quite yet, but I’m happy to bide my time making traps for you to use. Let me know what you need. I’ll send T over to report back on the situation. She’s human still, perhaps there’s a way for her to get more information. I can also have her bring you ammunition if you're running low.

I’ll keep an eye out on things out here. I think I’m of better use ensuring any strays don’t get caught into this scheme. I don’t like the thought of someone unknowingly being turned, then captured, humanised, turned again, and so on and so forth. If it comes to light that that’s what they’re doing, then I might very well take arms. Until then, allow me to be of assistance at a distance, but don’t hesitate to summon me if you need back up. You know I’ll always fight alongside you.

And I’m only concerned for those who can’t defend themselves… I know you’re fully capable of putting whoever this person is back in their place. I’ll see what I can find on my end, in the meantime. Sending a little inspiration your way.

[Every]

Chances are, he's all for it. It seems that anything I support, he doesn't - at least that's what I've seen over the years. I suppose I should ask his thought about it. There was a vampiric town meeting that was cancelled a few days ago that Doc was putting on. Ripper, in his typical fashion, decided to invite humans to it. It was specifically for those who do not wish to out themselves to be there. There's only one human that was allowed, and she's proven over the years to be trusthworthy. I've met her. I remember before the masquerade fell that there were many that wanted to be outed, actually an entire list of us were released a few years back by Robert Pratt and his wife over a radio station. It didn't end well for them.

That stupid twat blackmailed some of us not too long ago, too, Mona. Said something about releasing a copy of names to the press - I'm still debating on whether or not a 'video' of some of the news reporters murdering a scientist would be something to introduce to the public. I'd have to either learn changeling or find a friend willing to shoot one. Discrediting won't do much, but eh. At least it'd make me feel better and a warrant would go out for arrests.

Cellissee, I'm assuming? She seems pretty nice. I handed her some cash, or well. Locryn did under instruction. It seems like a few in Worthington and over groups are trying to work together, but alas, the amount of cooperation in this place can be significantly low. I will, but I should be fine. I'm only setting them down while I rest up so that I can make a paladin or two miserable. A toxic gas trap nearly backfired on me, so unless I want to pass out across the floor I need to be a bit more careful.

I appreciate that, Bjorn. That you'd fight alongside me. The inspiration would be nice, some of these guys in here are kicking my ***. One thing, though. I don't think this cure should be destroyed. Watched, studied, maybe.

[Bjorn]

I agree about the cure -- but there seems to be little to monitor on the Croenwt about it. The silence is unsettling. What news? Broadcasts calling it a terrorist insurgency or something. I pay it little head. I doubt the media channels are reliable or in possession of anything of consequence.

And you're throwing plenty of names my way, Every. I have little idea who most those people are. I've heard something of a human owning a blood service of some sort, but I haven't checked it out. Is that her you're referring to? In any case, I seem to be capable of handling my thirst these days with little need for alternatives, so I've had little need to check it out. I might, if you think she's a worthy person to be in touch with.

Cellissee? Is that her name? We're not on first name basis, yet. Harper Rock sure makes having an original name a little less lonely. From what I gather though, she seems to be doing quite well. She mentioned you giving her some money. Personally I'm a little strapped myself, looking into buying a property -- making the building into some sort of bunker, dormitory meets training facility for fledglings to come to. Sanctuary seems to be gathering cobwebs, and the few leads I followed on a vampire called Blake about a school have come up dead ended. In any case, I'm glad she's got good people to rely on... I've offered weapons and traps, but she seems to operate in keystrokes.

Keep me updated.
I'm happy to swoop in and escort your intoxicated *** out of there, because I'm such a ******* gentleman.
Seriously though, wire my neurons a line if you need anything.

[Every]

I don't believe a lot of people want to deal with the chance of it being good or bad. I know there was quite a lot of people fighting for it. I had to learn about it from a rumor, so I wouldn't believe the media much. The idea of a cure for this is just... it doesn't make any sense. My blood is shadows, I haven't been even remotely human in ages.

Yeah, the trusted human is the one with the blood service. I don't think I've ever heard anything negative about her in the years I've been around. Even when in masquerade days, she never came across a list of someone not to trust. I've never been to one of her services though, so I can't quite say anything about that, but it's an interesting venture to say the least. But at the same time, she's likely one that would find herself in trouble if we were all eliminated as she's helped us.

And yes, that's the fledgling, and that would be interesting. I know which school you're talking about - I was a mentor there when it was up and running, I still have access to my files there. It is was called The Academy. I haven't actually seen Blake about for a long time, may have to look him up. He was a part of Tytonidae with me, as well as Doc. It didn't last long, the school, I'm afraid. I never got much involved with Sanctuary, either. There was also the Fledgling Foundation, too, ages ago. I don't think I can find access to that, the woman who ran it has been gone for a while.

Cellissee seems like a good kid, so I told her to ask me if she needs any more help. She seemed shocked I'd help her, too. We're supposed to meet up at some point, she was worried about being shot so I may show her where it's cop free to hunt.

You are such a ******* gentleman, however, if I get gassed you'll be more likely to find my intoxicated *** collapsed on the ground. The higher the tier, the stronger the gas and thanks to my sire as the curse is passed from him, I have a severely low tolerance to it. I'll be careful, though, and if I need help, I'll likely summon you beforehand.

[Bjorn]

Listen, I gave Celine kid access to the apartment in Sanctuary. She's been crashing downstairs or at Corvidae, and I felt it best she get a quieter place. Hunters won't need a warrant, but cops do. There's nothing there. I don't feel comfortable giving her access to the farm until I've walked you both through it. I trapped the **** out of the place. So much so, T's got herself into the hospital again. I'd consider putting up warning signs, but that'd beat the whole purpose of them.

I'll look into the other organisations you mentioned. Maybe there are people still around and eager to participate. It needs to be a communal job. All these absent sires are causing an epidemic. 90% positive it's because of people like that that the masquerade fell in the first place. I played my part, but if I'd had an attentive sire, postmortem life would have been a helluva lot different. Point is, can't put the cat back in the bag, but we can still live well and in relative secrecy... At least until they decide on the next big vaccine, bio chip, dog tag... Whatever they're scrambling to do.

Cellissee tells me a subject's escaped. Their controlled experiment isn't so controlled anymore. I can't say I'm surprised ****'s gone south. I'm not keen on waiting around much longer though. It's hard to act without knowing what one should do. I met with Vadasz -- going to try and hone in my tracking skills. I feel like it's a worthwhile endeavour in this current climate.

[Every]

Thank you. The cops around here won't break into a place with a warrant, honestly. There's way too many people around here, both human and vampire, who trap the hell out of their places and then just leave it for the next person to find. It's half the reason I usually send Zachary in front of me. The only thing that can bother him is a spirit cage, otherwise, he can bypass traps and the like. Locryn, though, is like T. I'll mention it to Loc, she can always go and keep her company. Bring her some flowers.

Absentee sires are common, from what I've seen. Either that, or they sire one has is ****. There's a few that come to mind who brainwash or ruin the childe before they have a chance. I can't think of any one that's going on, I haven't seen most of the organizations running for a long time, unfortunately. And, the masquerade fell because too many people thought we'd be able to play nice with the humans. And right now, yeah, the relations are fine, but there's going to be a day when they aren't. The people who were pro-masquerade gave up, too. We stopped fighting and it was a mistake.

I'm more concerned with the next genocide rather than the vaccine. Someone comes near me with anything sharp and I don't trust them, they're going down. I don't know if they've escaped - an old friend of mine shared with me what she's found. Subject 025 went missing; something about long term testing and observation about being reintegrated into the public. It actually sounds like it's worked... No discernable side effects so far, according to another fragment. I don't know what to think. It's fascinating, really. I'll admit. Curious to picture returning back to the way were before all of this.

Tracking skills are useful regardless of the current conditions of the city. If you want practice, let me know. I can show you some of my old tricks and there's no one better to play hide and seek with than a shadow who can shift her appearance. I'll even make it fun by smacking you with a wooden sword.

[Bjorn]

I thought this telepathy thing was just for verbal-like communication. Turns out I can project more than just a simple thought. Initially I was confused how so much information had gotten through the psychic link, but after testing it out with T for a few hours yesterday, I realise that I can in fact project images as I see them in my mind’s eye, and memories as I’ve experienced them. I wonder how often I’ve shared more than I intended before coming across this ability.

Is this normal for a telepath? I presume it would be, and that I’ve been lagging in terms of developing my abilities… I’ve been so focused on hunting and crafting that I stopped trying to understand my brain’s capabilities. I believe it’s my meeting with Vadasz that sparked this whole thing. We spent so long working on the intangible boundaries of my mind that I must have triggered something. The wraith claimed seeker abilities required some out-of-body visualisation skill (he made no ******* sense, by the way), so maybe that’s it? I don’t know. What happened with you after you saw him?

The reason I bring it up, is because I’ve tried to send you a visual of the farm. I’ve got Cellissee making her way there in the next few nights. I feel it’s safer to use the fadeportals than cut through town. I’ve yet to manage a tome... I’m trying to learn how so that returning to the farm won't be such a hassle, but the ritual altar is the bane of my existence these days. Cutting through the wilderness is dangerous but not nearly as bad as the increased military presence through town... especially around the quarantine zone.

(On that note though, have you noticed the lack of fae? I spent two nights in the wilderness and nothing came at me. I don’t believe to be on their good side — no vampire is, are they?)

Anyway, you should swing by if you can. Just make sure you avoid the traps. I stepped into one yesterday (why I spent so much time with T to begin with — she stepped into a poison trap which I managed to avoid luckily. We're both a sad pair. Don't join us in our stupidity and misery.)

We can talk more about this cure and the consequences in person or via brain link. I don’t trust these emails much. If people are capable of hacking into highly encrypted systems, what’s stopping them from using hot words like ‘cure’ to sneak into inboxes. I mean, I still have an inbox. None of this **** gets stored in my mind. I wonder if that’s a thing. Maybe I’ll ask our new friend to explain computers to me. I still have no understanding of how my brain works.

I see your wooden sword, and I raise you an inflatable hammer. By the way, I’ve got some weapons in the lockbox I don’t know what to do with. You should come check them out. I doubt they’re as good as anything you already have, but I was thinking they could be passed on to others? I’m not a forger, I can’t do **** but collect them.