Marking jews and vampires [OPEN]

[Zodiac]

BREAKING NEWS

The screen flashed as footage of a crowd of people were milling about outside of the building where the discussion was taking place as police moved in to restore order. The gypsy now sat comfortably with her disguise shed and her hair free as she flipped through the local channels. Her cat nesting in her lap as if sensing her owner’s mood.

*click*

“….a disturbance caused guests to panic….”

*click*

“… Antonio Segreti, a local businessman, was hosting a….”

She made note of that name to do some on line research later.

*click*

“Well, what did they expect with a subject so volatile?”

She stopped clicking and focused on the talking heads (as she called them) in a side by side debate on the incident.

“I don’t think the subject was the issue.” The other ‘head’ spoke up.

“Oh really? Vampires? The vampires are what probably caused the place to go crazy.” The female insisted.

“According to eye witnesses, nothing was out of hand until those so called ‘Paladins’ made their presence know.” The man replied calmly.

“And why were they there? They knew blood suckers would be.” The woman was suddenly irritated.

“Did that give them the right to pull weapons and threaten Segreti in front of a crowd like that? Segreti is not a vampire as far as anyone knows.”

“Thank you. As far as anyone knows.” The woman replied. “With the government’s stance on fangers now, is anyone going to admit they are one? I think not. What about the earthquake that effected only that building and nothing else in the area? That is vampire work.”

“That sudden ‘quake’ is what caused the guests to begin leaving the building. If the tempers of the so called ‘servants of the Lord’ was running hot, who can say how many innocents might have been injured or worse if that had turned into a free for all?” the man refused to back down. “Security at the lecture was practically overwhelmed. Can you say with certainty that no humans would have been injured in the process if that quake had not happened ?”

*click. Clicks mute*

The remote slipped out of her hand and fell. Bouncing a couple times on the rug before the cat pounced on it. Less than an hour had passed since she returned home, and at the rate the press was going? By tomorrow it would all be vampires fault. How single minded could people be? The paladins started the incident, but because they were looking for vampires that was okay? She was now watching footage recorded earlier. Police re-enforcement had arrived along with emergency medical. No one had been hurt, but some were emotionally shaken by the affair. A slight smile hit her lips as she watched a few being led away in cuffs– including a couple paladins. At least the police were playing fair for once. She hoped ‘Mr Juice Box’ was okay and the girl who tried to help her.

A twinge with that. She had no clue if the girl got away with no injuries. She supposed she should have made sure of that much. Her distraction made it so the girl did not have to reveal she was more than what she appeared to be. What was her name again? Zodiac pulled her notes from her carry all and checked. The woman never said her name aloud, or else she had been distracted when she had. She had the speaker’s name, but that was all. Antonio Segreti-sorcerer.

A return of her eyes to the television made her take back the remote and click the sound on. It was the amazon woman she throat punched being escorted to a police wagon by the cops and, my oh my, was she pissed.

“I find that vampire and that vamp lover that helped her, THEY ARE BOTH DEAD MEAT!” she was shrieking behind the reporter on camera as the two officers were literally dragging her along.

”According to experts, I already am dead meat.” She tried to laugh at her own joke, but failed. This could have gotten totally crazy too easily. She needed to clear her head and relax before moving forward.

*clicks off TV*

*****
(one hour later)
She was now in more relaxed clothing as she entered her makeshift arboretum. She loved growing things and found relaxation in caring for them as they grew. Inspecting her charges one by one. Watering, feeding, adjusting for their exposure to the sunlight when she slept. Soft telepathic whispers as she encouraged them. As she fell into a automatic mode, her mind was tracing along the lines of cyberspace searching for information concerning one Antonio Segreti. Perhaps, if she felt he could be trusted, he could lead her to the woman as well. If for no other reason than to thank her.

[Segreti]

He managed to eventually curve his way all the way around until he could find the crowd again, the police were already showing up, fortunately. And he quickly was one of those approached due to his role in all of this, trying to answer questions but especially warning about the paladins that he'd managed to get to chase him and where he'd led them. Eventually they let him pass on as he mentioned he wanted to talk with someone in the crowd, and he made his way along glancing over head, occasionally popping onto his tip-toes to get a better view.

Eventually he recognized her, the woman who had accepted the Mic and been the one to kick in the knee of the paladin that was being pulled away. Doubtless the police would want to talk to her at some point, but he hoped he could get in at least some bit of conversation first, he approached, threading through the crowd patting a few shoulders along the way until he managed to find her, smiling almost apologetically and reaching out a hand, "So, that didn't go nearly as well as I'd hoped." he said grimacing, "I really apologize for that, I tried to calm it down a bit once everyone got all riled up but unfortunately there was really only so much I could do."

"I imagine you might be a bit concerned about your safety now?" He inquired, trying to see if she was or not. There was only so much he could do about that. He might help with getting her a little bit of temporary security, but he didn't quite have enough money to exactly just have her protected. Just offer a little assistance in the matter. He didn't ask her to tell him her name, at least not around so many people. Mainly for the same risk of having just had such issues with the paladins.


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Zodiac would find in her search a number of things about the man. He had started his work in Harper Rock relatively recently but his businesses still began doing pretty well. The one that came up the most was Segreti Showmen due to its natural public interest, being made for stage acts. Especially in regards to plays or small concerts, but which was planning a future in cinematography. It was somewhere he was known to be at personally quite often, as he enjoyed the plays and was often the one making sure they were converted properly if they were made from classical texts. He had no criminal record to speak of, and until only that day had primarily kept out of any kind of politics, ethics, or philosophy. However it might be discovered that he had an interest in history and that in online forums might occasionally get into discussions on the supernatural.

[Varja (DELETED 12937)]

Varja was more at ease once the police arrived. With them present, it was less likely that there would be further attacks this evening. Although she made sure to stay hidden behind the crowd when some of the attackers were take out of the building, including the woman she had kicked. She could only hope that woman would be taken to prison for a while, but somehow she doubted that would happen. She didn't know what to do about it. It felt like there wasn't anything she was able to do at all.

After a bit more time, Varja felt that it would be safe enough to head home now. Also, she didn't manage to find the person she had been keeping an eye out for. Most likely they had left already. As she was about to head over to the police to make a statement before leaving, when she was approached by Segreti.

Taking his hand for a handshake, she smiled a bit, though it was a partially nervous smile. “There is no need to apologise. As you said, you did everything in your power.” She looked over to the building for a moment, before focusing on Segreti again, this time with a serious expression. “Yes, I'm worried. One of those people seems to really hate me now.” This was a strange situation. After all this happened, she was basically asking a stranger for help, although implicitly. But she didn't know anyone else who might be able to help. “It's likely that she will try to find me in the future.”

[Zodiac]

She frowned within as her mental explorations began to bring back the same information. However, she was smiling openly at a challenge she had been given. The friend that had sent her the seeds insisted the gypsy was wasting her time. She had already proven that to be a wrong statement, but now the big pay day was close.

Edithcolea grandis had been a tricky one to get started, but now it had grown to the point it was in the stage it would finally bloom. A Persian Carpet Flower. She had only seen them in pictures and sadly she might only see this one the same. They were day bloomers, but a video camera was set to take shots every 20 minutes when she started the timer would show her the results. Once it happened, she would have to daywalk just to see it in all it’s glory.

At least this challenge was bearing fruit. The matter with Antonio Segreti was almost as stubborn as the plant was supposed to be. A recent one as far as things go in this place as far as emerging on the scene. The theater the discussion was held in also was used for entertainment venues he apparently produced.

His name came up in a few forums. A curious one for what most call the supernatural. Well, he came to the right place for that. No criminal record? Tonight’s event had the eye of the law on him. Granted, he was, she assumed, innocent of starting anything, but police attention and a situation that gets you on television opens up things. She imagined the paladins was doing what she was right now. Looking for dirt or anything that would put him in a negative light. The difference was, she simply wanted to know how well he could be trusted. The paladins, on the other hand, would be seeking to ruin him. Others pro or anti vamp would be working the issue as well. Whatever skeletons he had, she hoped he had them buried deep. Things like the cops brought one unwanted attentions. The kind she could live without.

So far, in a word, this guy was dull. How dull was still the question.

Gently, her fingertips caressed the impending blossom. ’Be special for me. Big, strong and beautiful.’

She set the timer and left the room of her botanical babies

[Segreti]

Segreti shrugged a bit as he was told he did everything in his power. At the time perhaps. Though there were perhaps...other methods he could use in the future. In regards to helping deal with these paladins. However he'd have to be discreet. He couldn't let anything be discovered if he actually attempted that thought. No, that's too much of a risk. Paladins likely have a number of allies who are closer to the law than those of the vampires. He'd have to take considerable care.

He nodded thoughtfully as she said she was worried, there was good reason for that. Mentioning especially the one she hit in the back of the knee, Segreti glanced back at the cops, "Depending on how long it takes her in the legal system." he said. He didn't have as many 'friends' in the police force as he wanted just yet. But he intended to get there. They were necessary, but it was a matter of delicacy. One couldn't make allies too quickly, or recklessly.

"I can't say I've had too many people come after me yet, so I don't know the full extent of security necessity. You're not stuck with an apartment room are you? That does make things a bit more difficult." He said scratching the back of his neck and frowning, "I could potentially help pay for some security, or give you somewhere safer until you can get it. I can't promise some kind of security I'm not that rich, but I would certainly like to help. You were willing to speak up and I hadn't realized how...aggressive the response was going to be. And you helped out that one woman, which also was rather brave." As he said it he remembered again the warning, and the soon after earthquake. He couldn't be sure it was that woman, he'd barely even gotten a look at her. But she was the only one legitimately paid attention to by the paladins. Unfortunately, he might not recognize her again if he saw her.

"Although, in regards to that woman in particular, it's possible to convince the police to help you out depending on how much she's said. Threats and such could very much potentially increase a sentence."


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For now, little would be discovered on Segreti's more criminal activities. Most things were done in person or through mediators. Keeping things run remotely with little personal interference. Whether or not that could be as easily maintained now that people had their eyes on him, that might be different. He'd have to start searching things out even more thoroughly than he already was when he dealt with the more questionable matters. Until then, his secrets stayed hidden. Quietly operating under other names and services. He didn't want anyone knowing about his under-takings, let alone most of the cops. At least, the ones who would do something about it.

[Zodiac]

A quick search again. She needed to be certain. Despite their now shared loathing by the Paladins, the girl was not sure how good it would be to be known to a sorcerer. Absently, she touched the leg she was forced to replace thanks to one of them.

Now some new bits were appearing. Various on line stories about what happened this evening. At least the points of view were playing fair on who or what started the incident. She let these drift by and went back to the ones Segreti had a direct hand in. His business pages. It only took her a couple moments to find what she wanted. There it was. It was repeated on several pages, so logic suggested this would be the best way to make herself known while keeping distance for the moment. It took the gypsy on a few moments to redress and retrieve a certain item from her closet before she exited her dwelling.

A fast dash thanks to Clerity put her on the border where the town thinned out and the wilderness began. Reaching into her bag, she pulled out the burner phone she had bought for such a purpose as this. It was too easy to trace someone back with a cell phone if you knew what you were doing (She had done that herself on a couple of occasions) so rather than use her own phone, she’d use this. (Her own phone was too vital to her business to have it compromised.)

Once it was on and she was sure she had a good signal, she deftly typed in the number she found on the websites. Then her thoughts reached out, placing a message into the device she wished to send.



Greetings to you, Mr Segreti.

I am sorry your speaking engagement was so rudely compromised. I am glad no one was injured in the process. I would like to apologize for any damage I may have caused. A quake does not discriminate on what it shakes loose, but it had the desired effect of encouraging your guests to seek the exits before things truly got out of hand.

Yes, there was at least one vampire at your meeting. (If there were others, I did not sense them, nor was I looking for them.) I applaud your effort to point out that, like the living, all vampires are not evil. It does not matter to the majority, of course, but it was refreshing to see.

I also hope the paladins do not become too big of a thorn in your side. Speaking from experience, they can be annoying to say the least.

Speaking of, do you know or have a way to contact the woman who assisted me with my exit? It may have appeared that I needed no help, but her distraction allowed me to solve the problem without revealing what I actually am. I have taken great pains to keep that little secret, and she helped. Thank her for me and I hope she made it out with no harm in the process.

I think I will watch you for a time and see if you are all you appear to be. If so, then perhaps we can meet face to face. I promise you, there will be no harm from me to you or yours.

Sincerely,
A possible friend.

Checking for errors, then pressing the send key. She waited till the phone declared the message was sent, then pulled the back off and yanked the battery out. She re assembled it as she began to walk back to the town. There was no rush now and later she could go elsewhere and check for a reply. Zodiac was still not 100% sure why she was doing this, but she felt no warnings going off inside her mind. Out on the edges of town she felt relaxed. The only things to avoid was the roadblocks leading in and out of town and she wasn’t trying to get in or leave. She decided to walk the long loop back to her area of town. If she hushed her thoughts and squinted, it was almost as it was before the anti-vampire nonsense boiled over.

Almost.

[Varja (DELETED 12937)]

Varja nodded when Segreti spoke about asking the police to help her in that matter. She had already thought about doing that, but hearing it from someone else convinced her that she should definitely do so. “She was quite loud when they pulled her out of the building, shouting about getting me and the woman she was about to attack back then.” She paused for a moment in thought. “Although, with an organised group attacking a public meeting, there is a chance they have contacts in the police which will help them out.” Honestly though, she had no idea whether this was a logical assumption, or an idea she got from reading too many books. Things had taken a turn to seem like right out of a book lately.

“Regarding my safety, I don't exactly live in an apartment room, but it's similar. At the moment I still live with my parents. Though it's their safety I'm more concerned about. I don't know whether they are in danger at all, given that they weren't here. But I'd rather take too many precautions than too few.” On the other hand, she'd prefer if her parents never found out she got into this trouble. She'd probably have a fight with them every time she would leave the house after that. But better than potentially putting them in danger.

“There's no need for you to pay for security or something like that. I have no way of repaying that money anytime soon, so I wouldn't accept this either way. But I'd be thankful if you could help me convince the police to help out.” At the moment, this was the only idea she had for solving this situation.

[Segreti]

Segreti nodded thoughtfully as she mentioned how loud the woman was, definitely true. He sighed though as she mentioned she might have contacts with the police, "Maybe, maybe not. But if they set her free, they better hope they have good lawyers, cause I'll be sure they don't hear the end of it until she's caught again." he commented, "What she committed was essentially an act of terrorism, along with a threat of physical harm, and of course the actual attack itself which is why it can be called terrorism in the first place."

She did mention where she lived, and that she was with her parents, and was concerned about their safety. That did pose problems. He could certainly not protect them really, didn't have the money for that. She seemed to want to take precautions though, which was good. But was fine him not paying for any security help. But that maybe helping make sure the police did, he smiled at her and gave a nod, "Certainly, you were really only one of two aside from myself who were speaking. I definitely think it'd be important that they help in whatever way they need to, though I do admit I haven't had to deal with legal process of that sort of thing here. So in regards to the law I can't really do a ton, just kinda...help out with actually convincing them to do what they should do anyway I guess?" He answered with an apologetic shrug.

[Varja (DELETED 12937)]

Hearing the last sentence Segreti said, Varja smiled slightly. “That is exactly what I would be glad to have help with. I’m actually not good at talking with people outside of debates or discussions like the one earlier.” She looked around for a moment, before focusing on Segreti again. “Or in strange situations like this one, apparently.”

It was a strange situation indeed. And thinking about it, the man she was talking to was one of the strange things of the evening. A sorcerer, according to his statement earlier. Which reminded her of the things which had taken place inside the building. “I hope I’m not asking something too personal, but since earlier you said that you are a sorcerer, was that earthquake your doing? I don’t really know anything about sorcerers, so I’m curious.” Only now she realised that she had focused her efforts solely on learning about vampires, and disregarded further research about anything else. She would have to try and find out something about them once she had the time.

[Segreti]

"Ah, well then absolutely I'll do my best." He said nodding his head, "And I can definitely understand being more comfortable in specific ways of speaking. I had to work my way to getting good at that in some situations. I'm just a little bit of a nerd for the humanities, and uh, not everyone enjoys that as it turns out." he snapped his fingers and clapped his hands together, "Gotta remember how not to make references during business meetings sometimes."

She asked him a question, about the Earthquake. He took in a breath and let it out biting his lip as he considered it, "No, it wasn't. I wonder if insurance is going to pay for it since I didn't. As far as I've learned yet, sorcerers don't have that kind of power. Some that are perhaps more dangerous, but not that one." His voice got a little quieter, "I'm fairly certain we had help from a vampire there. I heard a voice in my head of warning before it happened. Some kind of telepathy I think."

He hummed to himself, "It's a curious thing to live in Harper Rock. I probably know more about vampires than most humans. And probably a good bit about Harper Rock. And the Supernatural. But I'm still no veteran. I'm at this...in between point. Between learning and teaching."