NO DISHES-Intro and continuing story

I did not write this story, Fate did. I just played in it.

I'VE BEEN WHAT I AM FOR 6 YEARS NOW.

I awoke this evening and opened the windows. The night air was full of smells.
Oh, the beautiful scent of the city…. As I was enjoying the evening air, the phone rang and upon answering it on the fifth ring (for it rang on my way out the door into the night). I discovered Timothy on the other end requesting that I greet an important elder in 45 minutes. He said that Glorious Strange would appreciate me doing this for him being as how he himself was indisposed (something about singing to the seagulls)…. Anyway, Timothy said that Strange thought of me because of my bloodline. Yeah, Right, like it matters! Bloodline, Mudline. I might as well wear a T-shirt with a target and the phrase "Eat Me" on it!! Oh, well.
Well, anyhow, I agreed, as if I had any choice. And this is where the story begins although the history goes much deeper and I will go into that at a much later date.

So I jumped on my pan-head and roared into the night. As I arrive at the San Diego train station. I notice that everything seemed to be as well as it could be. I entered and took note of my surroundings. There were people about, not many but enough to cause a problem if the shit hit the fan. Four of the ten individuals were a homeless family down on their luck but all were mortal.
Since the train had not yet arrived, I leaned on the wall and acted as if I had nothing better to do than observe my surroundings. I thought I saw an individual to my left in my peripheral but when I looked he was gone. So I waited until the train arrived.
The train was a fairly modern type, looking sleak like a Monorail except that it was a traditional train, and rode the dual track rather than hung from it. After it came to a stop, I stayed where I was. I was concerned about those who shouldn't know, knowing. So I waited a little longer. A few minutes later a man stepped out of the train wearing a suit of fine silk and similar fine dress. The only thing that made him odd was the trench coat he wore over the suit. He scanned the station for danger and I noticed that he seemed to do so with the practiced ease of one used to doing just that, as if he had walked through danger all his life. After seeing no danger, he turned and spoke to someone inside the train car. As he turned back around to scan the station again, another man appeared in the doorway and exited the train. I approached the two men and nodded. However, I must say that the first man focused his attention as soon as I moved. When I got close enough, I discretely informed him that I didn't think it was terribly safe here and we should move along quickly. At this he became more serious and purposeful, and again scanned the station, inconspicuously asking me where I had seen the disappearing man. I had told him of the man as I relayed my concern for safety. He told me that the man was still there in the shadows and looked right at him. At this time the man decided to step forward and I could see this was going to be an extremely bad night.

The man dressed unusually chaotic but well. He didn't seem to care what others thought of his attire. He didn't seem to care if others noticed that he appeared very much like a vampire…. and walked like one too. As he got closer I noticed a pair of stakes at his back and promptly filled my hand with my katana. I had secretly upon his approach drawn and cocked my .41 magnum single action gate fed revolver with my right hand. I held the katana with my left along my forearm, primarily for parrying. The revolver remained along my right thigh to the rear away from my opponent. The man stopped at about twenty feet from the Justicar and spoke " Hey, How's it going Hectorand? " He spoke with that punk, gang slang and accent of the borio gangs and I knew when I heard his voice he was up to no good. As I scanned the rest of the station for ambush, I noticed the homeless family; or rather the adults of that group were straining to see. I discretely signaled for them to get down and stay put. Hoping they understood. They did as I asked and I was very grateful.
The Justicar and this….person exchanged pleasantries for awhile during which time I became more and more concerned for my charges safety. He kept putting his back to the stranger, although he himself knew him. They set up a meet for the following night and the strange asshole kept running his mouth. He started forward as he spoke and I thrust my pistol out towards him and told him to shut up and get on with it. He continued with his bullshit remarks about taking or needing this and the shit he puts up with. Then as he began to leave with his back to me he remarked that his brother Alexis says I kick like a girl.… That's it!!! I growled as I dropped my katana and lept to put both claws into play. This asshole moved to quick for any human to follow. He sidestepped approximately sixteen meters, just out of short range for my revolver. Midway to my target, I found Longstreet, the first man in the silk suit and trench coat had already grazed him. Damn, he's fast. The last I saw of Longstreet, he still had his pistol in the holster. When I engaged my leap too far from my target for grappling, I continued my movement and rolled forward gaining an additional six - eight feet and fired my .41. Umm…. I'm not that good a shot. I missed and cursed as Longstreet and I flanked to where we thought he was. He wasn't. The bastard had split after pissing me off!
After scanning the station again and not finding anything. I replaced the fired shot with a fresh round and retrieved my katana, wiped it off and replaced it in the scabbard. As Longstreet and I started back to the train, he asked to see my .41. I agreed and offered it to him. He said that he knew a master gunsmith that he would hook me up to later. I said "Thanks" and after holstering my revolver approached the homeless family. I stopped about twenty feet from them and asked permission to enter. The father seemed surprised at this and nodded, waving me forward. His name is Bob Brentwood. He and I spoke for a while and he said he had not seen anything. I proceeded to take $200.00 from my wallet and gave it to him. I explained it was not quiet money. It was just money for his family to get them off the street away from possible danger. I also told him why I gave it to him. I explained that it was because he didn't ask while we were speaking. I spoke more with him and his family. Their son, who is about eleven years is named Stephen, the daughter of six years is named Stephanie, and the wife is named Marge. I introduced myself as Issaak. I noticed that Stephen will have in about six years a furry disposition. I believe he'll be a Stargazer, for he seems wise beyond his years. Anyway, I gave Mr. Brentwood my phone number and asked him to call me in about two hours. After a few more pleasantries were exchanged, I excused myself and went back to help Davis Longstreet with the task of "waking the girls", as he put it. He did seem extremely happy and thankful for my help.

"Waking the Girls"

As we entered the caboose of the four car train, he explained that the girls were being punished by their master the justicar, and that it could be messy (to put it nicely).
The first to be awakened was in a closed and nailed box. She was put in there with thousands and thousands of cockroaches. She also had no cloths at all. She could have been quite beautiful except for all the roaches. She is well-busted and about five feet ten inches tall. She seemed a little thin but extremely beautiful. She was in an exceedingly bad mood and did not seem to appreciate my unique sense of humor or care to be at all sociable. Longstreet seemed to dodge her venomous gaze rather well. After removing most of the roaches from her person, she grabbed a raincoat from a peg on the wall and stepped out of the caboose disappearing into the night. Oh, by the way, her name is Vana.
The second woman is even more beautiful than Vana. Since she is more polite and bettered mannered, I will tell you her name before I continue this story. Her name is Petina. She is more petite than Vana and much more polite. I will not degrade her by fully describing her punishment. Suffice it to say, soup of a disgusting mess does not describe it completely. I will go no further with it. When Petina finally pulled herself together, she started out of the box, so I reached to offer my assistance. She took my hand and thanked me for my assistance, and wobbly legged over to the raincoat pegs before going to speak to her master. I shortened that description because it was truly disgusting and I'm not sure I could find the proper words.
Longstreet and I cleaned up a bit and he said, as we uncovered a 1938 Rolls-Royce to drive it out, that he and company would have to follow me to the Prince's haven. I asked that we stop by my place to change cloths and the message on my machine. So I jumped on my 58 panhead and left for the freeway with the Rolls following behind.

Upon arriving at my home I entered and changed cloths and message. I was expecting a call from Bob Brentwood. After this was accomplished I exited to continue on to the Prince's home. I discovered outside that Alexandria and the Justicar knew each other. I also discovered that Alex didn't care for him. I found out why later. The tension outside could be cut with a knife. I politely interrupted and we left for the Prince's home.

We finally arrived at the Prince's home and I pulled my pan-head around and backed into the drive so that it faced the street. The Rolls parked on the street and Longstreet got out to open the door for Vana. As she got out and stood upright, her gown flowing in the gentle breeze, we heard the crack of thunder under a clear sky. Vanna's head exploded in the back and the top was completely gone! She went down and crawled under the Rolls to escape the gunfire. Longstreet lept and scrambled over the Rolls hood. As he did so, he pulled an Uzi and his revolver from under his coat, searching for his target. I lept to get beside Longstreet then reached under the Rolls to help Vana out from under it. She was holding her head trying to heal it. Just then we heard another shot and my friend, Longstreet lay sprawled on the ground still clutching his weapons in dead cold fists and I rushed into the Rolls helping Vanna as I went. Telling her not to lose her head, I slammed the shift into drive and punched the gas, popping the clutch. The car lurched forward then I stopped and quickly shifting to reverse I repeated the process. As the beautiful 1938 Rolls Royce began to back toward the front door the front grid was sheared off by another .50 caliber slug. The Justicar screamed in rage, ranting and raving. He put his arm over the seat for Vanna and told her to behave. She took the arm and bit savagely, drinking lustfully she continued until her master pulled away. While all this was going on our Prince was working on a trick of his own. Alex, who had ridden with me, got the range and told everyone as Longstreet hit the pavement. Our Prince summoned a lightning and thunderstorm trying to cover the noise of the shots and nail down the sniper at the same time. The shots stopped as I almost rammed the house trying to get everyone under cover.

In the aftermath, I retrieved my friends' body and carried it toward the front door where everyone was standing. I asked Kato, the Princes' manservant if there was a place fitting to lay a legend to rest? He said for now in the cellar, and I carried my friend Davis Longstreet, famous gunslinger of the old west, the Braha kid to a temporary place of rest. As I laid him to rest here I removed his holster, extra ammo and found a cellular phone. I didn't think he would mind, but I'll find out later.
As I approached the door I found the Justicar peeved at losing a matched set, not at losing Longstreet! But at losing the prestige afforded in certain circles! My rage flared but I kept my tongue. He was in the process of torturing Petina in some emotional manner and I didn't wish to stay.
I waited as I stepped on my bike and watched as the Justicar left Petina outside and Alex was embraced by her. Alex seemed to speak gently with her for a while condoning sentimentality. Something, obviously, our Justicar doesn't possess. What an Asshole! Petina seemed extremely upset and Alex as I said held her till she was calmer. She then excused herself to approach me and the bike.

As Alex and myself are cruising on our way, we both notice a bike on our tail. It had its lights off but Alex's superior senses noticed a woman on the bike. I turned off my lights and whipped the 58 pan-head around gunning it as I did so. The pan-head gained speed quickly but she noticed and tried to evade pursuit. I closed about three- quarters the distance to her and she went cross-country. Now…. My bike is a nice scoot; it rides low to the ground. I was not going off road with it! As she drove away down a steep rocky shoulder, I leveled my .41 magnum at her. I'm not the best shot, but I figure who can miss firing at a red hot bike?… I can. I fired three shots before she got out of range. I don't think I hit her or the bike, I guess I'll find out later. By the way, Alex seems to think it was Vanna.
Since two bikes racing by at two am is extremely noisy, especially if one of them is a pan-head; there was a resident peeking out of a window. I'm sure the gunfire confused him too. I asked Alex to cover the license plate with her hand and we left quickly. As we left that particular neighborhood a police cruiser was pulling in, however we did not get stopped. Good thing too, cops and I don't get along. Gee, I wonder why?

I took Alex to meet Stephen Brentwood. We traced them to the closest hotel and with Alex's lovely guile and charm, managed to get the room number. Michael, the poor sap didn't stand a chance. I think if she had asked him to lick her shoes, he'd have done so just to be near her longer. She even had him escort her to the room! Naturally, I was out of sight. Her beauty and my appearance clash considerably. As he, without noticing passed me, I stepped out of shadow and approached the door.
I knocked very lightly so as not to wake the children. The door opened to reveal Stephen. His family was fast asleep. His keen ears heard my rapp-tapp-tapping in the night. He said "Hello" and closed the door after stepping through. I introduced Stephen to Alex and the two of us after a short conversation told him he had "guardian angels", sort of. Stephen seemed to go into a trance and said" no, not angels…but not devil's either". Then he came back to earth not aware of what he'd said. We said goodbye and disappeared into the night. Alex had gears already in motion to help his family. I knew it was a good idea to introduce her to Stephen. She is in a much better financial position than I to help.

Anyway, we left and went to Glorious Strange's home. Uh, excuse me, brother Secundus' home, where Strange had taken up residence. Timothy, Stranges' manservant, invited me down to the cellar and informed Alex that Glorious was" singing to the seagulls" out at the pier. So she promptly went to speak with him. Timothy had invited me here earlier tonight for a surprise. And he said to arrive hungry. And boy! Was I hungry? He smiled broadly showing his filed teeth, then produced a bottle of wine. He said that this Vitae is primo stuff and proceeded to fill a glass for each of us. As I lifted it to my lips, I could smell the sweet mixture, when it touched my lips I knew it was expensive. AHH, this stuff was awesome. He and I proceeded to finish the bottle. Boy, I felt great, fantastic, and exuberant, it was almost ecstasy. Timothy and I talked and drank the night away as I relayed to him the night's events.
That day I slept like I had never done before that is until, I was awakened by singing, thumping, and screaming from another part of the house! I found Timothy and he cranked up the stereo to drown out the noise. I promptly found another stereo and jammed to Man O War, since it's more my speed than Timothy's jazz. I'm discovering that Timothy is a rather refined individual who deserves much more respect than he gets.

Upon awakening the following evening, after a rather loud day. The whole troop was here. Brother Secundus, Alex, Richard Lee, Timothy and last but not least, our fearless, insane, crazy, and off his rocker leader, Glorious Strange. After the sleep left my eyes, I noticed that the whole brood was not here as I first thought. We were missing Princess and Beatrice. Shortly after this the doorbell rang and Timothy went to answer it. You could almost see him take on his Lurch persona with each step towards the door. As it swung open and revealed the girls, I noticed with delight that they were dressed rather…. Nicely wearing hardly anything at all, not that I was objecting, but Whoa, there should be a law.
Now that the gangs all here we proceeded to discuss the nights events and formulate plans. We needed to accomplish many things tonight, or at least get rolling in the proper direction.
1) Decide how to break up our brood to cover more ground.
2) Uncover information on Baracus.
3) Uncover information on the Asshole at the train station.
4) Have someone present at the 3am meet with “Asshole” and the Justicar.
5) Decide whom if any would except employment by the newly arrived Justicar.

It was decided that Alexandria, Brother Secundus, and myself would compose Alpha team and that Richard Lee, Princess, and Beatrice would form the other (Beta). This was done because we had reason to believe the Justicar suspected Secundus, Alex and myself of associating with Glorious Strange. We hoped he knew nothing of the other three.
Before we parted to each of our tasks, Strange suggested we drink from a goblet with a bit of our blood in it. This he said, "would help link us together and we would know of another's emotions if within one mile. After we all agreed, since it was not required, the goblet was full of our blood. Brother Secundus did something to it mystically and Strange deemed he should be the first to drink from this "Strange brew". I suggested Glorious drink next since he was our leader, and it was then passed around to all of us. Boy.. did I make that sound easy or what? It was probably the most difficult thing any of us did when we released the goblet to another. It tasted better than the bottle of the night before. It was difficult for all of us.
We then departed leaving Brother Secundus to run HQ while Strange went to do something at the asylum..! I don't want to know… Alex and I went to speak to different friends of ours. Richard Lee, Princess, and Beatrice went to gather information in their own manner. I went to talk to an old friend of six years and try to gather info on Barracus and that Asshole. I got what I could while trying to snag that doobie from his hand. Ya know, for a ninety-seven year old man he was extremely nimble. Damn it! I must have tried six times and didn't get close.
He told me to bring Brother Secundus here and I asked about Alex. He didn't object. After trying again to snag that doobie, I got on my bike and went to get them. Oh, by the way, I missed the doob…again.
Alex took a cab to the road since it was inaccessible by car after that. Secundus rode with me. I dropped him off and went back for Alex. As we got off the bike I tried again for that doobie and missed. He promptly blew the smoke in my face as he always does to punctuate his victory.
The old man told us all that we were invited to a moot in about two weeks and we would not need to worry about any racial problems while under his sponsorship. Secundus needed to be there for his trick with blood. Alex, he said earned the right to be there because of the tribe mark carved on her left shoulder, (so that's why she's bleeding there). And me, well, he said the rest of those shaman should meet me. He told us he would be the only Get of Fenris there. It's probably best that way. Normally, they don't get along with my kind. We agreed and then prepared to leave. Alex and Secundus went by way of cab while I roared into the night to get to the station for the 3 am meet. I hope I had time to warn Stephen to keep his family inside.
On the freeway my pan-head roared its soothing song as we rolled together in the night as one.

As I approached the station, I noted that I had time to check on Stephen. I altered course to avoid the station, so as not to alert them of my presence, and pulled into the parking lot at Stephen's hotel. Upon knocking he exited quickly and informed me that he felt he was being watched, but could not pinpoint the being. I activated Eyes of the Beast and took a look around. Stephen said that's not going to help, so I went to the roof with leaps and my athletics skill. However, before leaving I handed my dagger to Stephen. On the rooftop I didn't have any better luck, so I came down and talked to Stephen. When I got to his floor again I asked if he was still unable to pinpoint the location. He wasn't. I told him to go inside where it was safe.
About quarter to three, I decided to push until ten 'til three. Nothing happened. I heard Harley's in the distance and they were getting closer! I knocked on the door and told him hastily that I had to go. But would try to return if I could before dawn. If not, here is a code word " chuckles" that will indicate it's safe when I send someone to help. He went back inside and I leapt off the third floor balcony and hit the ground running to my pan-head. Looking back I saw no curtain movement in his room. " Good boy, stay cool" , I thought and kicked the bike to life. It bellowed and awoke quickly and I left the lot in great haste grinding my teeth and growling low as I followed the nightriders into the night.
I followed about three hundred yards behind with my lights off, so I could see the thirteen bikes as they entered the station's grounds. Two stopped for rear guard, the rest continued on in. I took the pan-head off the street at this point and hid it along a fence. Continuing on foot, I crept up on the side of the station near a garbage can where I sensed three of my fellow brood members and an odd stranger hunched behind.
It was Richard Lee, Princess, and Beatrice, the stranger I didn't know of course. He was squatting, holding his head with his hands and seemed to be entranced. Every now and then he would give Richard Lee a thumb's up signal and continue concentrating. He then starting talking in an Irish accent, seeming to relay a conversation between two people. At this point Richard and I heard a strange sound, like cardboard being folded quickly. I turned to search but found as I took a step a man wearing a really sick purple suite with a peacock feather protruding from his poofy hat. I promptly stuck my shotgun in his face, purposely pushing him off balance as I did so. Richard Lee quickly informed me that this odd man was with him. He said to the man, "Sorry Langley but, when you’re the only two of your kind left, you've got to be careful." You see, Richard Lee and myself are Gangrel, and I don't think I'd want to be anything else…'cept dead. But I'll explain that later. I pulled the shotgun out of his face and apologizing, extended my hand. He took it and our attention was quickly put back to this odd one with the Irish accent. He was saying something about fools know what I am. The general gist of what was transpiring pointing to betrayal by our Justicar of us and the Camirilla. The Irishmen's voice rose a bit as he relayed the information. I touched his shoulder to alert and remind him where we were. There was something going on in the train with the Justicar and that damn nightrider of the Sabbat. The night rider had said something about show me and then after yelling "My God! No, no, not anymore, take it away." He ran from the train and left on his bike speeding to leave. His men stayed to cover his retreat, not knowing what was going on, then followed behind him.
Our Irishmen had gone into what seemed to be an epileptic fit. Langley said, " For god sake knock him out or something!" Well, I laid one across his jaw, figuring it would be enough. It wasn't , he continued to flay about. Richard Lee picked him up grabbing him by his head and said, "remember your son", repeating this didn't seem to help either, so I applied pressure to the carotid artery to cut blood flow to the brain using my knowledge of the martial arts. This combination worked after a few minutes. I released pressure because I didn't want to kill him. Langley said, "his aura was madness" and also observed it was getting cold out here. It took us a few minutes to recover from the shock of what happened. During this time the temperature dropped enough so that we noticed. I said, "it's time to go, Now!….
The girls and I left quickly. They were going on foot. Since, I had my bike they helped me secure the Irishman in front of me. I had to tie him to me with my jacket. I tried while this was going on to rapidly call the Prince and inform him of what's happening. Kato answered and I quickly told him that the Justicar is a traitor. He told me to slow down. I replied that I could not, that I was in the shit and would be at Brother Secundus' home for the day.
The bike kicked to life once again and I raced off with my "witness". Princess and Beatrice hoofed it from there. The last I saw of Richard Lee was when I tossed my shotgun to him on the run. We were running out of time. The sun would be up soon.
As false dawn cracked the night sky, I was only a mile from the house. One mile from safety. Dawn, I don't need a suntan. It's going to hurt and hurt a whole lot. I was unable to clear my mind of that thought. Finally, so shaken that I couldn't drive my pan-head, I took it off the road in total terror that I could be destroyed by the sunlight. I stopped and leapt from the seat with my package and frantically searched for a sewer, a drain pipe, Anything! Anything that would shield me from the sun. Finding nothing, I spied a house nearby. I bolted and entered without knocking. A woman in her mid 40's entered from another room and started screaming. Damn, that's all I need. I told her that I meant her know harm with my eyes a glow trying to intimidate her.
I now see the stupidity in this, mortals tremble in fear at the sight of our eyes in that mode. OOPS…
I then leapt upon her pumping myself up for the contact. Catching her around the waste and grabbing her hair, I pulled her head to expose her neck. I then drank. I drank enough to keep her out for the day, weak and feeble. I didn't want her to die. I've killed enough already. It's time to live and let live. I put her in one arm and hefted the Irishman with the other, then proceeded to the basement away from the sun. When I got there I called Timothy and he explained that whatever I said must have shocked the Prince. He was on his way there during the day! I explained my predicament and Timothy told me to stay put while he came to get me.

About noon Timothy arrived and promptly put me in a body bag to shield me from the sun. After he zipped it up he threw me in the back of a stolen van. When he finally returned with the Irishman, he told me to zip up before opening the door. I promptly responded, "just a minute, let me shake". He chuckled and remarked it was nice that I could keep my sense of humor though all this.
The door opened and he put the Irishman beside me in the van and entered himself. We finally got to the house and he carried me and the Irishman into the house one at a time. Upon entering he told me that the Prince was due any minute and he wants to speak with me.
When he finally arrived, the door opened and a man, dressed from head to toe in black, stood silhouetted in the bright sunlight a few seconds and he entered, Kato closed the door behind him. Just as soon as the door was closed he started stripping the cloak, gloves and other extra clothing.
He then explained the seriousness of the charges I was bringing against the Justicar. I respectfully interrupted and proceeded to tell the Prince of the proceeds of the 3 am meet. He also asked where Princess and Beatrice were. He asked who and where Richard Lee was. When I informed him that all three were missing; he became even more agitated than he already was. For Richard Lee had not been presented to the Prince yet. He asked if there was anyone not missing, and I replied that Brother Secundus was here asleep and Timothy probably knew where Alex was. At this, there was a loud bellow as he called Timothy's name. Timothy seemed to teleport into the room, he moved so quickly. The Prince ordered Timothy to bring Alex here at once, to which Timothy quickly went to get her saying something about traffic. The Prince said he didn't care just get her here NOW!
The Prince went to wake Brother Secundus. I then saw Brother Secundus running into the living room strapping his cloths on as he ran. He and I sat killing time while we waited for Alex and listened to the Prince rant and rave. I started sharpening my katana so I would not have to face the Prince's glare. I did this and focused intently on it. Brother Secundus focused on his prayer beads.
The Prince was not happy about the Irishman's presence and tried to wake him up. He could not so I took a look at him and knew it was beyond my meager medical skills. I thought he was in a coma and informed the Prince of this. He pricked the Irishman's palm with his fingernail and tasted the blood. He was now really pissed off. He said that the Irishman was a changeling and that he wondered how Gangrel blood got into his system. I told him that it wasn't me. Probably Richard Lee. We heard the van approach and waited for Alex to enter.
Alex entered calmly and self-contained wearing her negligee. WHOA! She asked what he wanted to know. To which he replied " I don't know, is there anything else that I don't "….. At this point he stopped midsentence. He composed himself and calmly said " What … is that?! Walking over to Alex, he cut the bandage off her arm. "In all my years as Prince never once did a kindred, not even a Gangrel ever appear in my presence with the tribe mark of a Garou on their person, much less carved into their flesh!!" He asked her to explain, and she did. She also told him of the moot in about two weeks. But only told him of her involvement not ours. He seemed even less bubbly than his usual self now. She told him also of Kane and the book of Nod. Earlier last night while we were all still together, I had laid it in front of Glorious Strange and everyone else in the room. He didn't seem to believe that Kane had been sighted by us. So I got up slowly to get the tome. He stopped me and demanded to know where I was going. I explained, then replied "if you rather I not" and sat back down. A pained expression formed on his face and he became silent, pointed and motioned for me to continue. I started whistling, " I wish I was in Dixie" but was cut short when I smelled smoke and felt a warm seat. Obviously, our Prince was not in a humorous mood. So I fetched the book with much more haste than ordinarily needed.
When I presented the Book of Nod to the Prince, he was so surprised to see an original printing, that his jaw dropped and he became speechless. This printing was written by Kane himself. He asked who gave it to me and Alex replied, "one of those who you called our enemy, a Garou." He again became speechless.
After recovering, He dismissed us to sleep. On our way out of the room Alex said to me “I think I prefer the Stargazer to the Get, don’t you?” To which I replied “Ehe, I don’t know, I like the Get myself.” This of course is when the Prince stood straight up and stopped us with a hand on each of our shoulders to spin us around. He wanted an explanation. This thought better of it and dismissed us again.

We were next awakened about 2 hours before sunset by yelling in the chambers. Alex investigated so she and I found each other on the way. We approached the noise and found the Prince and Strange arguing with each other. Strange was in the Princes face about something. The Prince covered Stranges’ face and mouth with his hand and motioned us to enter. As we did we waited for the Prince to speak. He spoke to us a bit and shortly afterward, my borrowed cell phone rang. Upon answering I heard Richard Lee’s voice and handed the phone to the Prince as requested. Apparently Richard Lee kissy kissed a bit , because the Prince had a broad smile on his face. The Prince asked when he could get here and said “Oh, I’ve been foolish, meet us at my home by midnight.” So we all prepared to go to the princes’ Haven.

We saw Kato and Langley standing in front. Kato had an arm in a sling and Langley didn’t seem at all happy to be there. While we waited for Richard Lee to arrive, Bea and Princess showed up, They had talked to the Prince before leaving Brother Secundus’s Home. Timothy went to get Richard Lee when he called for a ride. As they arrived, Richard Lee stopped and stood in the doorway. HE tossed many folded newspapers onto the table one at a time. The headlines told of people dying in the train station from the attack of an odd looking creature. After the last paper slid to a halt before the Prince, Richard Lee carried a bag before the Prince. He said “These once belonged to people who are probably in the Hospital and in a coma. He then unveiled the bag showing mangled arms and legs of mortals, and this is what did it.” As he motioned to Timothy and Kato to bring another basket. The basket was set before the Prince. The basket was tightly closed and as the Prince opened the lid, the stench of rotted, decayed flesh filled our nostrils. The stench was so bad, the Prince turned away. When he finally did look, he saw what was left of what used to be a raccoon. It had been grossly mutated to 3 times its normal size and the two front legs fused into one.
Richard Lee then spoke, “The Masquerade is fraying and we are not responsible. I am Richard Lee Barnes, Childe of Hunts-in-the-Clouds. I ask to be recognized by the Prince of San Diego and apologize for not coming forward earlier. Things developed quickly here and I was needed in the field. I will accept any punishment you deem fit.
The Prince spoke loud so all present could hear. “You nor any of Strange’s Brood will be punished for past indiscretions. Let all who would punish them speak to me. Rise Richard Lee Barnes, Childe of Hunts-in-the-Clouds, you are welcomed and recognized.

Around the 2nd hour the following night, our meet came to a close, it started about dusk. After I spoke to Richard Lee about speaking to the dead, it was decided that he, Princess and Bea would check into the condition of the Irishman. Brother Secundus and myself investigate the Train Station, and check on Stephen. While we all did our appointed tasks, Alex went to see her Gazing friends. Later when I tried, I discovered that getting a hold of by phone was quite impossible for some time.

As Secundus and I pull into the Hotel lot, Secundus detected something old. Although I detected nothing myself. When I went to approach the stairs to Stephens’ room Secundus warned me to be careful. Before I approached the stairs I grabbed my shotgun, changed my mind and leapt to the 3rd floor instead of using the stairs. Hiding the shotgun from view, I knocked on the door. Bob Brentwood answered, distraught and disturbed. He said I was the last person he expected. I asked what happened and it soon became obvious that he was unable to relay events as quickly as I needed them. So I pushed my way in and saw Stephen staring into the mirror. Bob began sobbing. I approached Stephen and spoke. His eyes were focused and feral. And his only reply was a low growl. I was unable to sense what Secundus was doing, but I gathered from the snarl on his lips he didn’t like it. The growl was rather unnerving for Bob and I recognized the danger of Secundus entering frenzy. I approached Secundus quickly. As I got to his side he seemed to regain control and I continued my interest in the room. On the balcony I called the Prince. I spoke to a Primegen of the Council. (Great) His name was Apollo. He is Brujah but more like Gangrel than anyone else other than an actual True Gangrel itself. Anyway, I spoke to Apollo and told him I meant no disrespect but we need to bridge the gap between the races. I explained the present predicament. He was sympathetic, but warned against speaking of bridges and such in the presence of other Council Members. He agreed with me about the bridge but said that I should try to use another avenue if possible. He put me on hold…When he got back on the line he told me to get out of there, wherever I was, and to do it quickly. He sounded worried and concerned. I hung up and told Bob to get his Family moving, we all needed to get out of here NOW! I walked over and stepped directly in front of Stephen. Kneeling in front of him and staring directly into his eyes I summoned the wilding. Speaking his name as sternly as I could, I told him I needed him to be strong and to help his family. I finally managed to manipulate a response. He no longer had the deep eyes of a 40 year old, but now the eyes to match his 11 year old form. His eyes filled with tears and he began bawling frantically leaping into my arms. Returning the hug I told him it was good to have him back and immediately rushed to get the rest of his family moving.
Stephen continued crying as I realized this was the first time in six years I ever permitted anyone to hug me. I mean since Maria’s…Death. I as always afraid that I might lose control and destroy those I love. I… told Secundus that we all needed to get the hell out of here… NOW! He was already packing the meager belongings and clothes. We left the room with extreme haste, Stephen bawling all the way. As we got to the vehicles and I finally pried Stephen out of my arms and into his fathers…IT GOT COLD ! Very Cold, no extremely cold. Similar to the Train Station last night.
Secundus started the car moving as I ran and leapt upon my Panhead. It sparked to life almost instantly and I sped after Secundus. I had asked hime to take them to a place away from this strange crap. Someplace safe, I went to the highest and closest point of the freeway to try to obtain contact with Alex since I was unable to earlier. This attempt was no exception. I found out from Secundus how long he would be before I drove around trying to get a reading from Alex through our Bondlink. I was unable to that also. The time finally rolled around for Secundus and I to investigate the Train Station. Since I had talked to the Oldman earlier tonight he said he would meet us at the station.
My phone rang as I pulled onto the Station access road. It was Alex, angry and on the verge of frenzy. She insisted on speaking to the Oldman. I told I’d see what I could do.

Brother Secundus and I went into the station with all our wits and senses alert. I left the shotgun and katana on the Bike for fear of fraying the Masquerade any further. Besides, I wont need these with the Oldman. We approached the entrance to the Station and noticed a looming, powerfully built man accompanying the Oldman. The 3 of us conversed the problems of the night. We informed him of all our nights problems and I suggested a unity of our kind. All this time the large man spoke little, shifting weight impatiently. Secundus told them where the lost pup could be found and I wrote on paper the safeword Stephen and I had arrange a few nights ago. The Oldman and I spoke together, he said that he will unit the sects and converge them here in San Diego. If I had any I hold dear to move them north. I told him that I doubt I could go North due to the upcoming war and also, “I have known you for 6 years, and extended my hand in friendship then. I extend that same hand in friendship to all Garou no matter where I may be, even wading in blood on the field of battle.” The Oldman told the large one not to cross him on this and sent him to get the van. The powerful man stood a moment, as if about to protest, but finally went to do what was asked of him.

"The Gift"

The Oldman then grabbed me by the arm and practically drug me to the bike. He said he knew of one thing that might help. He said he had a gift, a gift of Pain and instructed me to remove my jacket. He did not wish to shred it. As I did so I began to understand. Transforming his hand into claws of the wolf, he said “Don’t move.” I didn’t move as with two strokes of his silver tipped claw he Honored me with the mark of his tribe; The Get of Fenris. The pain was intense. Poor Secundus felt it through the Bondlink. The Oldman blessed the Tribemark upon my right arm, the shoulder to be exact. My arm felt as though garlic salt and pepper were ground into an opened, severe burn. This is about as well as I can describe it. I chose not to heal it with blood. The Gets’ way is fierce and painful. I chose not to cheat this pain. Though I’ve felt little physical pain over the past 6 years. I let the wound bleed then bound it as best I could. Boy, the Prince is going to l-o-o-o-o-v-v-v-e this.
He again told me to go north and take all I held dear. In about 3 weeks there were to be hundreds of Garou here to fight the menace that looms before us.
He also told me something I didn’t want to hear…He said that this would be the last I would see him. I replied “I knew this day would come and dreaded it for years.” Nevertheless, I shook his hand and stared into his eyes. I didn’t say a word…the time for speech had past.

Secundus went to his Haven. I was supposed to meet him there but decided to check out my own almost forgotten Haven. I noticed that it had been ransacked upon my arrival. What a mess. Someone searched for something here, the windows were bare. Blankets and curtains were strewn all over the room. False dawn was breaking so I didn’t have much time. Working quickly I set about re-hanging the blankets with my knives, and long unused utensils from the kitchen. It should hold for the day at least. Squeezing under the bed I kicked the legs out breaking them so the bed rested on top of me. As the sleep of day overcame me I realized I was supposed to meet Richard Lee at Mama’s after I was finished with tonight’s tasks. I suppose it will have to wait until dusk now. I hope everyone is ok.

I slept content in the knowledge that no matter what the future holds, at least the Prophesied Lost Pup of the Stargazer Tribe would be safe amongst his own. I had hoped to teach him…but alas… they will teach him, better than I more likely. I hope his separation will not be too difficult for his family. I hope this “war” is not against the Garou, I knew who I would side with…

I woke to being lifted and forced myself completely awake by sheer force of will. I was being put into a body bag for transport during the day. They were planning to take me into the daylight! I was already handcuffed and my feet were bound. One asshole had hold of my hair, the other my legs, and Patina had a .44 Anaconda pointed at me. The expression on her face was apologetic, she obviously was not under her own will. Anyway I managed to pump my strength and piteously whined about the sunlight hoping to drop their guard. It worked on the two assholes but Patina was too good a shot. I extended fangs and claws, but when I twisted trying to his wrist and kick all at the same time, all my actions was not entirely successful. I managed to put one of them between Patina and myself; she just sidestepped and fired her pistol. I missed the man’s wrist. By the way, if you ever meet Patina, don’t let her shoot you. It hurts a lot. She is an excellent shot! The bullet ripped open my stomach and severed my spine. I knew this because it hurt a lot and as it turns out I would have to deal with it for many hours. When I woke from bleeding and healing, I was going down stairs, the stairs from my Apt. The sun didn’t penetrate here, so I tried the cuffs and failed. My wounds were still too great. I heard Patina’s voice close to my face, “Please don’t, he only wants to speak to you. The next one’s in the head.” I felt it more prudent to relax and work on my cuffs.

It took me in my weakened state, the better part of the ride to wherever we were going, to break the bonds. Afterward, I had to fight sleep. I had folded my claws across my chest for better access. The only weapon I had was in my boot; they missed my boot knife when they searched me. I allowed them to carry me to the Station, (I discovered later) until I heard the Justicars voice. “Ah...good. Were there any problems?” At this I thrust my claws through the bag and spoke, “No, no problems at all. Unless you consider being awakened and shot a problem!” He replied, “There was not time”, and I reiterated “ We’re vampires you stupid asshole, we have all the time in the world!” He didn’t seem pleased at this remark and got physical. “He tried to grab my throat, I suppose to raise me off my feet and show his power. I blocked easily enough but did not strike him. He is the Justicar after all. Seeming to notice my defensive attitude, he backed away saying “Enough of this”, and did something weird. He seemed to become huge and omnipotent. Patina and the others were on their knees. I stood there. He told me to sit and motioned for me to take a chair. I sat on the ground where I was. He said a lot of Bullshit about how a Nathandi Mage caused all the shit at the Station the other night, and that the Mage has been taken care of, igniting his hand for show and to stave off attack from me. We bantered words for a while and then he told me of an acquaintance of mine, as he put it. How he had this acquaintance prisoner and that he wants me to decide his fate. I went to the room designated, as I approached, the door opened on it’s own. I entered and smelled rich blood; this caused me to almost frenzy. I ripped the door off its hinges to keep me from being locked in. The sight beyond the doorway brought me great pain. I saw the battered, broken, and unconscious form of the Oldman. I turned and said, “ You fucked him up pretty bad. I need bandages and cold water to revive him.” The Justicar wanted me to convince the Oldman that he is merely trying to infiltrate the Sabbat and not an enemy himself. Patina came in and started to help me clean and bandage the wounds. I wound up assisting her due to my own severely damaged state. He finally came round.
The first thing from his mouth was “You’re the last person I expected to see.” I then thought, “Why do all my friends keep saying that?” He told me I had a unique talent for showing up at unusual times. I proceeded to explain the seriousness of the situation. He of course, needed proof and asked me to send Patina from the room. After she left he reached for me and asked me to take his hand. When I grabbed his hand, he did something weird. I found out later that he went into the Umbral Plane. We seemed to be in the train but not, although I don’t know why, terror suddenly gripped me. He seemed surprised and we were back in the train car again. As we “arrived” we heard laughter and saw the Justicar at the broken doorway. He said, “I have been around for 900 years, I wonder how I thought of that?” He told the Oldman, “I will show you proof, but only you.” He did something and became awesome again. The Justicar ordered me to leave them. I hesitated but obeyed against my will. As I left I spoke, “He is my friend…family…kin and began to growl as the Justicar said, “I’ll not harm him.” I left the room ripping the doorframe with my claws as an expression of defiance, but could not stop myself from obeying the order to leave.
A few moments later the Oldman came out of the room with the Justicar trailing behind. I grabbed the Oldman by the head and shook him a bit. Since he winced in pain, I knew he was not controlled. I had also met his gaze, and his eyes were clear. The Oldman went to the door and exited the train.
I should have followed him...

Since we had about 45 minutes to kill before dusk, he offered me a bottle of vitae. I had previously, before seeing the Oldman, refused to feed on a 6-year-old boy. I knew in my severely wounded state I could kill him in frenzy. I had been fighting frenzy this whole time. I also refused the vitae, wanting nothing of his hospitality. I told him so with just enough political bullshit to keep things civil. He and I chewed the fat awhile, looking back I think he may have been stalling. It made me ill, about to hurl. I hate this creature, I’m not even certain it is Kindred anymore!!!

Dusk arrived and I got up to leave, asking him to tell Vanna that she should tail me with more care next time. He said that it was Patina not Vanna who was tailing me, and that she even messed that up. I asked Patina to come over to me. She did but was rather skittish and pitiful about it. When she was near me, I asked her to look me in the eyes. When she couldn’t, from shame, the Justicar bellowed for her to do so. Her head snapped up and her beautiful, lovely eyes met mine. I turned to the Justicar and asked him to release her. As he did so, she almost dropped her head again. I looked her in the eyes and told her she was always welcome in my haven. But please knock next time. I then looked at the Justicar, hopefully informing him without words, that he was not welcome. I stepped out onto the train tracks and heard a sharp whistle as I stepped from the train car. Thinking it another source of attack I prepared to engage, then I saw Richard Lee. He was getting out of a pickup and grabbing a bundle that rattled as he moved it. I approached and asked him what the hell he was doing here. He just held up the bag. I asked what it was and he produced from the bag a skull with the top half gone. I then realized it was Davis Longstreet. Richard said he was returning the bones. I reached into the bag, found his gun hand and broke off the last joint of his pinky. I thought that it might be needed to speak with him in the future. Putting it into my pocket I told Richard that I have had my fill of the Justicar tonight, but I would not let him go alone. Just as we were starting toward the door again it swung open. Out stepped Vanna who wore absolutely nothing but a steel collar. I said, “I bet you look great in leather.” To which she replied, “I do”. Richard Lee went into his bullshit that he does from time to time. Vanna was obviously pleased. I was about to hurl. Vanna asked to announce him.

Sitting upon what appeared very much like a throne, was the Justicar. Vanna went into “My high lord Justicar” bullshit. “Allow me to present Richard Lee Barnes, (after he had whispered his name into the bimbos ear.) The Justicar rose and asked what brings him here? The bag was presented and the Justicar was pleased. The Justicar commented on the speed and efficiency the Prince exhibited. He also offered to teach the higher Protean Disciplines to Richard Lee. He claimed to be a master of the Discipline. Richard’s Sire, Hunts-in-the Clouds, he said, taught the first step, to him. Although I find it hard to believe any Gangrel would associate with “High Lord Asshole” for any length of time. He offered Richard bottled vitae, but Richard declined saying “I’m on my way for a Big Mac.” Turning all our stomach. It was worth the nausea. The look on both the Justicar and Vanna’s face was definitely a Kodak moment. The Justicar laughed after recomposing himself. We got up to leave and I made a decision to learn how to stomach food just to irritate the Justicar.

I was glad to step into the night air. Richard and I left the station. Since I was banged up pretty bad, he suggested I meet some friends of his. H pulled up next to a restaurant called Mama Lachkas’. As he got out of the truck and started around the front, a huge woman filled the doorway. She came out and hugged Richard. He introduces me as I started out of the truck. She came over and hugged me also. This was an unusually kind and happy woman. She kept her arm around me as my legs gave out. I had been on my feet by sheer force of will. As the legs went, Mama grabbed me with her other arm. Before I knew it I was inside the restaurant. I found that it was empty inside, much like they were in the process of moving. I slumped in a booth after being placed there. And Richard explained that I needed blood. She sent someone for a bottle from the cellar. I told her that I did not wish to harm family. She replied, in a reassuring tone, “I know”. As he brought the bottle I told Richard that I was near frenzy and stay close. He said, “I can handle it.” After I healed, and felt much better, we talked. Mama told her son to bring that friend of his. A short time later the door swung open and I started to remove the goblet from the table. But Mama signaled it was all right. A Mexicano looking man walked in and up to me. I realized he was family, Gypsy. He asked me for a favor and offered his throat. I replied,” Family need not ask favors.” I explained that I would not harm family. He said that it was ok, that he would explain after. I said the same. So I drank, he seemed in great pain. I tried to make it more pleasant but he was unaffected. He explained that he had made a mistake and this would atone for it with the family. I turned and walked to the window, staring into the night remembering my family...

“I became what I am about 6 years ago. During the early years of my situation, my Fiancé knew what I was and still agreed to marry me. For my Maria loved me that much, and I her. Three years after my embrace into this strange existence, I came home and was severely low on blood.” I sighed, struggling to continue…”That night my existence changed forever. I slew her in frenzy and fed on her to quench the hunger within me. Now I must exist without her, because that is what life is without love... Existence.” I was holding her heart charm I had taken from her lifeless form and a tear of blood rolled down my face. Mama said to me the way she did before, “I know, we have been keeping the grave.” “I visit her grave every year on her birthday.” I told her. To which she replied, “I know, your Sire has been the Protector of the family in San Diego for a long time. Sometime he not here, like now. But he always comes back. That is the nature of us.” I told Mama that when he’s not here it seems I should take over his duties as Protector of the family. It only seemed right.”

I let Mama know that I had to check on a friend. He could be in great danger. I thanked her, then Richard and myself left for the Oldman’s home.

We passed a truck on the road to his house and then noticed Timothy hauling ass back toward us. He yelled “Turn it around, turn it around.” Timothy was huge, much like a Garou in crinos form, and dangling delicately behind from his neck was... Alex. She was wearing something strange from Glorious’ wardrobe. I’m not even going to try to describe it, I don’t think I am able to. Timothy leapt into the back of our speeding truck, since it was now going in the right direction. As everyone became settled we looked back and saw the warped and twisted forms of Black Spiral Dancers chasing us through the night. Richard punched it to get some distance. After we got free and clear we heard Timothy’s voice, “oh shit, I have to go back to the truck. I left something in it. After a brief guessing game we decided that we had to go back for the Address Book. Timothy thought it may be safe by now.
As we got near his Blazer, Timothy and myself went to fetch the book. As we got to the truck, we noticed someone inside it. It was the Oldman and he was banged up worse than before. He needed help getting out of the truck and was still in his natural form. Half man and half wolf, truly massive in form. I asked Timothy to carry him to the truck. Once we were in the truck it soon became apparent that he wouldn’t make it. The Oldman was dying despite our efforts to close the wounds. Richard dropped us off back at Timothy’s Blazer near the Dessert. From there we hiked into the Dessert.

I
carried his massive form into the Dessert while Alex cradled his head. Time was short and we tried to get information from him before he expired. That sounds cold, but I assure you I loved him like a brother, because he was and shall always be... my brother. The info we required concerned the meet in about 2 weeks time. Where it was, who we could contact.

I carried my Friend... Family... Brother to his final resting place. We hiked about 4 miles and found a spot that we thought would be to his liking. It was easily marked by cactus. We began the painful task of digging and it took the better of 2 hours for us to move enough earth to fit his massive form into the hole. Before laying him into the ground, I held him and wept. The realization of his death painfully seeping into my mind. Perhaps I thought he would heal, rising to his feet teasing me with a doob...his gleaming eyes staring into mine with knowledge and wisdom... I finally composed myself and cut some of the longest hair from him I could find. I hoped to braid this later.

Alex and I said a few words over him. I said, raising my voice so the Gods could hear, “He died from wounds received in battle, therefore he died a warrior. May Valhalla’s doors swing wide to receive you Brother. When I learn how, I will sing for you in your own tongue. May I soon join you in Valhalla. I had hoped we would arrive together.” I then opened my palm with my nail and let it bleed on the grave. “May Gaia guide a most honorable warrior of her army on his journey through the world of the dead.”
I made a silent oath that I would hunt and kill every and all Black Spiral Dancers I could.

As I was finishing, Timothy had returned with two Spiral Heads. He was ripped up pretty bad. His left arm barely worked and he was criss-crossed with multiple claw marks. He said “It seemed inappropriate that a warrior of honor be laid to rest without Trophies.” With that he pushed the trophies into the sand at the Old Man’s feet. They were about two feet in the sand. Timothy, upon rising, faltered a bit, and said we must get back to the Prince’s Haven. Alex said she would hoof it from the city once we dropped her off. Timothy was in danger. After I dropped her off, I headed for the Princes’ Haven.
I made one stop. Calling ahead I spoke to Apollo and told him that Timothy was changing colors. He told me to get here now, but not to get stopped; it would be difficult to explain a severely decayed corpse. I told him that I needed to speak to him away from the Prince. It was about something only he would understand. He sighed and hung up after saying “Bye”. Now that I look back on it, he seemed a little annoyed. Maybe just tired.

I arrived at the house and noticed a whole lot of people milling about loading things into trucks, vans, and anything else that would move possessions. Looking at Timothy, I noted that I was running out of time. I opened the truck doors and hoisted him over my back in a fireman’s’ carry. Running into the house, the Prince instructed me to take him down into the cellar. When I got there in the cellar, Timothy barely managed to show me where the secret brick was. I opened the secret panel and was overwhelmed by the stench of decay and corpses. Entering the tomb, I noticed there were other pools like Patina used to be scattered around the floor. I laid Timothy to rest there. I hope I was in time so he could be renewed later.
Exiting the tomb and locking the panel in place, I heard a footfall on the stairs above. I drew my pistol and cocking it as I pointed. The “click” resounded in the small chambers. I heard “Don’t shoot” as Apollo stopped and raised his arms.

We discussed the evening’s events, the meeting, warning the Garou of the caerns’ defilation, and learning new skills. He warned me that the Prince had “overlooked” the mark on my arm, but if confronted face to face he could consider it disrespectful toward Himself. Apollo then snuck me out a back exit, assuring me that he would inform the Garou in San Francisco of the meet.
I went to the blazer and retrieved the Panhead from the back. That was the stop I made earlier. As I left I thought of Timothy’s sacrifice and made a mental note to ask him.. If I ever saw him again...

Cruising down the freeway I felt the dawn creep closer. I searched my mind for a place to sleep, and decided after many vetoed ideas to sleep in the sewers near my haven, parking the Panhead in covered garage. I set out on foot to the manhole cover. I lifted the lid pointing the magnum down into the hole and entered. As I pulled the cover back over the hole, I scanned the sewer with infrared vision. A gift of the Protean ability. I found nothing and looked for a spot to rest my body. Pulling an old newspaper over my face I settled down for a good day’s rest... YEA, RIGHT...

I awoke slowly to someone’s presence pacing just out of reach. So I waited, thinking the presence would go away. NOT.. The infernal pacer stayed out of my reach and continued to pace. It kept me awake. Finally have my fill of this idiot, I sprang from the muck of the sewer and drew my katana and readied it in sword attitude #3,(above my head), saying “What do you want? He asked me to put away my blade, said it makes him nervous. I focused my hearing and noticed another form about 50 yards down the tunnel. He was scraping tw3o knives together. After Morgan, that was his name, and myself conversed for a while, he called for “Miles” and the second person came up to meet us. His infrared glow was far higher than a normal mortal. He approached and I remembered that an infrared visage of Miles indicated, from my experience that he was either a Garou or a Changeling like the Irishman I’ve mentioned before. It became apparent that he was not changeling. I told him that I would not fight my Brother; I will not fight Family and laid my weapons at my feet. I told Miles about the Old Man, and of the place where the Old Man rests. I told him that he died Honorably from wounds received in battle. He received these wounds from the Black Spirals. There were two Spiral Trophies at his feet, and I also told him of Timothy. I told him all of this because when I mentioned the Old Man was the one to carve on my arm. I told him this because he noticed the wound. Heh,.. it is kind of hard to miss. I told him all this freely because he is Family. He told me that the Old Man was a friend of his and it would be appreciated if I would show him the grave come nightfall. I agreed and at this point we were interrupted by this macho asshole named Morgan. He seemed to have a liking for Clint Eastwood and had the likeness and mannerisms down pat. He had the macho crap down good. Said something about being all mushy and love fest here in the sewer. Needless to say there was a little friction about this time. All said and done, Miles live through it, Morgan lived through it(unfortunately), and ...well, I died 6 years ago, died again 2 years later, and have died every night since then. What I do now is exist. That is all I do...exist. Morgan wanted me to speak to a man in San Francisco, said he was an expert in hunting the Nathandi. Been doing it for 40 years and still lives. Morgan said that if I was unable to find him, get a book from his library. He told me the title and said that Peter and he weren’t exactly speaking to each other. I told him I was not a thief and I was an honorable man. That was when he told me of his intentions. Morgan wanted to return said tome to the father. This would fix things between them. I agreed after I found out the owner would get it back. Morgan said the book would detail all I needed to know about fighting the Nathandi. After they left I went back to sleep. Uh...for about an hour...

I was awakened again by a wolf howl in the sewer. Boy did it echo. It was winded and on the run. I rose from the slime and got my pistol from my belt when I saw a wolf running fast. As he approached and started changing, I cocked the single action revolver. He started yelling, “RUN” as he got closer, and I saw that it was Miles. We ran...and ran...and ran. Miles led me through the tunnels so fast that when we stopped he said he wasn’t sure where we were. He said it was the Inquisition, and he was not sure who they were hunting, himself or me. I said that it did not matter and asked how many. Four was his reply. The Hunters seemed to take a wrong turn, farther away. Miles said he would return at nightfall. He also suggested I stay awake no matter how hard it was, and then split. I kept my pistol cocked and also managed to stay awake the rest of the day.

Miles came back just after dark. After washing off and bathing in a cleaner part of it, (if that is possible), he led me from the sewer. Miles produced clothes and thongs for me. They were well used but still had some life so to speak. Miles led me to a mission where he said I could get clothes and a proper shower. Leaving my weapons with him...i entered.

An elderly man of about 67 was serving soup. He was the first to speak to me. He said that I definitely looked like I could use some clothes, among other things. His kindness almost made me hurl. I could see after my shower, fresh clothes, and shoes that he had drawn his own conclusions about me. Probably thought that I was a Drug Dealer or something. I tried to reassure him that I was not and I was an honorable man. He did not seem real convinced, however. In a round about fashion, he asked me for a “donation”. “Whatever I could afford”, he said. I gave him $44 of the $94 I had on me. He seemed surprised, and at least this time when I assured him, his ill thinking of me seemed to sway to more favorable thoughts. As I left I scanned the place for any unusual activity. It occurred to me that, as I stepped into the street, this place was probably connected to the Inquisition. Miles enjoyed his little joke and told me of the old man being retired, but still connected with the Inquisition. He said that he enjoyed yanking the man’s chain now and again. He also told me the man had discovered what Miles was a few years back.

After Miles and I got more acquainted, he asked me for a favor. I said to him, “Family need not ask favors of family”. He said that he needed to deliver a message to one of my kind, and would appreciate me tagging along. So we went.
As we entered his van, Miles explained that she is known only by the name “The Night Hag”. He said that she knows a little about everything. If you don’t know it, and want to, she does.

Oh, by the way. I almost forgot. Perhaps because I do not want to remember...

Before we set off on this errand, I told him that I needed to feed. He told me of a person who has been selling "Protection” to he homeless, and that it wouldn’t break his heart if I taught him a little lesson. I informed Miles that I try not to kill, Life is too precious for that, but sometimes I frenzy and am unable to control myself. He showed me where to go and described him to me. I then went on the Hunt. This slime-ball was easy to find and talk into an alley away from prying eyes. I bit his neck and managing to control myself, drained him to a comatose state; I sealed the fang marks and left him on the ground. Ten feet from him, I heard him GET UP!!! He said to me, “Tell your masters that is twice, the third is the charm.” At this he turned and walked through a wall. No, no, no...Walked through the wall without damaging it. Um...I left and spoke to Miles. He didn’t believe me, and it took me the better part of an hour to convince him. One more thing, the blood was twice as potent as a normal mortal, that’s what I said, TWICE!
Anyway, back to our errand.