MARCHESE - THE SOUND STUDIO

[◊◊BLOODBEASTER◊◊]

Wilhelm led August and Quinn into the old sound studio. It hadn't been used in a decade, the gadgets were all covered in an oily layer of dust. A triple-
thick CRT monitor sat on the floor, unloved, and Wilhelm pushed it out of the way to make room for folding chairs.
The walls were covered with a bizarrely intricate textured foam, which captured the thick tufts of dust quite nicely, and with the new movement, the clots came free and floated around like a particularly fluffy cat had run by.
When Wilhelm closed the door, the air pressure in the room popped, like they'd been vacuum sealed inside. If they'd been human, the sounds of their breath would've become highly distracting. Instead the blankness of silence was almost oppressive. Wilhelm pulled a chair up to face the other two, and crossed his legs. He looked like he should be lighting up a cigarette and having henchmen shove guns into their backs.

Wilhelm-
"You have me at a disadvantage, I hardly know more than your friends. I think it is important for us all to be on 'zeh same page. We will haff to make some decisions tonight, and I would like to make them with full knowledge of what happened. Can you please explain to me, what you saw? I hope you can trust me... I haff no reason to do anything but be helpful to you. My loyalty is to family, as you heard me say before."

   
August-

"Okay. Well we were in the pool, hence my bathers. Santi came out all funny and said Marchese had a call. We were kinda curious cause of the funny. So I crawled up the wall and Marchese was there praying or something. There wasn't any call though and next thing I know there's a clang. That's when Theo came out with Marchese's heart he called it a gift. Ain't no gift I've ever seen. He told Santi to eat it, I tried to tell them to put it back like Cam's arm ya know but they wouldn't have a bar of it. I'd reckon that's where y'all came in."

Quinn had his back up at the very notion of being locked in what was clearly a soundproofed space. He was paranoid. There would be nothing stopping Wilhelm in case he was holding onto some pent-up rage over the incident at the Mansion. He only began to calm down by degrees while Wilhelm was talking (calmly, thankfully), taking in what was said. He listened while August was talking before adding his own version of events in a soft tone.

Quinn -
"Marchese had us out in the pool and Santi came out. Poor lad looked rattled to the teeth. He called Marchese in and told us to stay where we were. August went to go look and I stayed until I heard a clang. I panicked and went inside. Theo was there....Santi was utterly awash with blood....and there were these dreadful, dreadful visions."

Quinn's eyes looked a bit distant as he recalled it all.

Wilhelm-
" I see... It sounds like Santi planned this with Theodore. But for how long? It doesn't seem like something he'd do. The planning that is. Honestly I expected someday he'd do Father in, not like this though. He's a clever boy, I'm sure he could have done it himself years ago, if he'd wanted to. And Eat his heart? Why? What significance does that have? This bizarre scene that played in my mind, I've never heard of something like that happening. You both had a vision as well?"

August nodded.

August-

"It was horrible, poor Marchese."

Quinn -
"We both did, it seems," Quinn replied, though noticeably didn't share much pity for Marchese.

Wilhelm-
"Did either of you ever have any indication that Santi might be planning something?"


Quinn-
"Santi seemed sad and distant quite a great deal, poor chap," Quinn said, "I don't think I would have been able to tell if something was more out of the ordinary than what has become 'usual' for us."


Wilhelm-
"That is true, he hass always been a melancholy sort. I can imagine why. I think having 'zeh new children perhaps reminded him of that all 'zeh more."

August-

"Nah, he did just fly off in the middle of the tour of the new defenses guys but nothing else."

Wilhelm-
"He flew off? Could you tell what made him do that?"


August-

"Nah, he just got a funny look. Like a badger in a wombat hole."

Quinn -
"Perhaps Theo called him? Summoned him, I mean."

Wilhelm -
"Only family can call each other with their minds. Theodore must have had another way of sending a message. A funny look, you say? Did he seem surprised?"

Quinn -
"He did look a bit as though he'd been put on the back foot though, didn't he, August?"

August-

"I'd reckon, kinda blank."

Wilhelm -
"Hm... I don't understand this Theodore's powers. I suppose it may be impossible to ascertain how this began. It is likely Theodore will continue his quest, and kill again. Father was 'zeh youngest, and weakest of 'zeh elders. I suppose he was an easy target. Who might be next? Are there other schemers hidden in our families, I wonder?"


August-

"Gosh, I hope not. I don't wanna lose anymore friends. Was he really that bad?"

Wilhelm -
"Bad is relative. One person may be able to withstand much more than another. None of 'zeh progenitors are good, but they are not without merits either. Certainly not deserving of death this way."

Quinn -
"I certainly wouldn't have called the man a saint. You heard what he said....he'd found a 'replacement' for Santi. That was going to be one of us, you know."

August frowned.

August-

"Still, I believe in a fair trial before death by gunfire."

Wilhelm -
"I think probably all of us would agree on that one."

Quinn: "....Perhaps."

Quinn:
"I think the only way to find out is to ascertain who feels as abused and disenfranchised as Santi did."

Wilhelm -
"That could be nearly anyone, sadly..."

Quinn-
"Says some rather dark things about your system though, doesn't it?" He sounded not a little sardonic.

Wilhelm -
"True enough. I suppose you may imagine 'zeh Circle as a very strict monarchy. While they may keep us fed and sheltered, it is at a cost. I do not condone beheadings, myself, but could see 'zeh most downtrodden's point of view, I suppose."

"Well, that being said, what do we do now? I want to support my brother, but I do not support murder at 'zeh same time."

August-

"I did really like Santi. I dunno, do ya reckon we can play innocent to this?"

Wilhelm -
 "That is my hope. Father's death will not be a secret for long, though. For now I feel we must act in our best interests, and that would be professing complete ignorance."

Quinn-
"I don't see why not. The progenitors are right old and right powerful. There's very little we could do to alter the odds if they can't protect their own selves."

Wilhelm -
"I think our ruse may be believable. Certainly children would not have 'zeh resources to scheme this way. Santi is likely doing something to cover his trail, he hass always been very clever. I don't know what will be discovered."

August-

"So we won't be able to give him a proper funeral?"

Quinn-
"I daresay there are more pressing matters to attend to, August lad...."

Wilhelm -
"I can't imagine they'll just leave his body there to be discovered. Certainly if we could think of some other way to pay our respects, I would appreciate it as well."

August-

"We can dedicate the film to him. I hope they treat him with respect.. more anyways."

Wilhelm -
"I trust Santi to be as respectful as he can be. I doubt he wanted things to go exactly that way. If he'd wanted bloody murder, he could've done it himself."

Quinn: He folded his arms quietly and leaned against whatever stable, firm surface was nearby. He didn't find it all that shocking...not if Marchese was as bad as Santi said...but he realized saying so wouldn't be appreciated by August or Wilhelm.

Wilhelm -
"Do you trust your friends out there? I will keep an eye on Chloë, but one of those two is a Dragomir. Demetri will be in a frenzy over this."


August-

" I'd reckon so. They're still more loyal to their friends. They're like me family."

Quinn-
"Ru? Ru's about as stable and dependable as they come. I don't think he'd be the type to 'sing' as it were."


August laughed.

" I don't reckon Ru can sing."

Quinn-
"Turn of phrase, August dear."

Wilhelm -
"Understand that I will take responsibility if things go south for us, but I will not be able to protect them, as they are out of my reach. I wonder now if we are really drafted into this interloper's 'army.'"


August-

"Yeah, he really seemed keen on that."

  
Wilhelm -
"To be blunt, where do your sympathies lie if it comes down to it? I must certainly stay on 'zeh Circle's side, if they ask me. But I am unwilling to reveal my brother if I can help it. I suppose that puts me on 'zeh murderer's side, in a sense. Ah what a conundrum."

August-

"I dunno, I'd reckon with whichever side is gonna protect my friends and ain't gonna go around eating hearts. Santi was dear to ya heart, ya can't help that."

Quinn -
"....I can't rightly say I have a side, but I certainly won't go ratting out poor Santi."

Wilhelm -
"It is a difficult situation, isn't it? *sigh* But we can only do what we can do."

August-

"Thanks Wil. I'm glad ya so calm, it's good to have ya on our side. You've been like a brother to us, for real."

Wilhelm -
"Well thank you. I'm glad all of you haff been so calm as well. I've had years of training as an actor to keep my face straight, if I were a child I don't know what I would haff done.
"Something occurs to me... You may not know this, and you mustn't tell anyone else-- 'zeh progenitors have weaknesses, that are very particular to them, and strange. Father had to haff his evening prayer at a particular time. Theodore struck at 'zeh exact right moment. If Santi knew this would happen, he certainly wouldn't have been giving you two 'zeh tour. He'd have you out of 'zeh house, don't you think?"

August-

"Definitely, he didn't want us to see anything."

Wilhelm -
"I don't think he planned it. I'm not sure whether to be relieved by that or not. But how could Theodore know that? These secrets are kept highly private. Father was very sure to stay out of public until his prayers were complete."

Quinn-
"Do you suppose he knows the others' weaknesses as well?"

Wilhelm -
"If he doesn't, he will, I am sure."


August-

"You don't reckon there's a spy do ya?"

Wilhelm-
"If there was a spy, it wasn't Santi, at least."

Quinn-
"But who on Earth could it be? You would think it would be a bit more bloody obvious if someone was feeding a lad like Theo all the progenitor's secrets..."

August-

" Ain't that the point of a spy? Not to be obvious?"

Quinn-
"It doesn't mean they're always successful."

Wilhelm -
"They'd be a good spy to know that, for sure. I don't know any of 'zeh other progenitors secrets, and I've been around for a century."

Quinn-
"...What are the odds that Theodore is even older than all that?"

Wilhelm-
"He once lived in Glenland, actually, as a young vampire, years ago, before my time. But not long before. Sarah said he was just a baby when he left. August, last night at 'zeh symphony, you saw Theodore before I did. Can you tell me what happened?"

August-

"He err, came in through the elevator... Me, Cam and Jack were there."

Quinn- 
"You've met him before?"

August-

"Yeah, he was the kid at the concert."

Wilhelm -
"So strange, he told me he went there 'on a whim', how bizarre! To 'zeh gathering of 'zeh most powerful lineage in town!"

August-

"He had a weird thing, he guessed me lineage without me telling. Maybe he smelled them out?"

Wilhelm -
"Hm, I've heard of that, Aubrey is fond of that trick. You can do it with practice but it's kind of a bizarre skill. Not very polite either. I suppose Theodore would haff a good reason for wanting to do it."

Quinn-
"This whole bloody shenanigan is bizarre."

Wilhelm -
"So he came on a whim... but why? If he's got such secret information, why just show up demanding to see Tomasz only to be sent away by my rather unimpressive discouragement?"

August-

"He is just a kid, they're impressionable."

  
Wilhelm -
"Eheh, he's a fair bit older than me actually."

Quinn: He smirked just a bit, "Looks are deceiving, August."

August-

" Yeah but there's important growing he ain't had. Vampire stuff stops growth right? "

Wilhelm -
"In a sense, I suppose. He is impulsive by nature? If he is so impulsive, I wonder how he hass reached this success? Is this just a lucky break?"

Quinn-
"Success has very little to do with luck in this life. He may talk like a lunatic, but I suspect he's more of a dogged pragmatist than an opportunist."

Wilhelm -
"I wonder if something led him there that night. August, you say he came in through 'zeh elevator. Did anyone come with him?"

August-

"Trevor?"

Wilhelm -
"Hm, he may haff just asked 'zeh lad where everyone was, as he came in 'zeh lobby"

August-

"Trevor doesn't talk to anyone."

Wilhelm -
"Doubtful a youth could be a good spy.I wonder if he did some kind of spying while he wass there? The intrusion makes no sense otherwise."

August-

"How? He wasn't there for very long. Ya sorted him right out!"

  
                  Wilhelm-
"I'll be honest, while he did not cut a very impressive figure, there was something very off about him. It was all I could do to keep calm. I think waggling a sword around asking for Tomasz is the height of lunacy or bravery. Either one is quite dangerous."

Quinn: "It's a fine line that separates the two, I've found."

August looked worried.

"Ya have?!"

August-

"I hope he sees reason soon."

Quinn-
"If he believes he's already seeing reason, why would he change? 'Reason' and 'right' are very subjective, you know."


August-

"It's never right to kill people, Quinn."

Quinn-
"You're supposing Marchese never did....or did worse things besides."

Wilhelm -
"I suppose 'zeh most important part of this is predicting what will happen next, to whatever extent that is possible. Do either of you have any theories?"

August-

"Ya only responsible for ya own actions, Q. I don't know Will. He'll go after someone else I guess."

Quinn: He eyed August a bit dully at that statement, but didn't argue further.

Wilhelm -
"Theodore seemed quite invigorated by his success, I think he may attack again tonight. What could we do?"

Quinn-
"Well, who do you think the second weakest Progenitor is?"

Wilhelm -
"It depends. Any progenitor can be very weak if you know how to strike. Certainly not Tomasz. Aubrey is 'zeh oldest, very powerful and never invites anyone into his home. He can be mercurial though, and may be caught at an unfortunate time.
Inka is physically weak, but has 'zeh protection of spirits, and is quite lucid. He'd haff to plan well to get 'zeh best of her. Angela might be 'zeh weakest, but she is quite good at escaping danger. Unless he has his plan down to a T, she could slip away forever."

Quinn-
"The best we can do at this juncture is to decide who his next target will be and, if you're intent on stopping him, find reasons to stick close to them and keep vigilant."

August-

"I just wish there was a way to warn them, he ain't fighting fair."

Wilhelm -
"I agree. Hm. We could do something cryptic? Get people to mix up their plans somehow?
Now if I had to choose, I would say Inka or Angela is in 'zeh most danger. Do either of you know a child from one of those families?"

August-

"I'm close to Courtney."

Quinn-
"Trevor or Eli....possibly Jason. I'm quite close to Leo and she maintains very close relations with Eli...or did, last I checked...Though I doubt we'd get much cooperation out of Trevor...."

Wilhelm -
"They may not be able to sway their matriarch, but contacting 'zeh child would be less suspicious. Can you think of a way to do that without rousing suspicion? We mustn't tell even your peers about this. Perhaps you can call any friends you might normally talk to. Just find out what they're up to. It might be a good idea for them to be out of 'zeh house. He's after 'zeh elders but he seems so reckless, I don't trust him to take care with children."

Quinn-
"If we do anything tonight, it might look suspicious. As if we were forewarned. We'd best sit this out and let whatever happens happen. It would be better in the long run if we wish to play innocent."

Wilhelm -
"Good point Quinn. A very subtle move could work, but it shouldn't be too unprecedented. I could call Vitus and Florence, that is not uncommon for me."

August-

"Perhaps we could find a way to keep everyone together? Like some kinda show or something? A surprise visit to the aquarium? Invite Sombreta, she likes baby vamps. We could say we wanna use it for our film?"

Wilhelm -
"An interesting idea, I wonder if we could pull that off? I think mixing up schedules is a good idea, even devious plans can be foiled."

Quinn-
"If it's not uncommon and we simply MUST make a move, then that's the wisest course."

August-

"Well it ain't suspicious, that Aquarium would make a real good set and Flo is real nice."

Wilhelm -
"August, can you call your friend and see if you can arrange that? Florence is a darling and she'd probably enjoy a chance to get out of 'zeh house."

August-

" I'd reckon. Courts said she'd visit the set."

Wilhelm -
"I'll see what I can do with Vitus, we're not 'zeh best of friends but he seems accommodating enough."

Quinn-
"I'll put a call in to Leo and perhaps to Eli to see if they would like a quiet evening somewhere. I'm not usually the sort to initiate conversation, but if needs must..."

Wilhelm -
"I think that would be a good idea. You should care for your friends foremost, and I will try to worry about 'zeh elders. I don't know if even I can do it, but I suppose we must try.
  
"I believe I forgot to ask 'zeh most important question, how are you holding up?"


August-

"I dunno what to think or feel but I reckon I'll be okay."

Quinn-
"I'm holding up better than would be expected. Not about to fray apart at the seams, anyway. More worried about Santi than myself."

Wilhelm -
"The same for me. I honestly don't think anyone will imagine we haff done anything, but Santi is in a precarious position. I trust him to figure out what to do."

August-

"Where are we gonna go after this though? It sounded like we ain't going back to the mansion..."

Wilhelm -
"Not for tonight, certainly. I doubt 'zeh secret of his death will outlast this night. Let's plan on you two staying at my apartment. It's small but 'zeh dead don't need much room."

August's face lit up.

August- "

We could have a movie night, that'd be a real nice distraction."

Wilhelm -
"A fantastisch idea, certainly better than sitting around this dreary old set."

Quinn-
"It's the least suspicious alternative at any rate."

"...What happens to us if we ARE suspected?" He didn't sound scared, just weary and hard-edged.

Wilhelm -
"Well... worst case scenario, and it is rather bad, you may be tortured for information. That hass happened before. I doubt they'd execute anyone, on the bright side. I've never seen an execution. Well, I've never seen a progenitor murdered, either...I will take responsibility to whatever extent I can."

August looked nervous.
August-

"Let's avoid that scenario. I don't want ya taking our bullet."

Wilhelm -
"Thank you."

Quinn:
"Let's not have anyone taking the Progenitors collective bullets...or ours. We stay quiet, we stay together and we don't throw anyone under the bus."

Wilhelm -
"Wise words. I suppose we have made plans to 'zeh best of our abilities. Do either of you have any questions?"


August-

"Will I be able to get my fuzzy babies back?"

 
Wilhelm -
"Fuzzy...? I, uh. I believe I may haff a language barrier here..."

[◊◊BLOODBEASTER◊◊]

Wilhelm ushered the boys out of the studio, and gestured to that great cave of tulle and lycra that was the costume room.

    
Wilhelm-
"Perhaps you can find something decent to wear? It's not all completely silly. There might be a sweater I shrunk in 'zeh wash..."

He left them to begin playing phone tag with the vulnerable cobuttsnufferdes.


((∆§Indea§∆ Sir Milo Quartermass You guys can describe your foray into thy costeume dungyeon in this thread, and your return to being clothed at last! Let's stay in this thread for now, I have an IRC date w/ dkender & jara for Thursday, so let's not interrupt them just yet. We can also roleplay your phone conversations.))

[∆§Indea§∆]

August grinned at Quinn as he surveyed the cornucopia of clothing they had before them. There was no way he wasn't going to have fun with this!

"I dare ya to find the wackiest outfit ya can!"

August began fossicking amongst the piles, creating a large one of his own. A rainbow of wild colours and shapes.




       

"I'm a space princess! Defending the timezone from the dreaded bubblerats!"

"More tea and jam wot wot. I'm off to play the grand piana!"

"I've been looking for ya kid, now yo gonna wish yo momma had used proper contraception!"

"I might be half pumpkin but I'm  not a vegetable!"

Finally August seemed to find what he was looking for and began umming and ahhhring, deciding on the just the right combination. He seemed especially excited by a certain item of clothing he found among the costumes...

[Sir Milo Quartermass]

Quinn watched August foray through all the clothes like a madman. He would kill to have that much energy. Of course, he winced at that train of thought and focused on distracting himself by wandering idly through the clothes and calling out occasional encouragements to August.

"August, darling, you can't fight the bubblerats in that. Those are Spring colours and bubblerats only appear in late Summer."




"Tea? In that? Oh never! More organza is required. MUCH more organza."




"I'm hardly frightened of a ruffian who can't even match his patterns."



Then, he spied something rather perfect peeping out from beneath riots of colour. It was a comforting, neutral piece of woolen fabric in the soothingly blase tones he preferred. He walked over and began the task of freeing it.

"There! Oh, you are perfect, you are."

[◊◊BLOODBEASTER◊◊]

As the boys sorted through the costumes, they heard the distant sounds of Wilhelm's shoes tapping on the warehouse floor as he paced, at a not-quite frantic pace but a little more tensely than normal. His words were blurred by distance, but they had great gaps between them, no extended conversations there.

((you guys can reveal your outfits as you like! ))

[∆§Indea§∆]

"Check me out, Q-dawg! I found the diamonds in the rough!"

August was dressed goth cowboy style, black jeans, complete with boots. He held something behind his back practically jumping with excitement.


  

"But wait it's gets better, oh lawdamimbo it gets better!"

  

"HOW BOMBAROO RIGHT?!"

[Sir Milo Quartermass]

Quinn had disappeared behind a rack so that he could change his clothes in privacy, just listening to August's excited chatter. He called out from behind his little safe place, shoving a hand through his slightly-damp curls to put them in some semblance of order.

"I'm sure you look just dapper, pet, but do give me a moment..."

Once he was sufficiently pleased with his appearance, he stepped out, goggling openly at August's beloved new hat.

"...Well. Well, isn't that just something."

[∆§Indea§∆]

"It fits and everything, Q! Snug as a bug!"

"I can help ya find something just as cool if ya like? I'm sure there's more than that in ya size."

[Sir Milo Quartermass]

Quinn held up one hand demonstratively.

"Cheers lad, but no. I'm already feeling...how is it said...cool as a cucumber? We can't all be radiant peacocks."

[◊◊BLOODBEASTER◊◊]

Wilhelm-
"Oh look at you two! You look marvelous. Quinn I'm glad you're putting that sweater to good use, it was so nice but I that is what I get for doing my own laundry. *sigh"

  
Wilhelm-
"I've heard some terrible news. Our home was attacked somehow, and Father and Santi have gone missing. It's terrible, blood everywhere."

((we'll rp this bit with Wilhelm, then he'll go get Ru & Babette and they can come back here to rp saying goodbye, if that makes sense))

[Sir Milo Quartermass]

Quinn looked to Wilhelm and there was a half second of disconnect where what he was saying didn't quite make sense. Then, the proverbial penny dropped and he went along.

"That's...well that's dreadful! What on Earth happened? I thought we had guards!"

[∆§Indea§∆]

"Lawdamimbo, I hope they're okay..."

[◊◊BLOODBEASTER◊◊]

Wilhelm-
"Ahh I wish so as well."


" 'Zeh word is that everyone should get home immediately, and there will be a big video conference. I imagine we will do this at my apartment. More comfortable than here, don't you think? I'll give Ru and Babette a drive home, shall we meet at Chez Marr? Chloë can drive you."

((u guys can have a word amongst yaselves & in response to Wilhelm here before Babette & Ru come to say goodbye. I'll edit it in as need be.))

[◊◊BLOODBEASTER◊◊]

Dr. Jar DKender -- Ru & Babette come to say their goodbyes!

[Dr. Jar]

Ru-

"Hey August... stay safe ok? I'll keep my mouth shut about anything that was...suspect though I swear I didn't see much...period. We'll talk about the movie soon. I think it needs some editing work, and I don't think Trevor will be able to help much this time, but maybe we can all chip in to make this magnificent!"

Ru did his best to smile.