You gonna get taken home!

[Sierra]

<El-Cideon> OOC: First off, are you guys taking any action against the Nazis remaining in town or keeping quiet until Justine manages to herd them out of town?
<Nadia_Chekova> OOC: I think it'd be a good idea to find out where the Bismark is next calling into port
<Erin> OOC: I'm... not sure what to do IC! But that sounds like a start, and then we can decide where to go.
<El-Cideon> OOC: Pretty sure someone said it was heading back to Germany, but I'd have to check the log to remember who and when.
<Nadia_Chekova> OOC: Oh, well. Do we want to go into the heart of the reich or shall we dick around aimlessly for the rest of the game?
<Yomi> OOC: Let's go take our stuff back~
<Erin> OOC: We could use planes and beat them there. Maybe.
<Nadia_Chekova> OOC: we can go to Germany and use our mad skills to find Ivo's house then recover Erin's spellbook?
<El-Cideon> OOC: Welp, if you're not doing anything else in Cape Town, I'm gonna line in here since something was going to happen before you left anyway.
<Erin> OOC: Sure, although I figured we go after taht chick first.
<El-Cideon> ~
<El-Cideon> You wait in town for three more days before Justine gives you the all clear. The Germans have left, she says--after feeding the local rumor mills a story about Ivo and his men getting into a fight with a mercenary band that was staying in town (which she's finally managed to scare into heading back north) the Colonel and his men apparently decided there were no answers to be found in Cape Town. (more)
<El-Cideon> Once the Bismarck has pulled out of the area and been gone for a good day or so, Justine's goons relax their constant guard and you're free to go. Packing up your things in preparation for departure, however, turns up a simple, handwritten note in Erin's suitcase that you could swear wasn't there the day before. Elegantly written in ink is the following: "Cafe Rickenbacker, dockside, noon. I'll know you. T.W."
<Erin> "Yes, well, so do a lot of others in this city, it seems," mutters Erin, crumpling the note. "It seems rude not to attend, but after the last week..."
<Yomi> "There is no reason not to," Yomi points out.
<Nadia_Chekova> "If they meant us ill they could have just dispensed with the theatrics and stuck a bomb in there," Nadia reasons. "We might as well have a look."
<Erin> "Well, I suppose," replies Erin, sounding doubtful nonetheless. "It'll be noon in an hour, so we'd better head off now."
<Yomi> "And once again, I get to play the maid," Yomi says, sounding quite excited about the prospect.
* Nadia_Chekova shoulders her travel bag. "I'm sure you can assume the dominant role when we go to the Far East to locate your sword," she consoles the Japanese girl.
<El-Cideon> "Why would Yomi be a maid?" Rena wonders as everyone's getting their things together.
<Yomi> "So that my innate greatness doesn't overwhelm the fragile minds of cafe goers here."
<Erin> "Well... some people would be troubled to see us treating her- or, that, I suppose."
<Nadia_Chekova> "There are few other roles for one of her colour in this country," Nadia explains patiently, rather used to Rena's questions by now.
<El-Cideon> "Ah."
<El-Cideon> Justine sees you off at the door, her unfriendly bodyguard not present this time. "I can only wish you good luck if you intend to persist in taking on the reich all by your yourselves. You'll need that and more. I trust we can all be relied upon to keep each other's secrets?"
<Nadia_Chekova> Surely the reich will be crushed against the mighty maginot line if political tensions continue as they do, for herself Nadia only wants her legacy back. "Your business is your own, mademoiselle."
<Erin> "I don't think that is in doubt," Erin responds.
<El-Cideon> A nod and Justine sends you on your way. The Cafe Rickenbacker is a small but bustling establishment that doesn't seem to care what color patrons are as long as they pay cash. It's a little dingy and cramped, but the food smells good at least. (more)
<El-Cideon> You haven't been there for long before a server approaches. "Excuse me, I've been informed that your lunch is courtesy of the patron in the far corner," he says, pointing to a brown-haired man of middle years reading a book at an isolated back table.
<Erin> "Such a gracious fellow! Well, we'll be joining him shortly," replies Erin. Anyone who could combine such politeness with their espionage deserved a nod in her book.
<El-Cideon> The server nods and leads you over to the table. The seated man closes his book (Hemingway, it looks like) as you approach. He's fairly handsome, with neatly trimmed hair just going gray at the temples, a neat mustache, and a perfectly-tailored business suit. "Ah, good. I wasn't sure you'd take my offer up or not. I couldn't blame you for being paranoid after recent events. Sit down, please."
* Nadia_Chekova takes a seat to the side of the table and offers the man a smile. "It seemed a lot of trouble to go to if you meant us ill," she explains her reasons for trusting the invitation thus far.
<El-Cideon> Rena sits down immediately, apparently having no objections to associating with strange men who speak like they already know her.
<Yomi> Considering they were the ones to ambush Ivo and Elgin, Yomi is hardly paranoid, taking a seat to the left of their would-be benefactor.
<Erin> Any suspicions Erin had have quickly been smothered by the potential for a decent meal and a glass of a wine.
<El-Cideon> The man makes pleasant chatter about local sights until your food has been brought by and you're assured of not being overheard. "Thomas Walker, Secret Service," he says, British accent obvious. "I'm not speaking to you in any official capacity, of course. I just felt you deserved to know, after all you've been through."
<Yomi> "Of course not," Yomi says somewhat dubiously. "So what's someone with the Secret Service want to do with us?"
* Erin rapidly downs the rest of her glass and sets it back on the table with a clink. The Secret Service? Since when would they have been watching them? And here Grace had always told her that Government agencies had no clue about magic.
* Nadia_Chekova is quiet, waiting for him to elaborate without giving anything away herself.
<El-Cideon> "For some time now I've been following reports about a detachment of German soldiers pilfering all manner of artifacts--with some dismay, as the bureau has repeatedly been told to ignore them. Lately I've seen a new set of actors enter dispatches from the field--you. Since you seem to be doing my work for me, I wondered what I could do to assist in an unofficial capacity."
<Yomi> "Since you've been doing it longer, I don't suppose you know just what sets those artifacts apart from the rest?" Yomi inquires.
<Erin> The man seems rather nonchalant about the concept of three women chasing after a heavily armed German detachment, but no doubt he got over his shock wherever it was that he heard about them. "Why didn't they rate the bureau's attention?"
<El-Cideon> He shakes his head. "My superiors don't consider the matter worth looking at closely. If Hitler wants to waste his time sending his men running all over the world looking for trinkets, well, surely there are worse things he could be doing and we should count our blessings. There's a certain hands-off attitude, as if allowing the Germans certain distractions will keep them from causing us more direct trouble. Personally, I'm not so sure."(more)
<El-Cideon>  Personally, I'm not so sure."(more)
<El-Cideon> "I've been posted all over Europe and Africa in my time. I've seen enough not to dismiss outright the potential for abuse should the Nazis actually come into possession of something genuinely arcane."
<Erin> "Ah, so your eyes are open, then!" remarks Erin, reaching for the bottle of wine.
<El-Cideon> He chuckles. "I know there are things that can't be explained away with conventional wisdo, that's all. But it's enough to make me worry."
<El-Cideon> *wisdom
<Nadia_Chekova> "So what exactly do you want us to do to assist you?" Nadia cuts in to get to the point.
<El-Cideon> "Exactly what you've been doing. As much as it galls me to have to sit back and watch a band of stray travellers do my job for me, anyone who would go out of their way to put an end to Kaspar Ivo is an ally in my eyes. Strange as it might be for that to include a Jap and a German," he says with a nod towards Rena. (more)
<El-Cideon> "I take the intention of Colonel Mueller's men to put an end to you to be a strong indicator that you're trustworthy, however."
<El-Cideon> Rena shrugs. "I was only born there."
<Nadia_Chekova> "Ah," well, Nadia can certainly do that, but it seems a bit pointless to be asked. "Then instead I'd ask, what can you do to help us?"
<Yomi> "My resolve to help only grows by leaps and bounds by the fabled Western hospitality," Yomi responds with a bright smile, waiting on Nadia's question to be answered.
<El-Cideon> "What I *cannot* do, unfortunately, is give you classified intelligence gathered by SIS. I was ordered not to interfere with their mission, and technically I have not. What I *can* do, however, is make sure that, wherever the trail takes you, you talk to the right people. I've been all over Europe and have contacts in a great many cities." (more)
<El-Cideon> "Technically speaking, I'm not breaking any orders by referring acquaintences to personal friends."
<Erin> "Well, amongst our destinations is Germany itself, where we estimated we would have no friends. This is quite the unexpected pleasure."
<Yomi> "Ivo's assistant, Masha, is apparently tied to some anti-establishment group? Or old establishment group, politics is tiresome," Yomi voices, glancing over at Thomas. "Would you know anything about that?"
<El-Cideon> "Within Germany itself, I may be of limited help. Though I could tell you anything about those you pursue that happens to be a matter of public record." To Yomi: "That, for example. Her identity is no great secret. Countess Masha Konstantinova, formerly of the St. Petersburg social elite. Fled during the revolution for reasons which should be obvious."
<Yomi> "It appears she handed over a priceless treasure to her former fellow social elite friends," Yomi continues. "Could you point us in the right direction?"
* Nadia_Chekova wonders if her mother knew Masha, and that's how Elgin was able to track them down. Something to ask when she confronts the bitch, certainly.
<Erin> "I would also be interested in Ivo's history, and there whereabouts of his.. domicile."
<El-Cideon> "The most significant concentration of displaced Russian nobility wound up in France. Some lingered in eastern Europe for a time as well, agitating against the Bolsheviks in whatever way they could or assisting the Whites in the civil war. Paris would be a likely place to search for the remainder of her social circle. Failing that, I believe she resided for a time in Poland as well." (more)
<El-Cideon> "As for Ivo...We're well rid of him, thanks to you. Of Dutch origin, true believer in Aryan supremacy and made it his personal mission to generate 'proof' of such through scientific and archaeological studies. Threw in his lot with the Nazis early. He cut ties with his home country some years ago; whatever you might wish to find from searching his personal notes will require a trip to Germany itself."
<Nadia_Chekova> "It might be better to go to Germany next to try and get access to Ivo's notes and belongings before they're moved into storage. Masha's friends likely aren't going anywhere," Nadia offers magmanimously to put her own goal on hold in favour of the long term.
<Erin> "That Colonel fellow, you said he's quite determined to put an end to us," notes Erin, frowning. "His men overheard our enquiries before, didn't they? Is he.. well, do you know how badly he wants to harm us?"
<El-Cideon> "Well, he's surely obligated to deal with anyone interfering with his mission. You would be advised to be on guard for German reprisals if you continue to meddle with the Colonel and his men, yes, open or covert."
<Yomi> "When you mention open reprisals, do you mean that the German authorities have us listed to be arrested? Or shot on sight, perhaps?"
<Erin> "It would be hard for us to move around in Germany if the country itself turns against us, rather than a small subset of it's forces. As long as there aren't wanted posters at the airport or anything like that, though, I agree that now would be the best time to act in Germany. After all- well, we may be able to beat them there."
<El-Cideon> "I couldn't say. I gather you came to their attention recently--and mine, honestly. That business in Zanzibar? Yes. I would expect that they will be watching for you after the Colonel and his men have returned to Germany and made a full report. They may wish to arrest you and learn if you have confederates elsewhere."
<Erin> "How long do you think it would take the Bismarck to return home?"
<Yomi> "And I don't suppose you know anyone in Germany in a position to help us leave it, if things come to that?"
<El-Cideon> "They left only yesterday and have to round the bulk of Africa before returning home. I should think it would take them at least a week to return to their home port." (more)
<El-Cideon> "As for assistance within Germany? Well..." He frowns. "I would put anyone I know there at considerable risk. I couldn't speak for them without asking first. I'd like a couple days to contact them first."
<Erin> "It will likely take some time for us to get there in the first place, but I don't think we can afford to wait before making departure arrangements. I can assure you that we can be quite discreet..."
<Yomi> "It would also help to know just where Ivo's research in Germany would be found," Yomi feels the need to mention.
<El-Cideon> "Berlin, I'm afraid. The better to coordinate with his superiors in the SS. Whose offices I would advise against raiding; I *cannot* help free you from a Nazi interrogation. Ivo's personal residence may have something of note if you wish to make a search. He lived alone, so you shouldn't have to contend with more than servants if you get there before the Nazis decide to clean house."
<Yomi> "Maybe Ivo would feel like stopping by," Yomi muses. "Nothing wrong with that."
<El-Cideon> Thomas just raises an eyebrow at this.
<Erin> "Which is why we should leave immediately," replies Erin, with a nod. "Honestly, I think all we would need is how to find his home, and a place we can stay in relatively safely. Well, a cheap hotel might do for that, and it seems as though you already have the former."
<Yomi> "If you wish to stay in touch, just let us know how to get back to you," Yomi adds. "Other than that, it does seem like our course is set."
<El-Cideon> "I'd suggest you do everything you can to alter your appearance before going, if that's going to be your next move. Should you have time to spare, I do have one name for you right now..." He pauses to write something on a scrap of paper.
<El-Cideon> "As I said, my superiors don't care to look into this matter closely, as they are dismissive of any matter lacking a clear, mundane explanation. We do occasionally come across something that cannot be waved away, however. We have something of an outside expert to consult in such cases. I know she's been following the Colonel's exploits through her own means because his mission lies within her sphere of interest. She have more viable speculation on his goals than I."
<El-Cideon> She'll have more viable speculation on his goals than I." (more)
<El-Cideon> On the paper Thomas has written a name--Myriam Fairchild--as well as a telephone number and an address that Erin could recognize as being outside of London. "She doesn't often take visitors, but I believe she'll make an exception for you." (OOC: anyone with K:Arcana can roll here).
<Erin> roll 1d20+16 ok
* Hatbot --> "Erin rolls 1d20+16 ok and gets 17."12 [1d20=1]
<Yomi> roll 1d20+2 can I beat that?!
* Hatbot --> "Yomi rolls 1d20+2 can I beat that?! and gets 9."12 [1d20=7]
<Erin> roll 1d6+3 action point!
* Hatbot --> "Erin rolls 1d6+3 action point! and gets 6."12 [1d6=3]
<Erin> 23 yeaaaaaaah
<Erin> "I guess she might, at that," mumbles Erin. "It would be nice to go home for a day or two, but I do think we're pressed...?"
<Yomi> "It would be more rewarding if we could show her some of Ivo's liberated research notes."
<El-Cideon> "It's your decision," Thomas says. "As I said, all I can do directly is try and make sure you find the right people to help you."
<Nadia_Chekova> "Time is of the essence if we are to check Ivo's house, but after that we should be less pressed," Nadia allows.
<El-Cideon> He nods. "Of course. Unless there's anything else you need from me? I'll leave you with a request that you not speak of any of this with Miss Cropp, if you haven't done so already. She does have the virtue of not being a Nazi sympathizer, unlike her former confederates, but I personally wouldn't trust her as far as I can spit."
* Nadia_Chekova nods, being a secretive sort herself and having no trouble respecting others in the same manner.
<Erin> "I understand your concerns completely."
<El-Cideon> OOC: anything else? Going to move on and hop a plane? Flight would be DC 18 for wealth check, which everyone can make easily but it cuts wealth down by 1 (2 for Erin since it's above her bonus for that right now). and as usual, Rena has no money of her own.
<Nadia_Chekova> OOC: I'll spot Rena and drop my wealth by 2
<Erin> OOC: I will stab Yomi with needles- I mean, draw tattoos on her that allow her to disguise herself. This takes me a day, but you get 1x40 minute disguise! And I go down in wealth.
<El-Cideon> OOC: alright. Note various wealth hits on sheets. What are you making Yomi look like? Or going to decide that when it comes time to activate it>
<Erin> OOC: Yomi can decide.
<Erin> OOC: If I could decide, she'd look like Erin 2.0.
<Erin> OOC: But I can't. :(
<Yomi> OOC: I'll decide at the time it would become relevant
<El-Cideon> OOC: alrigh, lining, then.
<El-Cideon> Everyone's at the airport the next day waiting for your flight to leave. Rena's sitting silently on a bench, watching other passengers embark, disembark, and walk by, when she suddenly speaks up: "So, you are taking me home?"
<Yomi> "We could stop by your home. Do you want to visit?"
<Erin> "We don't plan on staying long," adds Erin.
<El-Cideon> Rena frowns for once. "I'm not sure it would be a good idea. Many people in town didn't like me. Especially the other women."
* Yomi chokes a laugh.
<Erin> "I.. well, we don't all need to drop past Ivo's place," points out Erin, glancing at the others. "Berlin is a big city..."
<Yomi> "You didn't live in Berlin, did you?" Yomi asks to confirm, quite amused.
<El-Cideon> "It was a small town in the mountains where I lived. I am not sure how close to Berlin it was. I've never been there. We never travelled outside of town and I wasn't interested in learning geography."
<Yomi> "Don't worry, then! As long as you don't accost people or wear what you like, I'm sure the women of Berlin wouldn't mind you one bit!"
<Nadia_Chekova> "You can continue travelling with us, but there's no obligation if you want to part ways," Nadia offers. "You have your revenge on Ivo, after all."
<El-Cideon> "I wouldn't accost people. Do I do that? And I wouldn't walk out wearing nothing, Yomi. It disturbs people." She sounds a little put out about this. "I wouldn't mind, Nadia. I'm seeing many new things this way. Are people trying to kill you everywhere you go, though? The other villagers always said city life was dangerous, but I didn't expect this much."
<Yomi> "This is the first time people actually tried to kill me. Usually, it's just demons and spectres," Yomi reassures Rena. "And sure, you could find your own way if you'd like, but it's fun traveling with you. If you stick around, I'll show you around Japan eventually!"
<Nadia_Chekova> "It's... a recent development," Nadia shrugs uncomfortably. "Hopefully things will calm down after we've gotten our belongings back."
<Erin> "It's a new thing for me as well," adds Erin. "Risking my life and liberty at all. I doubt I could take this excitement for the rest of my life, though, and we won't need to."
<El-Cideon> Rena nods. "I don't really have plans for the rest of my life. I suppose I'll just follow you around more and see what happens. It's good that you enjoy my company. I've not spent much time with other women before. It was mostly father, men from town, and Hassan."
<Yomi> "You know, that part right there might just be why the women of your town didn't like you," Yomi suggests helpfully.
<Yomi> "You're so beautiful it's a sin!"
<El-Cideon> Rena just nods, this apparently being an accepted fact to her.
<Erin> "If you ever want to settle down somewhere, then I might be able to help you. Grace could surely find a permanent place to stay, well, in London, that is," notes Erin. "But I do think travelling is good for you, on the whole. When, you know, it isn't so dangerous."
<El-Cideon> "I would have to pay for a house or apartment, wouldn't I? Father paid for everything when I was young. I suppose I would have to find a job? I've never had one bfore. I wonder what I could do. Or I could marry someone rich? This is what some women do." She shrugs. "I don't otherwise see the point in being married, though."
<Erin> "I.. wouldn't do that if you don't have to," replies Erin. "Although I'm sure you, um, wouldn't have much trouble there."
<El-Cideon> "It isn't a very attractive option," Rena agrees.
<Nadia_Chekova> "We can teach you the skills you need to get by in life," Nadia asserts with a confident smile.
<Yomi> "Yes, valuable skills is all one needs!" Yomi declares. "Not relying on marrying a man you like who ends up leaving you as soon as you're no longer a successor to your family."
<El-Cideon> ~