Scene Two
Scene Three
Scene Four
Scene Five
Scene Six
Scene Seven
Chapter Two: South of the Border
Scene One: Gemma's House
mgrasso> All righty.
mgrasso> As you remember from last time, Gemma got a phone call at her party.
mgrasso> Gemma has invited anyone willing to come to go down to Mexico to investigate this missing friend of hers. People can gather at Gemma's house on Tuesday morning, if they're going to go.
Ingrid> Chet, did you need a ride?
Chet> Yes, please.
* John hesitantly offers the use of his Harley.
* Ingrid picks up Chet early that morning and arrives at Gemma's precisely on time.
mgrasso> So will John be arriving and traveling on his bike?
John> Yup.
mgrasso> Excellent. How about James?
James> he'll be there, probably before anyone else
mgrasso> All right.
* James anything just please let it work
James> yeah!!!!
mgrasso> (Heh, excellent)
mgrasso> Well, we have a little convoy here!
mgrasso> Where and how is Gemma this morning?
* Gemma is waiting for everyone in the same living room where the party was held. She's wearing a pair of khaki flood pants, a dark blue t-shirt with 3/4 sleeves and an asymetrical v-neck, dark blue sneakers [femmy rpg ahoy!]. She's nibbling a bagel and sipping orange juice.
Gemma> [my sister-in-law called! sorry]
mgrasso> (no problem!)
mgrasso> So, I guess we can set this first scene in the living room. James is already there when Ingrid, Chet, and John get there.
* John is wearing a very beaten pair of blue jean overall with a faded black shirt underneath it. On the shirt a barely visible "I don't drive rice-burners" logo is visible. Over he wears his black leather jacket, and slung over his shoulders is a long, cylindrical bag.
Gemma> Can I get anyone anything?
* James wears the same thing he wore yesterday, except with clean sox
* Ingrid is decked out in jeans and a white t-shirt tied at the waist, with white sneakers. She has a rather large black purse over her right shoulder.
mgrasso> (heh James)
Ingrid> How about some coffee?
* John nods.
John> Cream, please.
Gemma> Sure.
Ingrid> Black for me, thanks.
* Chet is wearing frayed jean shorts and a black Arizona Cardinals baseball cap worn backwards. ON his torso, hw sports a white t-shirt with "Tijuana or Bust" written on it in black Sharpie marker.
* Gemma gets up, goes to the kitchen, then returns empty handed. "It's brewing."
* John grunts, "Thanks."
Gemma> So. It's good of you guys to come.
Ingrid> Have you heard anything more about your friend since last night?
* Chet pulls a peanut butter and banana sandwich out of his bag and begins munching on it.
Gemma> No. But I'm sure it's nothing. She's an adventurous person. I'm sure she just spent the night somewhere and her roomates... panicked.
John> Did she have any...enemies?
James> (are there dunkins in tucson, or is one one every corner an eastern phenomonon?
James> )
mgrasso> (James must TOTALLY miss dunkin donuts :D)
Gemma> (there are, yes)
John> (at least in 1988 it was an Eastern thing--they're there now? Huh)
Gemma> (Sorry, MIKE. There's a dunkin right by my house. :D)
mgrasso> (Heh)
John> (I miss Dunkin Donuts...wAAAHHH)
mgrasso> (Poor Jess)
James> (There are 9 in medford, all with in ten minutes of my house)
* Gemma glances in the general direction of the kitchen
John> (die, James
mgrasso> Rosalva comes out with a big pot full of coffee on a tray, with a tiny pot of cream, a bowl of sugar, and four cups.
Gemma> No one wants a solid?
John> (solid?)
Gemma> (food)
* James has an eggwitch
* Chet waves at Gemma with the sandwich. "I'm OK"
Gemma> All right.
John> No, thanks.
John> Just coffee.
mgrasso> Rosalva looks askance at Gemma and goes back out to the kitchen. When she gets back in the kitchen, you hear her conversing with a man in Spanish.
* Ingrid had a bagel at home, thanks.
* John mutters, "Gods, I hate mornings."
* John looks at Gemma. "Did she have any enemies?"
* Ingrid pours herself a cup of steaming black coffee.
Gemma> Enemies?
* Gemma laughs
Gemma> Uh, yeah. Lots of them.
* John pours himself a heapin' cup of coffee and then loads it down with cream.
John> Like who?
* Gemma takes a sip of her juice
mgrasso> Just as John asks that...
Gemma> Like this one guy in blue pants. I don't remember much about him. Just that he really enjoyed the hell out of blue pants.
* James raises an eyebrow... sounds sketchy
mgrasso> A man comes out of the kitchen. He's middle-aged, short, and is wearing a brown bathrobe barefoot. He carries a cup of coffee and looks at the assembled people in the living room with much interest.
mgrasso> "Gemmita? Perhaps you'll introduce me?" the man says.
* Gemma sits up straight, then stands
mgrasso> The man sips his coffee.
Gemma> Sure.
Gemma> Um. Papi, this is Chet.
* Chet nods...
Chet> Dude...
Gemma> And John. And Ingrid.
mgrasso> "Hi there, Chet."
Gemma> Ingrid was on tv once. Maybe twice.
Gemma> And I think you should remember James.
* John nods solemnly. "Pleased to meet you, sir."
Ingrid> !dice 5 6
* DiceWell Ingrid rolls 5d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 2 10 4 9 1
mgrasso> He nods to John. "Nice to meet you John, Ingrid."
James> how are you this morning sir?
Ingrid> Nice to meet you, sir.
* Ingrid smiles her TV snile.
mgrasso> Gemma's dad squints and looks at James. "No, I don't think I do remember you. Hello, James."
Gemma> Guys, this is my dad. Which I guess you can tell.
* James seems to have a twinkle in his eye as he remembers why Gemma's dad doesn't remember him.
Gemma> Papi, we're going on a road trip, so I'll see you later tonight.
mgrasso> "Where are all of you off to this morning?" Gemma's dad looks at Gemma with a look that might be described as bemused interest.
Gemma> Nogales for some shopping. Need anything while we're there?
mgrasso> "Taking the day off?" Gemma's dad narrows his eyes at Gemma.
* Gemma shrugs
Gemma> Not really.
* Chet watches their interaction with some interest.
mgrasso> "Oh?" He sips his coffee again and waits for Gemma's response.
Gemma> Anyway, we should get going. Guys?
* John nods gruffly and lurches to his feet.
Chet> Ready whenever...
Gemma> Okay, so, Papi, I'll see you. Tell Mama I said hi.
* Ingrid sets her now-empty coffee cup on a side table.
mgrasso> "All right then. And Gemma? When you get home? I think we should talk." Gemma's dad half-glares at Gemma.
* Gemma picks up her backpack
Gemma> Uh-huh. Sure.
* Gemma nods dismissively
Gemma> Come *on,* guys.
* Gemma edges towards the door
Chet> Nice to meet you dude.
mgrasso> John is closest to the front door. He opens it.
* James Hops up
* Chet heads to the door.
Ingrid> Nice to meet you, Mr. Esquer.
* Ingrid heads out the front door.
* Gemma waits impatiently for everyone to step out
* John says, brusquely, "Nice to meet you."
mgrasso> Gemma's dad waves and smiles slightly as you all leave. "Have fun, Gemma."
* Chet walks out to the front porch and lights a cigarette.
Gemma> Claro que si, Papi.
* Gemma waits until the last person is out and fairly runs out the door, slamming the door behind her
Ingrid> !dice 3 4
* DiceWell Ingrid rolls 3d10 at difficulty 4. S/He gets 3 successes.
* DiceWell 10 9 9
* Gemma pulls her car keys out her pocket
Gemma> James? Ride with me?
Chet> !dice 7 6
* DiceWell Chet rolls 7d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 3 successes.
* DiceWell 6 9 6 7 1 1 7
James> sure thing babe
Ingrid> If anyone wants to ride with me I have room.
John> Me too.
* Chet appraoches the passenger door of Ingrid's car.
* Gemma pushes a button on her keychain and her VW beeps as its doors unlock
* Chet opens the door and gets in the passenger seat.
Ingrid> Otherwise, I'm right behind you, Gemma.
mgrasso> John, are you riding your hawg or are you riding with someone in a car?
James> (is it a vw beetle?)
Gemma> (nah, just a Jetta)
John> (I'm riding my hawg)
mgrasso> Fair enough, folks. Now, do people want to have conversations in the various cars?
mgrasso> I can create some rooms, if you wish.
John> (it's all the same to me, obviously)
Gemma> (will john talk to the flies before he eats them?)
mgrasso> (Sorry, John. :) )
James> (James wants to talk to Gemma)
mgrasso> Okay, then. I'll create some rooms.
John> (John is used to alone time :-))
Chet> Woohoo! Tijuana here we come!
mgrasso> #Gemmacar and #ingridcar
Gemma> (and leave this channel?)
mgrasso> You don't have to.
John> (Quickly, Robin--to the #Gemmamobile!)
mgrasso> Jess, do you think John's ever been to Nogales before?
John> (Yeah, probably, if only to pick up black market merchandise)
Chet> (Do we need passports?)
mgrasso> (lovely. :) )
mgrasso> Passports? I don't think so. Mellie?
Ingrid> I don't think you need them for Mexico.
mgrasso> I didn't think so either.
mgrasso> Heh, Jess, I feel bad.
John> (oh we got a great big convoy, truckin' through the night...we got a great big convoy, and we got Mellie in tights, convoyyyyy)
mgrasso> John needs some Harley chick with a halter top and big hair to hold onto him as they race down the highway. :)
John> Don't worry about it. I can keep myself occupied. :-)
John> You read my mind. :-)
mgrasso> Chet waves out the window at John.
John> ~o/A big ole biker mamma is what I need/o~
* John scowls at Chet.
mgrasso> No helmet, huh?
Ingrid> (Mike I read "big hair" above as "leg hair". :D)
mgrasso> Hey, that too, why not.
John> Nah, no helmet. Helmet's are for wusses. :-)
John> ACK! Helmets. Not Helmet's. That's what I get for not paying attention as I type....
John> ~o/"we've got a thing, they call, radar love...we've got a thing, they call...red-eye love..."/o~
John> ~o/"oh I'm mad about the boy..."/o~
John> ~o/"You spin me right 'round baby right 'round like a record baby right 'round baby"/o~
John> ~o/"Relax, don't do it, when you want to stick to it"/o~
Gemma> !dice 2 8
* DiceWell Gemma rolls 2d10 at difficulty 8. S/He fails the roll!
* DiceWell 6 5
mgrasso> When did the songs John's listening to become gay, exactly, Jess? ;-)
John> Why, whatever do you mean? ;-)
mgrasso> I'm not even going there, never mind.
John> Heh heh heh
mgrasso> Hey, John, give me a Wits +Drive roll, diff. 5
John> tell me again what the two numbers after !dice are
John> ?
John> oh, wait, I get it.
John> !dice 2 5
* DiceWell John rolls 2d10 at difficulty 5. S/He fails the roll!
* DiceWell 7 1
mgrasso> And now John, Perception + Alertness, diff. 6
John> (is alertness a skill?)
mgrasso> Talent, actually, but yes.
John> !dice 2 6
* DiceWell John rolls 2d10 at difficulty 6. S/He fails the roll!
* DiceWell 2 5
mgrasso> Poor John. Just driving along, totally oblivious.
John> dum dum dum...
mgrasso> One more Wits + Drive roll, diff. 6. Remember, you can spend willpower points for automatic successes.
John> !dice 2 6
* DiceWell John rolls 2d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 9 6
John> woohoo!
mgrasso> Hey, you don't get lost or separated from them.
mgrasso> Awesome. :)
John> Oh, good. :-)
Scene Two: Gemma's Car
*** Now talking in #Gemmacar
*** DiceWell (mg@h000094b622e2.ne.mediaone.net) has joined #Gemmacar
*** Gemma (deliciouslyhideous@pool-209-138-164-151-phnx.grid.net) has joined #Gemmacar
*** James (ioianthe@ac98331f.ipt.aol.com) has joined #Gemmacar
mgrasso> All right. Start that baby up.
James> why do you let him treat you like that?
* Gemma pulls out of the driveway and begins the hour's drive to Nogales, Sonora
Gemma> Like what?
* Gemma pulls some black cat-eyed sunglasses off of her sun visor and puts them on
James> like you're thirteen-
Gemma> Come on. He treats me like I'm at least sixteen. He lets me drive, doesn't he?
James> ha! but still...
Gemma> Well, it's his house. And he has some rigid ideas when it comes to me.
James> what, is he afraid you're going to run away and join the convent?
* Gemma grins a little
Gemma> I think he's more afraid I'll disrespect the family and move out.
James> yeah, fratenizing with no good scum of the earth like ingrid, I'd be worried too
* James smiles
* Gemma laughs
Gemma> Tell me, my dear, why *are* we fratenizing with her?
Gemma> I think she bathed today. And she obviously changed her clothes. What a skank.
James> I think It has something to do with this "circle" thing- what was that called again?
James> god- changed her clothes? how despicable.
Gemma> !dice 6 2
* DiceWell Gemma rolls 6d10 at difficulty 2. S/He gets 4 successes.
* DiceWell 2 2 10 8 9 1
Gemma> Absolutely horrible of her. She should conserve water and not do somuch bathing and laundry.
* Gemma glances over her shoulder to see if Ingrid is still back there
Gemma> So... what made you decide to come?
James> you.
mgrasso> Gemma, you've been driving safely and slowly so she can follow, right?
James> (It's arizona, it's all straight anyway)
Gemma> (Of course. Gemma drives like a nun... slow and using turn signals for every little thing)
Gemma> Was it the pathetic whining that did it, or something else about me?
James> To tell you the truth- I'm so intent on not losing the possibility of getting you (since as you said earlier that i don't have you yet) that I'd prettymuch walk to the ends of the earth for a blade of grass.
Gemma> Oh.
James> and now I feel stupid for telling you.
* James looks sheepish
* Gemma clears her throat
Gemma> I feel stupid for asking you. I don't know what I was expecting... What are you expecting?
James> expecting? how do you mean exactly?
Gemma> What do you want from me, just a passing relationship or are you talking something longer, or is it just, um, I have no clue?
James> honestly gemma, I am looking for the opportunity to form a relationship with you, a good one, a real one- and from there, who knows
* Gemma looks calm, almost detached, except for the fact that her grip on the steering wheel is so tight her knucles have turned white
Gemma> A relationship with me... I don't think you know what that entails. If you did, you'd be in Ingrid's car right now.
* Gemma smiles ruefully
James> then tell me?
Gemma> Or not even here.
Gemma> I will. In time.
James> well, will you tell me what you want, what you expect?
* Gemma sits back and sighs
Gemma> Just... to be. I guess.
James> to be?
Gemma> We should really mess with Ingrid's head while we have the chance.
* Gemma glances in the rear view mirror
James> you never answer me-
James> but never mind that
mgrasso> She's still there.
Gemma> Well, what do you expect?
James> what do you propose we do to Ingrid
Gemma> I don't know. I'd go down on you, but I'm driving.
James> switch seats?!
* Gemma laughs
* Gemma reaches over and grabs James' thigh
Gemma> You steer!
James> you know, some day I should talk to ingrids car and find out howmany guys she's laid in the back seat
* James grabs the wheel
Gemma> At least twelve. that woman's underwear has a revolving door.
James> ha!
* Gemma makes a big production of bending down to James' lap for Ingrid and Chet's benefit
mgrasso> (Good Lord, this pooka)
* James has tilted his head back and run his fingers through her hair- as dramatically as possible
James> :)
* Gemma giggles evilly
mgrasso> (I am SO mortified)
Gemma> That's it, hon. Play it up.
* James has been using his hand to gently keep Gemmas head a bit above his lap- so she doesn't notice any um... (oh hell I can't even type it!)
* Gemma sits up, wipes her mouth, then goes back down
mgrasso> Heh, see! It's horrible! Mellie, you get -23 experience points!
Gemma> (lmao! nay!)
James> hey Gem baby- teach me to say something spanish?
Gemma> In a second, dear...
* Gemma takes a quick sip from a bottle of water in the cup holder, sits up, rolls down her window, then spits the water out the window
Gemma> There. May they take that the wrong way for at least a second.
James> HA!
* Gemma takes control of the wheel again
* James laughs quite loudly
James> and ten kisses Gemma as fully as he can without blocking her view
mgrasso> Ingrid pulls up alongside you.
James> then, not ten
* James makes a big deal of "ziping up"
mgrasso> You see Chet applauding.
* Gemma laughs gleefully
* Gemma waves to Chet and mouths, "You're next."
* James makes the money hand jesture and then points to Gemma
Gemma> Actually, I'm next. Down, boy.
* Gemma puts her hand on the back of James' neck, as though she's going to push him down. But instead, she just rubs it a little.
mgrasso> Gemma, Chet mouths something back at you, Perception + Enigmas, diff. 7
Gemma> !dice 5 7
* DiceWell Gemma rolls 5d10 at difficulty 7. S/He gets 3 successes.
* DiceWell 7 9 6 10 5
mgrasso> Chet said, "I'll be waiting." :)
* Gemma just grins
* James puts his hand on Gemmas breats, half expecting to get slapped.
mgrasso> Okay, shall we get to Nogales now? Where are we going to stop, in town before we cross the border?
mgrasso> Ingrid pulls back in back of Gemma, following her.
Gemma> (Just at the border for customs, where fruit is questioned, then on to the house?)
mgrasso> Sounds good.
mgrasso> Jeez, what questions do they ask? Is it like the Canadian border?
* Gemma eyes James' hand on her breasts, then says, "chichis."
Gemma> (it sounds like "chee-cheese")
mgrasso> Can you go through pretty easily?
Gemma> Oh, yeah.
mgrasso> Ah, great.
James> (just on one, other hand is over her shoulder)
Gemma> "US Citizen?" "Yes." "Okay.
mgrasso> All right, Gemma and James, you go through the border crossing.
mgrasso> You're in Mexico.
James> I take it that is one of them there southern type slangs?
Gemma> Ah, Mexico lindo y hermoso.
Gemma> Oh, yes.
Gemma> Use it in good health, friend.
* James touches her breast a gain, and repeats "chichis" and then smiles broadly
Gemma> Spanish in five easy body parts.
* James leans in close
James> I can't wait to learn the next one
* Gemma touches James' lips. "Lavios." (it sounds like "LAbee-ohs"
James> and how would you says this?
* James kisses her breast quickly
* Gemma freezes for a moment, then gives a shaky little chuckle
Gemma> Er... beso.. heh.
James> lavios a la chichis?
Gemma> Ha! Sure.
* James pats her head, don't stress babe
* Gemma 's laugh is a little too loud, and even she winces
Gemma> I'm not stressing!
Gemma> Oh, no. And it's called a "beso." Kiss. Kiss... Right on those puppies.
mgrasso> Hey, Gemma, we're getting close to the house.
James> okay!
* James does it again
James> beso a la chichis
* Gemma squirms a little and awkwardly pats James
mgrasso> Hey, everyone back to #Changeling-Tucson.
James> you're stressing again
Gemma> That's nice of you, hon, but maybe we should wait until Ingrid can get some good pictures taken.
*** Gemma (deliciouslyhideous@pool-209-138-164-151-phnx.grid.net) has left #Gemmacar
*** James (ioianthe@ac98331f.ipt.aol.com) has left #Gemmacar Session Close: Thu Aug 03 23:07:52 2000
Scene Three: Ingrid's Car Session Start: Thu Aug 03 22:25:17 2000
*** Now talking in #ingridcar
*** Ingrid (jsober@1cust121.tnt1.belvidere.il.da.uu.net) has joined #ingridcar
*** Chet (spudboy@216-40-2-112.novia.net) has joined #ingridcar
*** DiceWell (mg@h000094b622e2.ne.mediaone.net) has joined #ingridcar
mgrasso> Let that Lexus rip. :)
Chet> All right. This is a pretty nice ride you've got here.
* Ingrid starts her up. enjoying the smooth purr of the engine.
mgrasso> (It's about an hour, hour-and-a-half to Nogales, btw)
Ingrid> Thanks. It fixed up nice after that accident, that's for sure.
Chet> What accident was that?
Ingrid> Oh, James and I slammed into each other head-on one time.
Ingrid> It's kind of a long story.
Chet> Sounds about like James to me...
Chet> Well we've got an hour and a half to kill, if you feel like telling it...
mgrasso> (By the way, Gemma's leading)
Ingrid> Pretty much.
* Ingrid laughs.
Chet> Say, does this thing have airbags?
* Ingrid follows closely behind Gemma, but not too closely.
* Chet buckles his seatbelt anyway...
Ingrid> Second-generation airbags, yes.
Chet> I hear those things can hurt you pretty bad. Never trust the government to tell you what's best for your safety.
Ingrid> Well, mine slammed me in the chest pretty hard, if I remember correctly. Took me a while to get over that.
Chet> Yeah...see.
Chet> Got any tunes in here?
Ingrid> I have some classical music. Cds are in a case under your seat.
Ingrid> (brb)
* Chet turns around and waves out the window at John.
Chet> I don't know about the new guy. He kind of freaks me out.
Ingrid> (back)
mgrasso> (Did Chet grab the case of CDs?)
* Chet flips idly through the CDs...
mgrasso> Ingrid, Wits + Drive, diff. 5
Ingrid> !dice 4 5
* DiceWell Ingrid rolls 4d10 at difficulty 5. S/He botches the roll.
* DiceWell 1 5 1 2
Ingrid> gah! WP
mgrasso> Okay!
mgrasso> You lose her for a while in traffic. Your next roll will be diff. 6.
Chet> The new troll isn't as good as our old one...
Ingrid> John? Yeah, he's an odd one, that's for sure.
Ingrid> I miss Jack.
Chet> The new troll's to uptight. He makes me nervous.
* Ingrid glances at Chet.
Ingrid> Nervous? How so?
Chet> He just... I don't know. I mean, Jack never broke into your house. DId he?
Chet> I never got shot at before...that's for sure.
mgrasso> (poor Chet)
* Chet rolls up his sleeve to poke at the faint scar again.
Ingrid> Yes, that was a weird couple of days.
mgrasso> Hey, Ingrid, Wits + Drive, diff. 6.
Ingrid> !dice 4 6
* DiceWell Ingrid rolls 4d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 8 6 4 5
mgrasso> Ah, much better. You're good for the rest of the trip.
Ingrid> oh good. :)
Chet> And, I mean, what's he doing with us? He doesn't particularly seem to *like* us.
Ingrid> I know. I wonder about that too. I think he may have a thing for Gemma.
* Ingrid laughs.
* Chet puts one of the CDs in the player and stows the rest under the seat.
* Chet chuckles.
Chet> Well, who doesn't?
Ingrid> Heh! Good point.
* Ingrid laughs again.
Chet> I mean, I've been around people who were in trouble before. Or who just plain *were* trouble. He doen't have to be so surly about it.
Ingrid> I think we got spoiled with Jack. He didn't have a surly bone in his big blue body.
Chet> Well this guy seems surly through and through...
Chet> Why was it that he said he broke into your place again?
mgrasso> (You guys are gonna make me cry!)
mgrasso> (You miss Jack so much!)
Ingrid> (aw!)
Ingrid> (it was just fun to watch Jack fall for all the chicks. :)
Chet> (Well he was someone big to stand behind when we encountered *other* surly folk :) )
Ingrid> Apparently he couldn't wait until a decent hour of the day to ask me some questions about why we were at the garage.
Chet> So, this guy goes from practically breaking your neck to pal-ing around with is... How did that happen again?
Ingrid> you know.... I'm not really sure.
Chet> Must've been Gemma.
Chet> REmind me to ask her what she did to this guy.
Chet> Or maybe I don't want to know...
Ingrid> That's what I was just thinking.
Chet> So what's the deal with these two up there... HOw'd you fall in with them?
Ingrid> I met them at the Freehold one night, and we ended up adventuring together. We were assigned to find a missing boy.
Chet> Assigned by who?
Ingrid> Rogelio, the Count.
Ingrid> (I hope that's right, I always forget his title)
mgrasso> Yup, that's right. He's a count and a baron.
Ingrid> Ah, no wonder. :)
Chet> So what's this "oathcircle" business all about?
Ingrid> After our first outing together we all pledged to defend each other. An oath of sorts.
Ingrid> So we called ourselves the oathcircle.
mgrasso> Ingrid, Perception + Drive, diff. 6. Chet, Perception + Alertness, diff. 5.
Chet> Ah///I've been doing some reading on the concept, but never was fully clear on what all it entailed.
Ingrid> !dice 4 6
* DiceWell Ingrid rolls 4d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 3 successes.
* DiceWell 9 8 6 4
Chet> !dice 4 5
* DiceWell Chet rolls 4d10 at difficulty 5. S/He gets 3 successes.
* DiceWell 5 10 3 9
Ingrid> It basically entails watching each other's backs, the way I see it.
mgrasso> You both notice that James has taken the wheel from the passenger seat and that Gemma's head appears to... be in James' lap.
Ingrid> What the...?
Chet> Wow...they just couldn't wait...
mgrasso> Her head is moving slowly up and down.
Chet> Don't that just beat all...
Ingrid> Huh.
Chet> Honk and wave...
* Ingrid laughs and says, "Go ahead if you want, but I'm not."
Chet> Pull up next to them.
Ingrid> If I can on this road, I will.
mgrasso> Yup, sure.
* Ingrid pulls up beside Gemma's car.
* Chet rolls down his window.
mgrasso> As you are attempting to pass, you see Gemma roll down her window and spit something out.
mgrasso> She's now driving, as you pull up to her.
mgrasso> What are you doing?
* Chet looks over and applauds slowly.
* Ingrid is watching the road, trying not to laugh.
mgrasso> You see Gemma and James both laughing animatedly.
mgrasso> Chet sees Gemma say something to him in the car. Perception + Enigmas, diff. 7
Chet> !dice 7 7
* DiceWell Chet rolls 7d10 at difficulty 7. S/He gets 3 successes.
* DiceWell 1 6 4 9 9 9 9
mgrasso> James makes a "costs money" hand gesture and points at Gemma.
* Chet turns his baseball cap around. "I'll be waiting".
Ingrid> What did she say?
* Chet settles back into the car.
Chet> She said that I was next.
Chet> And then you...
* Ingrid slows down and pulls back in behind Gemma.
Ingrid> I can wait.
* Ingrid smiles.
mgrasso> You follow I-19 to the Mexican border. Gemma and James go through first.
Chet> Is she always that frisky?
mgrasso> Ingrid rolls down her window for the border guard.
mgrasso> "U.S. citizens?"
Ingrid> When she gets something out of it, yes.
Ingrid> Yes, sir.
mgrasso> "Purpose and duration of visit?"
Ingrid> Shopping, and just for the day.
mgrasso> "All right, go on." He waves you through.
* Ingrid pulls out behind Gemma and James.
Chet> You should've told him that we were here to transport illegal wildlife back across the border.
Ingrid> Yeah, that's always a good idea.
Chet> I would've just liked to see the look on his face. "To be honest sir, we're out and about on nefarious black market business".
Ingrid> You know those signs they have at airports saying not to joke about bombs? I think border guards are like that too.
Chet> Eh, that guy looked like he was minimum wage. Could've probably used a laugh...I'm surprised Gemma didn't try it.
Ingrid> Knowing her she did.
Chet> Damn... I forgot.
Ingrid> Forgot?
Chet> I never did thank you guys properly for helping me out a couple of months back.
Chet> I got you a little gift to say thanks.
Ingrid> You didn't have to do that! It's what friends are for.
mgrasso> You guys drive about 15 miles south of Nogales, into Mexico.
Chet> Well, it wasn't any big deal. I just remembered that you were checking out that painting on the wall the first time you came over. I pulled it down and you can have it when we get back.
mgrasso> Back to #Changeling-Tucson.
mgrasso> John, we're at the border. The guard looks askance at you.
mgrasso> "U.S. citizen?"
* John sullenly nods. "Yes."
mgrasso> "Purpose and duration of visit?"
John> Pleasure.
mgrasso> "Duration?"
John> One week.
mgrasso> John, Charisma + Intimidation, diff. 5.
John> !dice 6 5
* DiceWell John rolls 6d10 at difficulty 5. S/He fails the roll!
* DiceWell 10 1 8 1 2 4
John> (oh good grief)
mgrasso> Spend WP?
John> (Yes--how do I do that?)
mgrasso> Just take one off your willpower pool.
mgrasso> You regain them after a good night's rest.
John> (okay, done--now what? roll again?)
mgrasso> Nope. It gives you one automatic success.
John> (oh, okay, cool)
mgrasso> So, with WP, you can avoid botches and increase your level of success.
John> Gotcha.
mgrasso> Well, you manage to avoid the border guard pulling you over with your coolness under pressure. But just barely. You've dealt with enough cops and authority figures to know he was just ACHING to do it.
* John thinks to himself, "It's too early in the day to start beating up cops."
mgrasso> (*snort*)
mgrasso> Everyone back?
Gemma> (yeah)
James> brb- I have to go fetch a snack
John> brb
mgrasso> Mmm, snacks. Take a snack break all!
Chet> (yep)
mgrasso> I wish I had snacks.
Ingrid> okay, here.
Ingrid> mmmmm, snax.
mgrasso> Just everyone let me know when they're back.
mgrasso> I need a drink of water, myself.
Gemma> (nacl)
Chet> (back)
Ingrid> present.
John> back
James> back
mgrasso> Awesome!
Scene Four: The House of Livia
mgrasso> You've driven about 15 or 20 miles south of Nogales.
mgrasso> The land out here is all desert scrubland, with the road occasionally presenting exits onto one-lane highway-type streets.
mgrasso> From a great distance, you can very obviously see that Gemma is directing you all towards a rather large house.
mgrasso> (Here comes a big paste, so be ready)
mgrasso> You pull into a large cul-de-sac and view this large house.
mgrasso> As you drive up the circular driveway, you see a huge, ugly mansion. Its main construction is of light gray rough-edged masonry with a dark gray slate roof. The windows have white shutters, and on the second floor they also have wrought iron flower boxes -- but the only thing in the grate-like boxes is peat moss. All the windows have wrought iron bars that look more functional than ornate despite their "decorative" arrow tips.
mgrasso> The front door also has a wrought iron door with a black metal screen mounted behind the bars. You can't see past this screen to see if the front door is open or not. The sad attempt at a grassy lawn is more yellow than green. The semi-circle front steps have rose bushes growing in sad little tufts on either side. Their blooms are few, and the ones that are there are pathetically small.
mgrasso> Gemma pulls in, then Ingrid, and finally John rumbles to a halt.
* Chet gets out of the car and stretches.
* Gemma gets out of the car and yawns
James> ugh- which b movie is this from?
* Ingrid gets out and stretches too.
Chet> Welcome to the Addams Family mansion.
Ingrid> Neat.
James> oh, that'd be the one.
* Ingrid snaps twice.
Gemma> I always liked the Addams Family.
mgrasso> Chet, James, Perception + Crafts, diff. 5
Chet> !dice 8 5
* DiceWell Chet rolls 8d10 at difficulty 5. S/He gets 5 successes.
* DiceWell 10 4 6 6 4 9 2 9
James> !dice 4 5
* DiceWell James rolls 4d10 at difficulty 5. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 1 8 3 8
* Gemma mumbles something
* John slings his long bag over his shoulder as he gets off his bike.
* Chet steps back a little and shivers a little, rubbing his arms reflexively.
* James wishes he had the foresight to bring something to eat
Gemma> I just love this house. The people. The memories.
mgrasso> The front iron door swings open, and a pale girl wearing a sweatshirt and boxer shorts comes to the door. She has short black hair, wears funky alterna-glasses, and walks out, uncertain of who you are. "Are you Gemma?" the woman says in a bland, mid-American accent. She squints in the sun.
* Gemma nods. "I am. Who are you?"
mgrasso> "I'm Katrina."
Gemma> Ah. So you're her.
Gemma> Well, Katrina.. These are my associates. John, Chet, Ingrid, and James.
mgrasso> "Yes, won't you come in?" She looks especially at John, nodding vaguely at Gemma and John.
* Chet lingers at the back of the pack, visibly uncomfortable.
Gemma> Who's here, Katrina?
* James mutters something
* Gemma walks towards the entrance
mgrasso> Katrina says, "Everyone is. We haven't left since Livia went missing."
* Chet sidles up next to James.
* John unzips a side pocket on his bag and pulls out a long wrench as he walks. He tucks it into his back pocket.
* Gemma turns to face the gang. "Come on, guys. Inside. Now."
* Chet talks softly with James.
mgrasso> Everyone very gently edges through the doorway to avoid contact with the wrought iron.
* Ingrid moves closer to James and Chet, trying to hear.
* Gemma fairly swaggers in the door
mgrasso> Here's the entrance.
mgrasso> The foyer is a small room with four little alcoves (two on each side). Each alcove has a thick velvet curtain for a door. The curtains are all a different color: dark purple, royal blue, jet black, and baby pink. If there's some kind of color scheme at work, its effect is lost on you.
mgrasso> The curtains are all pushed to the side, giving you a glimpse into the alcoves. Their walls sponge painted in a pale gold and cream color. All have the same basic love seats upholstered in a velvet to match its alcove's curtain, a delicate cherrywood side table with a grouping of white round candles on little Romanesque pillars, and an elaborately framed print. The prints range from an ample-bottomed Renaissance nude in the pink alcove to a Salvador Dali print in the black alcove.
mgrasso> The Dali print is of peasants, but when you look at it a certain way, the peasants give form to a nude woman. Straight ahead and to the left is the back of a staircase, and to the right of it is a hallway.
* Gemma takes a good look around
* Ingrid looks around as well.
mgrasso> Katrina says, "We were just going through Mistress' books and journals, to see if there were any clues there."
* John tries to look up to the top of the staircase.
Ingrid> !dice 5 5
* DiceWell Ingrid rolls 5d10 at difficulty 5. S/He gets 4 successes.
* DiceWell 8 8 3 10 7
mgrasso> John: there are a couple of young women in negligees up there, looking down at you.
Gemma> See anything you like, John?
* John flushes at Gemma's words.
John> Uh...no...
Chet> What are we doing here again?
Gemma> Reassuring these chicas that nothing's wrong.
* Gemma gives Katrina a cold look
Gemma> You know she can leave without telling you, don't you?
James> who are the chicas? who is the Mistress?
James> but if she can leave with out telling anyone it must be none of my buisness
Chet> !dice 8 6
* DiceWell Chet rolls 8d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 3 5 4 8 3 4 5 2
Gemma> Later, James.
* Gemma whispers something to Katrina.
Chet> (I'm waiting for the Torgo theme music)
mgrasso> Katrina says, "I'm telling you, Gemma, it was the middle of the night. She doesn't just leave like that."
mgrasso> Katrina shakes her head no.
* Gemma takes a step back and sighs
Gemma> All right, nina... So she wouldn't leave. What did you find? Anything useful?
mgrasso> "Well, none of us know how to use the computer, so we couldn't tell anything with that. Her books are mostly just lists of payments and bills... " Katrina trails off.
Gemma> James?
Chet> Does she have a computer?
Gemma> Think you could...?
James> Computer? did some body say computer?
James> !
Gemma> James will help out, Katrina. Just show us the way to the computer.
mgrasso> "All right. They're in Mistress' office."
James> they're?! this could be good!
mgrasso> You walk through a sitting room done in very much the same decadent style as the foyer, and proceed to a closed locked wooden door.
mgrasso> Katrina takes out a big old-fashioned key and opens the lock on the door.
* Ingrid murmurs to Chet, "I keep waiting for the evil laughter..."
* James laughs evily in a booming voice
James> better?
* Gemma looks over to Ingrid.
Gemma> Why don't you go explore a bit?
* John glares at James. "Don't do that."
Gemma> I'm sure your nosey little self will find something.
Scene Five: Livia's Office
mgrasso> This office is done as a tasteful home-office. In this room, however, is a chaotic mess of wiring and computer equipment: a monitor and CPU on the large desk, and in the corner, a large rack containing what appears to be server hardware.
mgrasso> Wires sprout out of the server box and into the ceiling.
* James rubbs his palms together
Ingrid> I think James and his evil laugh will find plenty to keep themselves occupied here. Katrina, Mind if we look around?
mgrasso> Also on the desk are a mess of ledgers, notebooks, and various scraps of paper.
* James cracks his knuckles
mgrasso> Katrina says, "I can take you upstairs. Gemma, will you join us or stay here?"
* Gemma eyes James
Gemma> I'll join.
Ingrid> I'd like to see her room, if I could.
John> I'll...uh...go with you two.
mgrasso> Katrina says, "Very well, I'll take you there."
James> nobody wants to see the evil genius at work?
Chet> I'll stick around for a bit...
Gemma> There's a greater evil to enjoy upstairs, James.
Ingrid> I haver total faith in your ability to crack her computer without an audience, James.
Chet> And just what is upstairs?
mgrasso> If you're going to Livia's room, please enter #liviaroom and leave this room.
Gemma> Oh.. stuff.
*** Gemma (deliciouslyhideous@pool-209-138-164-151-phnx.grid.net) has left #Changeling-Tucson
John> #liviaroom
John> enter #liviaroom
mgrasso> "/join #liviaroom"
* Chet starts fishing around in his bag.
mgrasso> And leave this room, please.
*** Ingrid (jsober@1cust121.tnt1.belvidere.il.da.uu.net) has left #Changeling-Tucson
*** John was kicked by mgrasso
* Chet pulls out another sandwich.
mgrasso> All right. First things first, James. How about a "getting-to-know-you" roll for this computer, to get used to what's on it? Int + Computer, diff. 4.
Chet> Want half, dude?
James> do you even need to ask?
James> !dice 7 4
* DiceWell James rolls 7d10 at difficulty 4. S/He gets 4 successes.
* DiceWell 10 7 6 8 3 2 3
* Chet tears off half of the pbj, banana, and chocolate chip sandwich and hands it to James.
mgrasso> All right. This computer is running on Linux and seems to be tied right into the main server box in the corner.
* James takes a bite- sweet... chocolate chips
* Chet , while he's eating starts poking around in the paperwork on the desk - seeing if he can make any sense out of any of it.
mgrasso> Now, for the search for some info... Wits + Computers, diff. 6.
Chet> What are we supposed to be looking for, again?
James> just about to ask you the same thing man
mgrasso> Enemies, mainly. Chet: Wits + Enigmas, diff. 8
Chet> !dice 5 8
* DiceWell Chet rolls 5d10 at difficulty 8. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 2 9 1 3 9
James> !dice 9 6
* DiceWell James rolls 9d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 5 5 1 7 7 2 4 8 5
Chet> wp
James> (gah?)
mgrasso> James: you discover that this computer appears to be the home of quite a few multimedia files. Mostly video.
James> uh oh-
Chet> What?
mgrasso> There are three 30 gig hard drives on this machine, and one of them is full to the limit with movie files.
James> I think this thing might be loaded up with porn...
Chet> Cool...let's load it up.
* James opens one of the files
* Chet kicks back with his sandwich to enjoy the show.
mgrasso> James opens a random video file, and on it, a woman clad in nothing but a leather mask and stockings is flogging an overweight, older man, strapped to a bed on his back. He's bleeding pretty badly.
Chet> Hope it's not anyone we know...
Chet> Ugh...this isn't my scene, dude.
James> and Gemma has "fond memories" of this place
mgrasso> The video's fairly grainy. James: Intelligence + Computer, diff. 6.
Chet> Who's the chick?
mgrasso> Again, she's wearing a mask. She appears to have long red hair, though.
James> !dice 7 6
* DiceWell James rolls 7d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 8 5 9 8 2 1 5
Chet> You know anyone with long red hair?
mgrasso> James: it's your hunch that these files were taken using videocameras in the house, because you found about five or six video drivers on the system when you checked it out.
James> dunno, it's not my sceen either- not the fat guy, not the blood...
James> I think this is some kind of hore house or something though... with hidden vids
Chet> Scary...
Chet> I knew I didn't like this place.
Chet> Are all the videos this....brutal?
James> only one way to find out- there are too many to check all of them, pick one
* Chet points to one...
* James opens the file
mgrasso> On this one, two pale, leather clad women are... well, they're getting to know each other well. This one has a caption in the corner "Katrina and Judith: Live Show 05/09/00."
James> I think Gemma and I are going to have to have a talk...
Chet> Who are these people? The people living in this house, I mean?
Chet> Dude, look. Here's some credit card stubs.
* Chet shows the stubs to James.
Chet> All the same amount - $19.95
Chet> All for "ECC Enterprises". Anything like that anywhere on this computer?
mgrasso> The stubs are made out to "ECC Enterprises." They look like payments.
James> do you think thats for monthly acces to the web page?
mgrasso> James: you haven't looked yet for a web server. Want to?
Chet> That's what I was thinking.
James> yeah
Chet> Try typing www.freakyhauntedwhorehouse.com
James> lol... I'd be willing to bet good money that if I typed that in *something* would come up
mgrasso> Okay, very easily, you find that there is indeed a web server on the box in the corner. You bring up the homepage and it is "mistresslivia.com."
mgrasso> Cursorily reading the web site material, you see that it describes a "fantasy house" where a ruthless "mistress" lives with her five or six "slaves" and performs S&M acts on customers... all live on the web!
*** Gemma (deliciouslyhideous@pool-207-205-178-131.phnx.grid.net) has joined #Changeling-Tucson
mgrasso> Hey you!
mgrasso> Over to #liviaroom
*** Gemma (deliciouslyhideous@pool-207-205-178-131.phnx.grid.net) has left #Changeling-Tucson
mgrasso> Heh.
Chet> Who is this Livia chick?
James> apparently the one were looking for
James> I really think Gemma and I need to talk... nun indeed.
Chet> Hmmm...So a chick that beats on dudes for money. Yet Gemma can't think of *any* enemies she might've made in this line of work, huh?
James> furking shit.
Chet> Can we see into any of the rooms from here, right now
Chet> I mean, are the video hook-ups working now?
mgrasso> Live feeds? Yeah, sure, James can patch into them.
James> dirty bastard- I'll try to acces livias room, where they are all at
James> is there a hook up for that one?
mgrasso> Yes sir.
mgrasso> Both of you, Perception + Empathy, diff. 5
Chet> Can't you just turn them all on?
Chet> !dice 7 5
* DiceWell Chet rolls 7d10 at difficulty 5. S/He gets 5 successes.
* DiceWell 7 4 3 8 8 8 9
James> !dice 6 5
* DiceWell James rolls 6d10 at difficulty 5. S/He gets 4 successes.
* DiceWell 10 5 9 3 2 6
James> (we rock)
Chet> (hehe)
mgrasso> Very well. You see Gemma pacing around Katrina, seemingly interrogating her. Katrina looks frightened beyond belief.
mgrasso> Gemma is very obviously browbeating her.
James> no eye poking out or any thing though?
Chet> What is she doing? Dude, is there audio on this thing?
James> (is there)
mgrasso> (Yes, there is. James turns it on.)
mgrasso> "*muffled* full truth from now on. I don't want to have to tear details from you like that again." Gemma says.
mgrasso> "Yes ma'am," Katrina replies.
Chet> What the f....
mgrasso> * Ingrid suddenly looks at the ceiling.
mgrasso> Ingrid> What's above this room?
James> say it man, say it- F-uck, F- uck
* Chet smiles a little...
Chet> Can we turn on the rest of the cameras too? Check out the rest of the house all at once?
mgrasso> Gemma> Answer her, Katrina.
mgrasso> * Ingrid walks closer to examine the woodwork.
mgrasso> mgrasso> "Those are the cameras. The live video feed." Katrina says.
mgrasso> Ingrid> Are we being filmed?
mgrasso> Ingrid walks closer to the camera.
James> wanna see what the chickies in the negligees were up to?
Chet> Well, this house still gives me the creeps. I'd like to know if there's anyone else in this house we're going to have to deal with.
James> oh shit ingrid don't turn it off don't turn it off
Chet> I wonder if she even can...
James> i bet there is a way, no one would stay here long if there was no such thing as privacy- ,
mgrasso> Ingrid> Do they tape somewhere?
mgrasso> mgrasso> John and Ingrid can clearly see a videocamera's lens sticking unobtrustively out of the woodwork.
mgrasso> Ingrid> Meaning, was this taping the night Livia disappeared, and has anyone looked at the tape?
mgrasso> mgrasso> "Yes, ma'am. None of us knew how to get the file off the computer."
James> ah ha!
James> lets see if we can find that bad boy
Chet> What night did she disappear? Was it that night we were at Gemma's?
mgrasso> Ingrid> Oho. Chet and James ought to be enjoying themselves right about now, I imagine.
James> I think so
mgrasso> Gemma> I better make sure they aren't ... distracted.
mgrasso> * Ingrid smirks.
mgrasso> Gemma> Katrina!
mgrasso> Gemma> Take them whereever they want to go.
mgrasso> mgrasso> "Yes Mistress?"
mgrasso> Ingrid> I think I've seen everything I need to.
mgrasso> mgrasso> "Yes Mistress."
Chet> Can you find the feed from Livia's room on that date?
James> let's give it a shot.
mgrasso> Gemma> I'm going downstairs.
mgrasso> * Gemma leaves the room
mgrasso> * Ingrid waves at the camera, in case James and Chet are watching.
Scene Six: Livia's Bedroom
*** Now talking in #liviaroom
*** Gemma (deliciouslyhideous@pool-209-138-164-151-phnx.grid.net) has joined #liviaroom
*** DiceWell (mg@h000094b622e2.ne.mediaone.net) has joined #liviaroom
*** John (jjnevins@user-33qs01j.dialup.mindspring.com) has joined #liviaroom
*** Ingrid (jsober@1cust121.tnt1.belvidere.il.da.uu.net) has joined #liviaroom
mgrasso> (Sorry, Jess, I kicked you) :D
John> sallright :-)
mgrasso> All right. You walk up the staircase and make it to one of the rooms in the back of the house.
mgrasso> The room is dark, barely lit by a black-shaded silver floor lamp by the door. The walls are painted gun metal gray. There are only two windows and both are to your left and covered with heavy black vinyl light proofing. Near the windows on your left is a long, low, sturdy black table. Four-point restraints dangle from its sides. To the right, there is a long black metal chest of drawers. On top of it are two stacks of neatly folded cloths.
mgrasso> Their bright jewel tones are the only hints of color besides gray and black in the room. Next to those is a scattered mess of ropes, chains, and metal clips of various sizes. But the dominate feature in the room is its floor-to-ceiling pillar.
mgrasso> Round and black, its shiny surface is marred by long scratches at odd intervals. The scratches wrap around the pole. High on the pole (about 7' off of the ground) at regular intervals are ornate chrome hooks and loops. At the very top at either side of the pole are pulleys. A long chain hangs from one of the hooks.
Ingrid> Step into my parlor, said the spider to the fly...
* Gemma has an odd little smirk
Ingrid> Gemma, your friends are something else.
mgrasso> Katrina says, "She had a guest on... Friday night. That's the last person she saw before she disappeared."
Ingrid> Did you know her guest?
* Gemma walks up to the poll and grazes it with her finger tips
* John looks distinctly uncomfortable.
Gemma> Hey, John... did you bring that gift I gave you?
mgrasso> Katrina seems to shift from foot to foot. "He was a regular."
John> (gift?)
Ingrid> Has anyone talked to him since she disappeared?
Gemma> (check your msg)
mgrasso> Katrina says, "That's part of why we were looking through Mistress' books. To find her appointment book."
* John flushes at Gemma's question.
Ingrid> You don't know how to contact him?
mgrasso> "We don't contact clients. They contact us."
* Gemma sits on the table and bounces around a bit. "Is this new?"
Ingrid> You mean you don't have... um... emergency numbers?
* Ingrid looks pointedly at some of the deadlier-looking devices.
* Gemma goes over to the chest of drawers, pulls one open, and rummages around
Gemma> So how regular was this regular, Katrina?
Gemma> Once a month? More? Was he ever a show participant?
Ingrid> !dice 5 6
* DiceWell Ingrid rolls 5d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 3 successes.
* DiceWell 3 6 7 3 7
* Gemma pulls out a metal-spiked leather paddle.
Gemma> Hey, this is new.
mgrasso> "He was one of Mistress' best clients. He came by more than once a month, and no, never on the show."
* Gemma carelessly drops the paddle and goes over to Katrina.
Gemma> Was he always in here?
* Ingrid wanders over to the open window.
mgrasso> Ingrid checks out the window and sees that part of the screen is ripped. There appears to be dried blood there.
Ingrid> Um, guys? Check this out.
Gemma> What?
* Gemma goes to look
Ingrid> Look at this screen. Blood.
Gemma> Oh.
* Gemma pales
* John looks closely at the screen. Is it dry blood? Can I tell how old it is?
Gemma> Katrina, did you see that pissant leave? Or did you just assume he left as he should have?
Ingrid> Somehow I don't think Livia left here voluntarily.
mgrasso> John: it's dried, probably more than 3 or 4 days.
mgrasso> "He left normally on Friday night. I was... well, I assisted Mistress in that session."
John> What...what did this guy like?
* Ingrid wanders around the room, pausing to pick up some handcuffs.
* Gemma slowly circles Katrina. Her posture is ram-rod straight, her hands clasped behind her back. "You assisted? Obviously not well. Look at the mess. Did you leave Mistress alone for some reason?"
mgrasso> Gemma: Charisma + Intimidation, diff. 4
Gemma> !dice 5 4
* DiceWell Gemma rolls 5d10 at difficulty 4. S/He gets 5 successes.
* DiceWell 8 10 4 4 4
mgrasso> Holy shit.
mgrasso> Katrina is completely and totally... well, submissive. :)
Gemma> Well? Answer me!
* Gemma glares at Katrina
* Ingrid raises an eyebrow at Gemma.
mgrasso> "I did not, Mistr.... I mean, Gemma. I came in halfway through, and spent about a half-hour with Mistress and the client."
Ingrid> !dice 5 8
* DiceWell Ingrid rolls 5d10 at difficulty 8. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 8 7 8 3 4
* Gemma snaps, "See that you give the full truth from now on. I don't want to have to tear details from you like that again."
mgrasso> "Yes, ma'am."
* Ingrid suddenly looks at the ceiling.
Ingrid> What's above this room?
Gemma> Answer her, Katrina.
* Ingrid walks closer to examine the woodwork.
mgrasso> "Those are the cameras. The live video feed."
Ingrid> Are we being filmed?
* John tries to look at what Ingrid's looking at.
Ingrid> Do they tape somewhere?
mgrasso> John and Ingrid can clearly see a videocamera's lens sticking unobtrustively out of the woodwork.
Ingrid> Meaning, was this taping the night Livia disappeared, and has anyone looked at the tape?
mgrasso> "Yes, ma'am. None of us knew how to get the file off the computer."
Ingrid> Oho. Chet and James ought to be enjoying themselves right about now, I imagine.
Gemma> I better make sure they aren't ... distracted.
* Ingrid smirks.
Gemma> Katrina!
Gemma> Take them whereever they want to go.
mgrasso> "Yes Mistress?"
Ingrid> I think I've seen everything I need to.
mgrasso> "Yes Mistress."
Gemma> I'm going downstairs.
* Gemma leaves the room
* Ingrid waves at the camera, in case James and Chet are watching.
*** Gemma (deliciouslyhideous@pool-207-205-178-131.phnx.grid.net) has left #liviaroom
mgrasso> Ingrid and John are left with a cowed and compliant Katrina.
* Ingrid chuckles after Gemma as she leaves the room.
Ingrid> Well Katrina, is there anything else up here you think we should se?
mgrasso> "No, ma'am."
mgrasso> guys, go back to #changeling-tucson
Ingrid> John, anything you'd like to take a closer look at?
mgrasso> I want everyone there for the grand video unveiling.
Ingrid> okay.
* Ingrid heads back downstairs.
*** Ingrid (jsober@1cust121.tnt1.belvidere.il.da.uu.net) has left #liviaroom
*** John has quit IRC (Quit: Leaving) Session Close: Fri Aug 04 00:05:10 2000
Scene Seven: Back in Livia's Office
*** Gemma (deliciouslyhideous@pool-207-205-178-131.phnx.grid.net) has joined #Changeling-Tucson
* Gemma saunters in
Gemma> Gentlemen...
mgrasso> James: Wits + Computer, diff. 7
Chet> Yes?
Gemma> How are things?
Chet> Good
Gemma> I need a video file.
Chet> We're looking...
James> !dice 9 7
* DiceWell James rolls 9d10 at difficulty 7. S/He gets 4 successes.
* DiceWell 5 9 9 5 6 7 2 8 3
Gemma> Are you, now?
mgrasso> James, you got it.
* Gemma peers over James' shoulder
Chet> Yes. And from the look on his face, he just found it.
*** John (jjnevins@user-33qs01j.dialup.mindspring.com) has joined #Changeling-Tucson
James> yeah- we thought it would be a good idea, what with all the smut, to see if there were any pictures of the night of the dissapearance
mgrasso> John and Ingrid come back in the room with Katrina.
*** Ingrid (jsober@1cust121.tnt1.belvidere.il.da.uu.net) has joined #Changeling-Tucson
Gemma> Good. Good.
James> so Gemma, tell me about you, and this place, it sounds like you go way back.
*** mgrasso sets mode: +o Gemma
*** mgrasso sets mode: +o Ingrid
*** mgrasso sets mode: +o John
Gemma> Later, James.
mgrasso> The file is marked from July 14, Friday night.
mgrasso> The time, 1:34 am.
Chet> So this woman that's missing... She used to kick the holy hell out of guys for money, but you can't think of any "enemies" she might have?
John> (Mike, how much longer do you think we'll be? I'm beginning to fade, and I have to work tomorrow morning...)
Gemma> They paid for it. Men will pay for anything.
mgrasso> Livia is making her bed with fresh linen. It's the first time you've seen Livia, so I should describe her. She has curly brown hair, looks to be about 30 or 35, and has hairy goat legs that take her around the room at breakneck speeds as she "cleans up" after a session.
mgrasso> The window is open, you can tell by the curtain waving in the wind.
mgrasso> And through that window, a lumpy black round object is thrown. When it hits the floor, you see a flash of light and Livia crumples to the ground.
Ingrid> What was *that*?
mgrasso> Two men in ski masks climb through the window. They are each equipped with Uzi submachine guns.
James> nope- that woman had no enemies.
* Gemma makes a strange little noise
mgrasso> One of them easily drapes Livia over his shoulder. The other covers the exit with his SMG as the ski masked man descends out the window.
Chet> None at all...
mgrasso> And that's it. For the rest of the file (you fast-forward) nothing is seen until about 10:54 the next morning, when Katrina enters the room and sees the window open and Livia gone and panics.
mgrasso> (Jess, we're done)
John> (thanks!)
Chet> It could be worse - at least we're not looking for someone who's been kidnapped by well-trained terrorists weilding high powered automatic weapons...oh wait, we *are*.
mgrasso> (We'll leave it, and the bitter recriminations, for next Thursday)
John> Good game tonight--see you next week or before, i hope!
mgrasso> *snort*
John> g'night!
*** John (jjnevins@user-33qs01j.dialup.mindspring.com) has left #Changeling-Tucson
James> atleast she's not a kid
mgrasso> Later, Jess!
Gemma> Night Jess! ::smoo::
Ingrid> heh!
James> night
Chet> (great game Mike!)
*** Ingrid is now known as Julia
mgrasso> Well, this is going to be REALLY interesting.
*** Chet is now known as Joe
*** Gemma is now known as Erica
Julia> Oh, totally. :)
*** James is now known as Mandy
mgrasso> Heh heh heh.
Joe> I freakin' hope that this house of ill-repute has a well stocked pile of armaments...
mgrasso> A little "From Dusk till Dawn" action? :)
Julia> Gah, I must be tired. I read that as "attachments"
Mandy> ha
Erica> Hey, that house has the best repute of any I know.
Julia> ouch. :D
mgrasso> That was fun, guys. Sorry I almost overslept. :)
Julia> It was fun!
Joe> That's quite OK... It was a *blast*.
mgrasso> The RP next week should be VERY interesting.
Julia> And if you're dreaming up creepy shit like this, no problem. :)
Joe> I want a sub-machine gun, too...
Mandy> very fun. James is going to have to learn some deep breathing exercises
mgrasso> Thanks to Mellie for writing such awesome descriptions of Castle Anthrax... er, I mean, Mistress Livia's!
Julia> Ah, Erica's dreaming the creepy shit! I should have known. :D
Joe> Is Livia tHe mIsTrEsS...?
Erica> James is going to have to learn the art of knot-tying.
mgrasso> Oh my lorrrrrrrrd.
mgrasso> Well, off to bed, all. I have work tomorrow, and more importantly, a birthday session of Vampire: Dark Ages!