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 Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2012 2:10 pm
Then where the heck has he...Jan?
The sudden interest Jan took to Okra was now beginning to unsettle Nines rather thoroughly. He took a step towards the butler, reaching his hand out to the man's shoulder.
Jan? It's cool, man. We can leave the case be.
Nines couldn't keep the worry out of his voice as he spoke; the man was fiddling with something far too unsettling for him to be anything less than edgy.
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Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2012 2:14 pm
"There is very little we involved sir."
Idly turning his head to look at Nines' hand on his shoulder, Jan then raised his gaze to meet Nine's dead on.
"It is merely a weapon, sir, and one of many I am tasked with maintaining. However... if you have fear of it as opposed to what I took for interest, may I suggest acquiring a second .45 and adjourning? I will accompany you if you wish."
For now, his hand did not fall from the key in the case, and the scythe... well it remained quiet. Solid, normal, not even trying to tug at Nine's mind. No whisper, no glow, no pull, nothing. Just a shaped piece of metal.
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Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2012 2:20 pm
...A weapon that...nevermind. Just...nevermind. You were saying about Japan?
Nines pointedly backed away, trying to mask his apprehension with acquiescence. A second firearm was in order, and he began prowling about looking for a firearm with an ambidextrous magazine release and safety to suit his needs. Of course, Jan was no fool. He would know Nines was trying to avoid looking like an idiot himself, but was failing rather dramatically.
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Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2012 2:28 pm
"Oh, sir is of course aware it is somewhat peculiar, I'm sure, but nevertheless... a weapon. Just as anyone with a sharp blade or gun may be. Inert objects do not kill people, people kill people. I believe the saying is something thus?
Okra is just a concentrated dose of the adage, as is Isoda, Ferago and Damaris. Perhaps the day we house one of Coyote's teeth, I will change my outlook."
Jan took the key from the lock and considered Nine's question.
"Japan... yes. The weapon is supposed to have originally been housed in a shrine on the site where O-Kuni-Nushu was bound by a great warrior into a spear. The spear became a scythe, and the binding site sank lower than the rest of the forest until it was lost.
Not for long however. It was disturbed sometime during the many conflicts to become Shogun Japan went through, and made its way back into the greater world on 16th century Portugese ships. It returned to Japan in during the Second World War, we believe, though it may have been in China for some of this time.
Regardless, it was finally acquired from a Yakuza crime lord for the safety of all concerned."
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Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2012 2:37 pm
I dunno, Jan. I don't know if I would call something that can talk with a will its own inert.
Settling on a handgun for his own selection, Nines began the routine of inspecting the potential new weapon and identifying its features and workings. He did so with a professional's touch, popping the slide and disassembling the weapon and laying its components lightly down as he investigated the firearm. It was a comforting displacement activity.
So taken to Europe, then returned to Japan, and taken from a crime lord. That's a well traveled piece of steel, regardless of anomalies. I take it she actually visited Japan to do so? Better question...I've been told this thing actively rejects people if they aren't...well, connected to it. Is that the case? And if so, how'd she get her mitts on it?
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Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2012 2:50 pm
"The steel cannot move without a weilder, the Daemon cannot talk without a suitable partner, and none save those of the right blood will hear its voice."
Jan shrugged, then smiled as Nines continued.
"The Lady has spent quite some time in Japan, in fact. It is an interesting place for Kindred, if unhealthy. The Keui-jin hold sway there, and are not as Kindred are. Many are extremely deadly, and take poorly to Cainite presence. I believe her Ladyship considers trips there to be working holidays.
The Yakuza in question was an affiliate of the Keui-jin, and it would hardly do for the enemy to retain such a potentially dangerous weapon. It is true the blade will not allow for any not of its choosing to handle it, but her Ladyship bears a brother blade. Though it was not easy, it was possible to retrieve the item and bring it here. For myself, I use extremely thick gloves and cushioning to hold the item when it is due to be cleaned. Though it is unlikely it would bite me unless I tried to actually USE it, I do not like to take unnecessary chances."
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Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2012 2:58 pm
That's hardly reassuring.
What Nines was referring to, he did not say. Truth be told, he was growing more and more wary of turning the conversation in the direction he wanted to, if only because Jan had already shoved his queries aside once.
So if this weapon is so remarkably dangerous, why is it the upper ranks will pick random strangers up off the streets with only a modest background check to try and pick out someone to hold it? I'm sure you've noted, but I'm not exactly the best or most stable candidate for this job, even before the bullshit that landed me here happened. Wouldn't handing a weapon like that to someone be a potentially catastrophic risk, or is it not nearly so dangerous as you're making it sound?
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Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2012 3:04 pm
"Very astute sir!"
Chuckling, Jan shook his head, amused and pleased at how perceptive Nines was turning out to be.
"It's dangerous. But it will take some time to master. The higher echelons of our fair society have had plenty of time to study a control sample with regards to these weapons - her Ladyship.
It is not beyond their view of time to find allowing weilders to take up such weapons acceptable, knowing that the partnership may be severed within the first one or two hundred years if needed.
Now, that's not to say anyone weilding one of these is weak in that time, simply that their potential is unlikely to surpass that of a ranking Syndicate member prior to that point.
Her Ladyship quietly holds other views, of course. Views not shared with Lord Deciet. Truthfully? Sir will only know if he tries..."
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Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2012 3:13 pm
Jan, I appreciate the editorial and faith in my abilities, but I'm not wanting to draw myself into a fight spanning across multiple lifespans when I still have the first on with so much left unfulfilled. I've tried to explain this but it seems to get lost in translation every time.
Nines spoke as he began reassembling the handgun, satisfied that he understood the device well enough to maintain it and clean it properly.
I appreciate that people need to find their own reasons, certainly. I'm young, rash, and likely very near sighted, but I'm no rank imbecile. I'm simply trying to understand why people are telling me to take the cause I do have and jettison it without having found any kind of replacement for it. The comment that the freakshow is willing to throw an unsatisfactory minion under the bus at whim doesn't help the case any, given my losing streak so far.
With a sharp slap of metal upon metal, the slide clacked forwards and the gun was ready. Nines diligently set the firearm back into its case for transport.
Pardon the diatribe. It's something I should take up with the lady, correct? So perhaps back to something more pertinent. Who the heck is this syndicate?
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Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2012 3:18 pm
"I would be very careful how you word such to the Lady, young sir."
Jan moved to the door of the armoury, encouraging Nines to also exit the area.
"As for the Syndicate... Sir does not wish to give up his current 'life', or pretence of one, correct? If that is the case... the less known the better.
I believe there is a saying about having ones cake AND eating it. Also, one with regards to hypocrisy may be appropriate at this juncture, in the politest possible way. I believe sir is ALSO losing meaning on some of what he is being told...
If there is nothing else, I will bid you a good evening. The East wing will not clean itself."
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Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2012 3:26 pm
If I'm losing meaning, Jan, it's quite possibly because I don't have the time or experience gained to see things like you do. I'd like to think I'm trying, but...what am I missing? Or should I even ask?
Again, he didn't see where he was going wrong. He was at once exceptionally perceptive, and could carry on a conversation well, but simultaneously dense as a brick. Still, Jan was hurrying him out of the armory, so he nodded and did as he was bid, vacating the armory.
I will try to be as diplomatic as possible, Jan. But again, every time we speak I'm worried it's going to go to hell and back because I said some damn fool thing without knowing better. Thank you for hearing me out.
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Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2012 3:29 pm
"As stated before, sir, it is the job of the young to be naive and inexperienced... and the old to be dated and ornery.
Good evening, Nines."
Bowing slightly, Jan locked the armoury then walked away. Clearly... tonight's exposition from the very old mortal was over.
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Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2012 3:30 pm
And with no idea where to find Roan, and the sinking feeling that he had upset Jan somehow, Nines withdrew back to the range. He had a firearm to clean and test before retiring for the night. One magazine of ammunition more, perhaps.
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Posted: Wed Apr 11, 2012 12:51 pm
Dagoth had spent most of the days he had been in the mansion exploring its hallways and rooms. Most of the time had been simply left alone the staff not bothering to speak to him to block his access. He had found the large library with little difficulty and spent a good few hours taking in the vast array of books, then came his two or three run ins with Jan. The old man appearing to interrupt Dagoth before any serious snooping could have been done, Dagoth each time had taken the hint noting just how smoothly and effortlessly the man appeared.
As the sun was setting for his final day without training Dagoth had found himself over looking the grounds and notably the hills surrounding mansion. He could feel the thermals from where he stood, grinning to himself as he basked in the fading hit of the sun.
"Farewell"
Dagoth removed his jacket and shirt, flexing his tanned chest afterwards. He had a lean but defined body shaped from years of war and hard labour aboard ships. It was the most part free of scars, a couple of nicks around his lower back and two 6 inch long scars down his shoulder blades. He idly rubbed the new horizontal scar across his chest before laughing and reaching within himself mentally. As he did so the scars on his shoulder began to split apart and in no short time to long white feathered wings had sprouted forth. He went through the old drills for using his wings, flap and rest, flap and rest. Dry the feathers before flying, it had been so long he struggled to walk for a moment before his body adjust to the new balance needed.
With an inhuman jump he shot into the air his powerful wings beating hard to carrying him higher. Dagoth would spend a few hours just soaring between thermal pockets, swooping down towards the ground for rushing upwards again. All the time Dagoth had the biggest grin on his face before he touched the floor again, he would be completely exhausted but more happy than he had felt in years.
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Dagoth DeSeer Vice Captain
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Posted: Wed Apr 11, 2012 1:16 pm
"I can only manage basic lift for a few minutes tops."
Thus came the quiet voice as Dagoth descended and landed. The Lady was stood in the lee of the building, sparking up a fresh smoke, having just emerged, though Dagoth wouldn't know it, from the back entrance to the dungeon area.
An ear tip flicked, she could hear Nines practicing his aim half a wing away, but her gaze rested solely on the Atlantean as she exhaled a smoke ring and leant against the wall.
"Of course, my 'wings' aren't my own, and one of them is barely even real."
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