2014.05.12:First Reach

First Reach
Tom and Navena show Trekome how to step sideways.
IC Date	May 5th, 2014
IC Time	Evening
Players	Kathryn, Navena Pillai, Tom, Trekome
Location	Harley Davidson Cafe - Basement, Umbra
Spheres	Gaian Garou

Harley Davidson Cafe - Basement Arcade

This basement stretches the length of the diner and the garage put together and just one room. Throughout the walls are lined with Arcade, Pinball Machines, and Gaming tables. In the center many couches sit around a gas fire hearth in the middle of it. Different colored lights are setup everywhere, a lot of black light backlit areas with posters up glow a neon colors everywhere.

As you see the stairs, there is a sign on it stating, "When you enter you are only a guest for 10 minutes, after that your part of the household, want something get it yourself!" From the stairs to the middle section there is a full kitchen and dinning area. In the middle stands a big entertainment system with 4 60' LCD screens hooked up to various things. In the middle are a rack of servers and also tv stands for those that want to use them. The area despite being dark lit has reading lamps all over so that any can turn on for more light.

The Basement itself is divided into sections, an occult and ritual area with many shelves lining the wall, there is a VR Area for people who know how to use it, there is a small mundane occult reading library and also pretty much anyone would need to use for a Foci, Rite, or Ritual.

What divides the room is a a large waterfall and pool which a small artifical creek which runs through which has small bridges to each section with stepping stones so all that can cross where there are not bridges. The water itself looks about 4 ft deep enough to at least swim in. The sound of water running makes it so people can talk in a normal voice and it be not heard in another section and also grants a tranquil serene feeling from the sound of the Waterfall.

Contents: Kathryn Tom Obvious Exits: Diner <D>

Tom is sitting when those finally catch up with him in the basement of the harley diner there seems to be a full bar down here, arcade and other things availible. Tom is at the bar handing around, sipping on some whiskey...

Trekome comes down to the basement quietly and makes his way over towards the bar, looking around curiously and blinking when he sees the VR area. "Damn... I feel /really/ behind on computer tech now."

Kathryn walks in and sighs softly. "Why does she have to be a Get."

Tom tilts his head as he looks over at Kathryn and then shrugs, "It is what it is. Get are what they are, Glasswalkers are what they are... Their are alot of differences so you think you want to be a Glasswalker right? Glasswalkers are a bred unto themselves. Leanardo would tell you go to the strip club, buy yourself a gun, and find the biggest motherfucka out there and slap him silly if you walk away fighting your a glasswalker and probably a Wise Guy which is a camp of the glasswalkers. I would tell you if you think the internet is for you, the Random Interrupts are probablyu for you. If you call yourself a hacker. But glasswalkers are what they are, City Corprate Garou. We thrive off the life of the city...""

Kathryn nods "But you're a ragabash. Selene and I are both philodox. I love computers."

Trekome leans in against the bar, "I probably fall in under the Wise Guys then... Well, on the other end of the spectrum anyway. Trying to get through police academy so I can help keep attention off of us, and give y'all some access to their networks and systems. No idea what that'd make me."

Kathryn says "Get hack and slash I hack and steal your cash."

Tom tilts his head, "Wait until you grown someone to choose a Camp, however there is plenty that don't and still have a distinct advantage... Our tribal role is shephards to mankind... We walk and guide making the streets, lives, better for mankind... Originally our Tribe was known as the Warders of Men we started around mespotamia a long time ago, we changed and adapted after that, Cockroach is our totem."

Trekome nods slightly, "Grandpa and dad did that a lot... Marines and then law enforcement after they got out." He sighs, "Wish I had figured more of this out earlier. Well, anyway... I've still got a lot to learn. So shepherds of mankind... seems like I could fulfill that role with what I was thinking of doing. Could also be helpful for y'all too." He grins at Kat, "What if I'm already happy with my funding situation?"

Kathryn chuckles "I don't have to give the cash to you. I can send it to anywhere."

Tom chuckles, "Yup, she is interrupt Material..." He looks at Trekome, "Don't let that discourage you though... I know alot about our past what would you ask of me and the Glasswalker tribe??"

Trekome sits down on a barstool. "I don't even know where to start, truth be told. I'm comfortable in cities and in the woods... but I like how I can just blend in with the urban sprawl and help more people here. I've got an interest in computers, but more interest in guns and weapons like that than anything. The other tribes seem to frown upon firearms, even though I think they're handy tools and can be made effective with some tweaking. How does that fit in with your tribe and can I be helpful with those skill sets?"

Navena arrives from the diner, closing the door behind her. Navena has arrived.

Kathryn chuckles and says "Can I have a drink?"

Tom nods, "Well those certainly do help with the tribe. Alot of things it's a spiritual thing, if you can adapt to any situation then your good with Cockroach. Alot frown on emotion and thrive on reason it's what you think it is." He smiles as he looks over at Kathryn, "Have what you like, everything is behind the bar." He sits at the bar in the middle of the basement with Trekome and Kathryn.

Kathryn pours herself a gin and makes herself a gin and tonic "thank you."

Navena arrives, making down the steps to the basement, hands still tucked into her brown leather jacket. She offers a smile when she sees the group, and moves toward them, "...I'm not too late, then? I needed to make a stop first, I'm afraid."

Trekome nods to Tom and hmmms, "I'm still getting in touch with my spiritual side... Most that I tend to feel is protect or fight. Full moon, go figure" He looks over at Navena and shakes his head, "Nope, not too late."

Tom tilts his head, "Welcome to the Cloak and Dagger Bar, it really never took off but hey it could be turned into a glasswalker hang out..." He laughs as he looks over at people and then says, "They just asked how Firearms, mechanics, and guns fit in our tibe." He smiles widely, "Frankly folks if your into that you will fit well, coarse same can be said about the Bone Gnawers."

Navena nods with a smile, "...I admit, I have a lot to learn about all those things. Both the Bone Gnawers and the Glass Walkers spoke to me, where I was before...Good people, the lot of them, though..." She hesitates for a moment, finding the words, then shrugs, "I suppose there's a difference between being willing to sacrifice comforts in order to serve Gaia and reveling in it, if that makes any sense at all."

Kathryn sips her drink and smiles.

Trekome can only laugh at the last part of Navena's explanation. "Then I'm probably in between... I got used to sleeping on a mat in dirt and sand for weeks at a time while deployed. I do like the idea of having my own place with enough land for a range though... It'd be handy to learn how to make my own circuits and whatnot for fire control systems though."

Tom smiles, "You'll like the garage upstairs, we keep all those things back there... Being a glasswalker really is about Community and how we can make sure the American Dream is what it is and stays fair for the average joe, ya know? Freedom, life, Liberty the idea of choice for example... Remember there are as many different glasswalkers types as there are garou out there. It's all about what you feel and how to you adapt to your situation, Cockroach is all about that."

Navena nods thoughtfully, pulling up a stool. She's so short she has to half scale it, but she manages to do so with a little dignity. Obviously she's used to things being just a bit higher than she wishes they were, "...I'm not entirely sure I made the choice myself. Everytime I step sideways I have city spirits taking a look at me. Maybe something in my line, though the family trees been more or less lost, far as I can tell. I'm all for community though."

Trekome smiles at Tom and nods. "Freedom of choice and expression, and protecting the right to it. Rah." He hasn't been drinking the Koolaid at all, nope. "I'll probably need some help relearning circuitry and programming... I've got a few designs for munitions that I'd like to test out too. You'd be amazed how versatile a .50 cal can be at a distance, and what you can make that round do. I think I can probably build something that a Crinos can use in 20mm, though everyone keeps telling me there's no real need for it." He rolls his eyes and sighs, then blinks. "So... how /does/ one step sideways?" Yes, he really is that lost.

Tom stands and then salute, "Once called the Warders of Men which left the Forests for the Urban jungle the Warders of Men deticated there lives to helping the People through controlling Crime, Religion, State, Computers, Technological Advancement and even enconomics we have sacrificed to live in the Urban Jungle. Leaving the woods behind we have been called the Iron Riders one of the Primary responible ones for the Trains coming to the west, and now knowns as Glasswalkers we walk the cityscape with the beat of a tribal drum of techno and electronica in our ears we seek to remake the city into our own. Taking down the Man Known As the Technocracy, Pentex and those that would seek to corrupt the Sheep known as the Consensus of man." He chuckles, "We have the ways, relgion, Crime, Street Control, And so on, the spirits here thrive to our intervention." He says in a Patin like surreal speech, "Each of us serving our own way and how we will. We look to make a better community and teach those how to adapt and prosper to a new way of life." He coughs, "Ok enough of that, Let's start with the first lesson, stepping sideways and why we are called glasswalkers... Navena, would you explain?"

Navena smiles to Trekome, "...If you're me, sometimes it just happens, whether you want it to or not, but I'm told I'm a little special in that regard. Otherwise its...its like...pushing past a barrier, they call it the gauntlet. Its a lot easier if you have a mirror or something you can use, but its passing into the spirit half of the world, more or less." She listens to Tom's explanation, then inclines her head slightly with a smile, "Skyscrapers. Big glass buildings, our new ranges...from what they tell me, seems like we change our name a lot, to suit the times...we change everything a lot, to suit the times."

Trekome huhs... "I don't think I've ever stepped sideways. I've had out of body experiences, but I'm pretty sure those were concussions... I think." He gets up to pour himself a glass of Jim over a couple rocks. "So... mirror. Focus in on it and picture pushing through to the other side of it?"

Tom looks over at Navena, "She is edging around it, the reason why we are called glasswalkers is because glass the most prominent thing here in the City... To step sideways alot of us look through a mirror, glass, or window... It makes it easier, but there are other things that help... Like Music is one and taking drugs is another... It's about entering a new world that you can't see and belong too with a power called Gnosis, it's the spirital knowledge and power we have from the spirits." He stands up and then looks over at Navena, "Here..." He says as he walks into the back and pulls out a full length mirror and then sets it in front of Trekome, "Kathryn you want in on this?"

Navena nods agreeably, "...Yes, you can also get someone to take you, so you know what it feels like..." Which seems to be what

Tom is setting up. The tiny woman blinks and her cheeks darken a bit. She clears her throat, "...I suppose demonstrations are the best way to help people learn. I do look a little...odd on the other side though. Something about my heritage."

Trekome blinks a little when the mirror is set in front of him. Well, this was unexpected. "Well, may as well give it a shot. Just don't let me wander too far..." He takes a breath and lets Navena tell him what to do.

Kathryn is more cautious and says "No thank you."

Tom walks over to the bar the area lights up as a crystal ball comes down and techno music starts pounding from the walls through hidden speakers. Blacklights light up and the main light goes off, "Listen to the music, feel the flow, feel the sense of the electronic beat, let yourself go to it, close your eyes begin to let go of the flesh..." He says laughing evilly a bit as he smiles and then nods. He sets down a phone by the mirror an old rotory phone.... He doesn't say anything but it's hooked up to a computer which is flashing a wicked screensaver. "Dial in when you feel the time is right." He doesn't explain either that. With him he just starts dancing to the beat.

Navena takes a deep breath and lets it out again, nodding to Trekome, "...Unnecessary, but it helps. Just relax, watch the mirror." She studies the reflective surface for a moment, reaching out one hand to hover just above the mirror. She reaches out with her other hand, lifting half out of its cradle, punching a single digit with her thumb...and she's abruptly gone, passing through

Trekome sighs and lets out a breath, eyes shutting and body relaxing. He steadies his breathing, slowing it down and dropping his heart rate, making his body relax, just like he's been trained to do. The music buzzes in his ears, mind tuning into the beat and electronic pulse around him as he reaches for the receiver and picks it up to dial... and then he's gone. One hears at first the sound of a modem gushing in Trekome's ears, the sound of connection of connecting to a source that he hasn't felt before. Stepping through the gauntlet is like stepping through a cold splash of water, colder still you can see the webbing as it passes you feel it tightening ever so sightly around you as you fade from existince you can see the other world a faint glimmer in your eyes as you slowly slip... In those weaves small spiders are seen one can hear the chitter chatter of slow moving things within the webbing but the feeling is colder still as you pass through a light ahead is warm and inviting you can still see yourself fading from view but other things replace it.

The world suddenly sparkles of color in front of you, the basement you stand in one can feel the jungle here the beat on one side of the basement. Snake spirits, Electronic Spirits, and water spirits dance to the beat of an unknown drum. Webbing throughout the building is seen at one end a long purple snake that is the size of a human comes up with a purple dimond on it's forehead looking at Trekome intently as it stares at him. The water can be heared here the creek that runs through the room obviously his... <<Who is this that is standing before me?>> The snake speaks as Tom and Nevena... A big cockroach dances from the otherside chittering quickly as the snake nods and heads back into the water.

Tom flounders as he appears and then says, "Oops sorry I should have told you this place is deticated to Uktena.... And Cockroach..." He sighs as he looks over at the Cockroach spirit, "Thanks for handling that." Tom looks kinda embarresed... Navena blinks her eyes a moment as she gets situated along the other side, and the nature of her offhand comments becomes apparent. Her form is...different. Still human, for the most part, with the somewhat brighter aura of all werewolves, but parts of her are strange. Her palms are black with a rubber, treaded coating, like tires. Amid the strands of her hair are metal wires, almost line thin radio antenna, and her shoes are cracked like bricks. The most distinctive is her eyes, literally glass with a faint white glow behind, almost like headlights (Spirit Heritage: Urban Spirits 4). She touches her hand to her heart and bows to the cochroach, "...We are in your debt, spirit. We bring a new brother to honor the ways of this world."

Trekome feels like he's just been dropped from a second story window into a pool of ice. He nearly stumbles to his knees when he makes it through to the other side, taking a deep sucking breath, wide eyed. Not the most dignified entrance, but probably better than he would have expected considering he's still standing. He manages to recompose himself enough to notice that Navena has bowed to the Cockroach spirit, and quickly does the same, waiting to be addressed before speaking.

Tom looks over at Trekome, "Don't lose it, Pup... This is what the umbra looks like if I were to take you outside it would be hard to comprehend. Remember here it's more concept then material... That's the best I can describe it without seeing it yourself."

Navena straightens and smiles at Tom, that expression at least being similiar despite the shifts in her appearance, "...Some say this is the world as it really is, and what we usually see is just our perception of it. There are answers on this side to questions I can barely comprehend...then again, I was born under Luna's crescent face, so this is supposed to be my second home." Things in the water stirr in front of the Waterfall snake spring out hissing with glee they slither for everyone stopping a slow pace from where the waterfall is. There expressions curious as they slither... The cockroach spirit seems to pay them no mind other awakened spirits gather around electronic and such to watch the Garou. It's very active here, not like your normal place..

Trekome stays bowed a bit longer before he slowly stands and takes a deep breath. "That hurt... a lot... y'all didn't tell me it was going to be like an ice bath." he murmurs under his breath. He looks around slowly, trying to take it in and understand what he's seeing. The expression on his face is priceless, a mix of confused, bewildered, and dumbstruck all at the same time.

Tom nods, "Ya, it's like that... It's something you have to experience for yourself, your fine... It's different for everybody just remember have help there when you practice you can get stuck in the middle if your not careful." He says <<Cautious, one at a time..>> He says to the spirits here, "I rescue alot of these spirits from the city and bring them here so they can dance among the arcade and stuff from the slums so they may still grow in strength..." He explains to Navena and then looks over at Trekome, "Come on man the spirits want a look at you let them... They are all gaian here and will greet you in turn let Navena translate for ya."

The spirits in turn get a line in front of Trekome and start spirialing around the group forming a interesting turn... The first is an electonic spirit as it stands before Trekome it buzzes and sparks a small whisp as it dances in the air...

Navena smiles, staying fairly close to Trekome, an anchor for the probably overwhelmed werewolf, "It offers you greeting, young one. It is a new spirit, and has attached to many things in its existance, but enjoys things here." She nods, then explains herself, "Everything that is has a resonsance here, for good or ill. The spirits of all things, the weaver's webs, and the wyrm's corruption. This is what we fight to protect..not wilderness and nature, in the abstract, but life."

Trekome is indeed a touch overwhelmed. This is something like a blend of The Matrix and Constantine, moving from one reality and into another, another 'awakening' with spirits greeting him. Navena and Tom's presence keep him grounded though, and he keeps enough presence of mind to dip his head in respect as the spirits greet him. "I... never knew there were so many..."

Tom motions and a new spirit comes up this one in the form a water spirit sprite it dances in the air splashing as it goes and giggling brightly taking the form of a naked woman and reaches out kissing trekome on the lips it float by giggling more as it vanishes into the creek. "Don't think you need to translate that one..." Next a snake hisses at Trekomes feet waving his head to and fro in front of him it's tongue hissing and tasting the air. "Remember be calm and respectful, that one is deadly..." It's a Cobra spirit...

Navena chuckles faintly as the water spirit kisses Trekome, "...Likely not, no." She focuses on the cobra carefully, but her tone is level and easy as she translates, "It wishes to know if you are predator or prey, and if you appreciate the difference."

Trekome is surprised at the kiss, but then just grins; shameless flirt. The Cobra Spirit at his feet gains full attention, and he holds his hand over his heart while dipping his head in respect. "I am a predator when needed, and a shepherd of those that may fall prey." he responds calmly.

The snake bows its head and then moves off.... Suddenly the world around everyone becomes dark, the temp drops 20 degrees the spirits move back as the feeling a creepy comes by them. A wraith like spirit comes from behind the waterfall swirling around them at first and then engulfing them close it floats now near the three... A night spirit floats there hissing in your hear the creepyness gets worse... Tom turns a bit ash faced as he clearly hears it and then looks over at Nevena, "The night greets you.." it whispers in your ear and then looks at Nevena making more hissing as it slowly now the wraith like figure flows around them ever so close.

Navena nods her approval, "...Very good answer." She encourages Trekome. The chill makes her look up, and tense. She steps slightly in front of Trekome and speaks the spirit directly, rather than allow him to address this one, "...The sons and daughters of Gaia greet you, in the name of Luna." A polite, but gentle reminder than the moon takes a special interest in the wolves, and has power in the night

Trekome feels the chill, and knows that feeling quite well. He's no stranger to the night, and has often hunted in it, man and beast alike. He smiles a little, having gotten comfortable with that discomfort, and dips his head out of respect. "I know the Night... and hold respect for it. The darkness can be dangerous and deadly, but has offered my safety from others that would hunt me as well." he says silently.

<<The night has no love of the light or the moon... We hold the secret and mysterious, we are the Unknown, we are Secrets, We are those that walk the Unknown..>> That is the hissing which is heard back, <<Remember Garou, Darkness is not evil it should be feared as well as respected... I give you this lesson tonight for my patron... You do well learning this tonight, for it will save you in the future, whisper to me a dark secret for a may hold in return for my lesson. This is chriminage for my lesson...>> It speaks directly to Trekome and the others another lesson given spirits while normally do not speak other then spirits speech but they can speak english if they are intelligent enough. Tom looks at the others, "Um, ya he is a friend of mine it's ok. He keeps his secrets for telling the truth would dimishes him, please keep him secret." He coughs as he looks at the spirit.

Navena listens to the spirit and seems to take the lesson well, nodding her head. At the request for a secret she looks away. After a time, she'll whisper softly, looking down at her hands, speaking too quietly to be overheard...or maybe the night helps close around her and keep her secret safe. Whatever it is, when she's finished with it, there's a trembling in her fingers just from the retelling.

Trekome can think of a few secrets, some darker than others, but decides against holding back here. No sense in trying to fool a spirit in its home on the first meeting, he has better sense than that. He keeps his head bowed, and whispers in hushed tones, voice low. He doesn't show any outward sign immediately, but when he finally finishes and there are deep nailmarks that've cut into the calluses in his palms, and knuckles crack back into position.

The spirit nods and then fades as everything goes to normal finally a black snake with a purple diamond crest comes up from the pool, hissing this one bigger then the last ones as the other spirits scatter this one is the one that Cockroach warded off at first, <<Who am I?>>.... It says looking at the three of them opening it's mouth antlers on it's head as it looks at them.

Tom blinks watching the others spirits scatter as he looks at the one in the pool the snake with the antlers, "Wait a moment..." Something stops Tom dead in his tracks he is unable to speak or move as the snake looks at him briefly and then back at the other two.

Navena considers for a moment, holding her ground, though the spirit is quite a bit larger than the diminutive woman. She decides to go with the Theurge answer...the truthful one, "...I don't know."

Trekome narrows his eyes for a moment, recognizing the spirit from somewhere. School, he remembers it from an elective he took in college, and damn does he wish he paid more attention. "The horned serpent..." he says quietly. "I do not know your name, and I do not want to insult you by guessing. That is all I know." he says and dips his head.

The Spirit nods, <<You do well I see it in your eyes search your soul boy for all know me that know. I will give you one last chance...>> He says as he gets closer to the two that can walk and talk tom standing there cowering in the corner.

Trekome searches his memory /hard/, seeing Tom cowering being a clear hint that he needs to get this one right. There's a clear 'a-ha!' moment, the name coming to him like a shotgun blast. The image from the class lecture flashes in front of him, and the name rolls off his tongue confidently. "Uktena, the Great Snake."

Navena's eyes widen slightly. She obviously places the name and it kick starts her, "...Uktena, yes. I am sorry, spirit. I knew your name but did not recognize this representation. As the children of Cochroach lead my clan, so are you part of the tribes of Gaia. You are the one who looks where others dare not, and knows what others do not. We greet you with your due respect."

<<Names, True Names hold power more then anything in the occult and umbra... Remember this as you go and I give you this secret.>> He flicks his tail as water splashes at the three of them finding themselves soaked to the brim on the material plane and soaked to the bone... Tom says, "Sorry about that he is a bit, well angry at me as of late." He scratches his head.

Navena drips, taking off her hat to shake out her long hair, looking apologetically at Trekome, "...That was a considerably more exciting journey than most, its not usually exactly like that...but...you may want to invite company to the other side when you go."

Trekome finds himself soaked through, now actually feeling like he just took an ice bath. He blinks a couple times as the serpent departs, then looks at Tom and Navena curiously. "One who looks where others do not..? As in, hidden knowledge?" He gives a nod to the advice, thinking it most prudent considering his amount of experience here.

Tom nods, "It is what it is..." He chuckles as he sits down and offers Trekome a shot of whiskey, "For the nerves..." He mentions as he turns off the music and then sits back down.

Navena nods slowly, "...The Uktena have never shied away from looking, no matter what it is they see." She shivers for a moment in the cold, pulling herself to her feet, "...I think that truly is enough excitement for me for one day...thank you for having me, however." She nods to Tom, then Trekome, "A pleasure to help guide you...even if we guided you more or less into a swamp."

Trekome takes the shot of whiskey and downs it quickly, shaking his head and snorting. "That was... wow. I wish you'd have told me it /hurts/ before doing it." he says with a smirk, starting to tune into this reality again. He looks over at Navena and nods, "It was good seeing you again, and thank you for helping guide me. I don't think I'd have fared as well without you or Tom."

Tom chuckles, "I have funny friends and spirit folk here... They all have there own little quarks..." He pats on Trekomes shoulder, "It becomes better, easier and not as painful over time, and like I said and she did never do it alone until you feel experienced enough and then remind yourself your probably not."

Navena chuckles, shaking her head, "...I don't know about that. You may not be a Theurge, I'm not sure, but you handled yourself well, and you've got a good turn of phrase. Never underestimate the power of respect...particularly with spirits." She touches two fingers to the brim of her hat at Tom and turns to wade soggily into the night.