2019.07.06: CB Street Race

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Carlsbad Street Racing July 2019
Street Racing get-together in Carlsbad with a bike race highlight.
IC Date July 6th 2019
IC Time Late night
Players Arianna, Merek, Kumo, Linnete, Mikaela, Heathen, Mikael, Dawson, Sumter, Katrina
Location The Shoppes At Carlsbad parking lot.
Prp/Tp Street racing event 876.
Spheres Street



Prospect County - Downtown Carlsbad - Northwest Quadrant

With Buena Vista Lagoon serving as the northern boundary between Carlsbad and Oceanside, "The Village" is considered to be the heart and soul of downtown Carlsbad with its small charm feel of tree-lined streets and sidewalks that are ideal for walking or bicycling. Small businesses such as clothing boutiques, florists, antique shops and art galleries, and restaurants ranging from casual to upscale offer a little bit of everything for both the locals and tourists alike. With the beach only a few blocks away, a fair amount of free street parking is available but fills up quickly for the weekly Wednesday Farmers' Market and on weekends throughout the summer. Near the Village is an area referred to as The Barrio - an older residential neighborhood largely made up of Mexican-Americans. The neighborhood is comprised of tiny clapboard houses - tiny but not inexpensive - and a few apartment buildings, and it's not uncommon to see signs in both English and Spanish hung on the outside of businesses here. "Old Carlsbad" refers to all other areas in the quadrant located north of Agua Hedionda Lagoon. This area features older single-family homes and streets which often lack sidewalks and lighting, as well as a number of elementary and high schools. Homes in this area range from 1950s-style cottages to vintage hillside mansions overlooking the ocean. This section is also home to Carlsbad City Hall, the Georgina Cole Library and Hosp Grove Park, a 5.5-acre park located across from the Buena Vista Lagoon with eucalyptus groves and an extensive trail system that climbs to more than 100 feet in elevation, offering views of both Buena Vista Lagoon and the Pacific Ocean.


Ford Cargo Van - Race Night!(#14111)

A blocky, windowless cargo van with the Ford logo probably approaching a decade old. While it has the original black grill and bumpers for looking tough, the original white has had a lot of dramatic custom paint work.

Across the hood and the front sides there are orange rose blossoms blowing in the wind with petals floating away. The passenger side of the van starts with a California beach scene reminiscent of Carlsbad beaches that fades into a woman in a colorful traditional Mexican folk dance dress dancing in front of an adobe building. The driver side depicts a scene of half a dozen cars racing, lights leaving blurred trails and all, in front of the Carlsbad skyline at night. The rear doors have a series of parchments wrapped in rose vines and orange blossoms containing quotes about the thrill of racing.

At night the van (typically) comes even more alive as some of the paint glows. The orange rose blossoms light up. The moon over the beach, and colorful lights highlighting the dancer. The city lights and the lights on the race cars. And the orange rose blossoms and the text of the quotes. On race night the lights are all on and the rear doors are open. Inside there are some electronics and a college-aged Mexican American man at work. You may get to see a drone fly out with a camera. Sitting outside the van is a large tv screen to show overhead video of the race. Somewhere nearby a bookie hangs out to handicap the races and take bets for anyone interested.


Merek has arrived.

Kumo has arrived.


The Shoppes at Carlsbad is a good sized mall with staples like JCPenney, Macy's, and Sears on one end with the Regal Carlsbad theater at the eastern end. Ronald Packard Parkway, highway 78, on the north side with the five lane Marron Road on the south side with highway exits just to the west on Jefferson Street and El Camino Real on the north side. Late at night all that parking is going to be largely empty, with multiple entrances to various streets. 

https://www.google.com/maps/@33.1784802,-117.3336029,816m/data=!3m1!1e3


GAME: Caught signal SIGTERM, exiting.

Kumo has disconnected.

Merek has disconnected.

Going down - Bye

      • TinyMUX Disconnected ***

(After re-connect.)

Contents:

The Night Tiger

Kumo

Merek

Course + Rules(#14448)

Ford Cargo Van - Race Night!(#14111)

Ducati SuperSport S(#11335)

Mikaela has arrived.


The Shoppes at Carlsbad is a good sized mall with staples like JCPenney, Macy's, and Sears on one end with the Regal Carlsbad theater at the eastern end. Ronald Packard Parkway, highway 78, on the north side with the five lane Marron Road on the south side with highway exits just to the west on Jefferson Street and El Camino Real on the north side. Late at night all that parking is going to be largely empty, with multiple entrances to various streets. 

https://www.google.com/maps/@33.1784802,-117.3336029,816m/data=!3m1!1e3


Heathen has arrived.

Mikael has arrived.

Dawson has arrived.

Sumter has arrived.


So, hey, it's race night. An impromptu, as far as onlookers are aware, gathering in the mall parking lot well after hours. Someone has helpfully marked off part of the streets for construction to cut down on interference. Rumor has it that the cops aren't likely to pay attention tonight either.

So vehicles are starting to pour into the lot. Fancy paint jobs, and sleepers that look like junk but you can hear the souped up engine. People starting to have a look at each other's flashy rides. That colorful, lit up van has a sound system playing some music while there's a large tv rolled out showing clips from other races mixed in with images of street racing cars and bikes.


Heathen zips around one his motorcyle.. no, not the junker. Not for tonight. Tonight, he's riding a Sazuki Hyabusa ( https://images.app.goo.gl/yqr9L1ewGUWBtfYu5 ), black as the night around him. He's dressed for the race, in an appropriately all black gear (Alpine Stars) with little swatches of red and white accent. He /is/ obeying trafic laws (at least by the time he gets here), but just barely as he zips around the later arrivals. The racing helmet comes off and gets set on the bike with a wide grin.


Appearing out of nowhere and almost as suddenly, the Night Tiger (While this racing sobriquet certainly deserves all caps, for the sake of avoiding annoyance that will be skipped) arrives at the edge of the parking lot and does sort of have a tigerlike stalking smoothness when moving in to the rest. Either gathered in preperation or to watch, but someone showing up on a racing bicycle better be there for more than showing off. On top of a Lightning electric, the suddenness of appearance is at least partly down to the fact that it makes a noise when the tires roll over grit and when the throttle has to be adjusted from 'dead silent' to 'ominous low hum' when cruising. Coming to a stop, the average rider on the compact, gloss-orange finished thing stands there and crosses their arms across their waist with just the slightest touch of imperious arrogance. Just a smidge.


The sounds of a well tuned and humming sweet Corvette Stingray is heard driving up to the appointed place at the appointed time with Mikael behind the wheel. With the window rolled down the wind is wiping that long blonde hair around his face as he slows down, and looks for a place to park. He tries to avoid hitting Heathen on the bike and smirks as swings back and forth between the lanes.


Merek has taken his time to bring Kae to the street races, which for a former cop is an interesting thing, you must admit. All the same, he has on his black jacket which is placed upon his nice casual black attire for the night. He parks, then makes his way from the car, hair down while he moves to open the door for the woman also. He makes his way to watch, while his arcane keeps him from too much notice, still talking to the woman does seem to keep her noticing he's there. "Well, this is nice."


<---======##=[ Glancing around Prospect County - Downtown Carlsba=##======---> Prospect County - Do

Arianna F 0s Mid-20s dark-haired tanned gal in biker chic. 

 +notes and APP: 4

Sumter M 3m A burly, middle-aged man in biker leather. 

 +view

Mikael M 1s Tall, very slender, andrognous, long blonde hair, 

 +notes and APP: 5

Merek 2m The black-haired dusky-skinned man The Night Tiger F 35s The tiger what rides at night. 

 APP: 2

Dawson M 3m Mid 20's, lean, white-haired biker-guy. 

 +notes and +view

Mikaela F 3m 5'4 strawberry blonde college co-ed 

 +view

Kumo F 3m 

 +notes and APP: 3

Heathen M 1m https://goo.gl/images/EUCjCc

<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->


The roar of a dozen or so bikes slowly builds in the distance - low and slow at first but eventually becoming a new instrument in the cacaphony of engines. In traditional biker formation, the Harbingers crew roll up to the parking lot sporting their denim colors. The club, mostly found in Prospect, couldn't help but show up to the race. Their bikes are a hodgepodge of mixed frames but all seem to follow the basic, more traditionally American frame than some of the more asian-inspired models. At the point, Dawson, a young-ish, white-haired man with black and red tats down his arms, finds a spot for them to claim.


Having arrived a bit earlier, the Punk/Goth wannabe that is Kumo is leaning against the side of her black 2016 Corvette Z06. Within her hands is food wrapping paper, cupping a delicious pita full of falafel in a spicy sauce. She's going partial squirrel on the delicacy, while waiting for the other contenders and audience members to arrive for the grand event.


Yea, Mikaela (the real Mikaela, not that other one that lacks a second a in his name) does seem to be a little out of place for such a feat. She's not wearing any club wear or street gear. Her eyes are a little wide as she takes in the display of cars, their motors and whatever else they wish to show off. She does squeal a bit when she hears a song being played over the sound system of a tricked out truck that seems to be a roving DJ turntable.

~I'm gonna take my horse to the old town road.

I'm gonna ride til I can't ride no more.~

Mikaela bobs and does a shoulder sway in time to the down beat of the song. She grins widely at Merek, "This is really cool!" While doing her little strut to the music, her eyes do take in the engines of the vehicles. The paint jobs only seem to be an after thought.


Sumter is at Dawson's right hand, the burly Texan astride his Harley Davidson Road King. He coasts in with his brothers and finds a place to park, kicking the kickstand down and killing the engine. He looks up and around, rubbing his beard. "Well, here we are, then."


Arianna herself is mixing with the crowd, checking on vehicles here and there to briefly chat people up and flatter their rides. She does tend to draw attention and stand out, even mixing around. Also trying to tempt people into going over to the van to sign up for the main race. Though surely some people are already taking advantage of the available street nearby to try some drag races. Ah, but a whole posse of bikers is going to get her attention, and she works her way around to to meet Dawson and Sumter and their crew for a closer look.


"Ya, it's nice to come here to relax," Merek offers then to Kae, while he looks about to some of the folk. He opens up a beer which he has with him, to take a drink, as he looks to some of the cars that are here, his gaze moving to the sky also in thought. He leans back on something while he watches.


After slightly rolling up the cuff of one glove to check a watch, and apparently using it for some manner of timing while slowly revolving the throttle of their motorcycle while its parked, the Night Tiger finishes some last bit of synchronization with the electric bike. Or maybe they like to show off. However it goes, once that's finished they finally shut it off and dismount. The watch is pushed back under concealment along with everything else as they make a slow stride towards the van and the signup. The helmet doesn't come off, nor do the gloves - the fingertips seem capable of enough of holding a pen well enough when it's time to sign up. 'Night Tiger, The.'


(The Night Tiger) A person of indeterminate gender - about five foot ten with a figure that is athletic albeit with wide hips and yet has strong, squared shoulders, they're wearing a set of heavy motorcycle boots with the associated extra straps and snug fit as well as actual racing leathers. They're in a russet brown with alternating stripes of white and yellow for better visibility all along the legs. The jacket is the same general design when its zipped up tightly and firmly, just with the basic color of black for the jacket itself and then brown and yellow to alternate. Mix it up a little! They're wearing a full coverage safety helmet with smoked glass visor that has a reflective sheen to it over the eyes and nose area, with the rest of it a solid black. It has a tiger painted on it in full, 'leaping and scowling' posture, which is exceptionally cool looking to the person wearing it. Their hands are covered in thick but responsively flexible gloves, the fingertips thinner for better control.


(Sumter) One sees a large, burly bear of a man firmly in his middle years. His features are leathery and baked tan from long days spent out of doors. A full head of dark iron gray hair is worn cut short and finger-combed to give it a bit of a tousle. A thick beard wraps around his square jaw. Deepset eyes of bright, cornflower blue are shadowed beneath shaggy gray brows, with craggy lines carved into the corners. His nose is broad and looks to have been broken at least once. His voice is a low, rumbling bass, and he speaks with a distinct Texas twang. He is large and heavily built, with broad shoulders and a stocky barrel chest. His arms sport dense biceps and broad hands with thick knuckles. There's hardly any narrowing of the waist that leads to large tree-trunk legs. His clothing is rugged and utilitarian. A black T-shirt is stretched across his chest, worn beneath a leather biker jacket that's been well-worn and heavily broken in. There's no evidence of any MC patches or any other adornment, however. A broad leather belt holds up a pair of faded bluejeans. On his feet, a pair of sturdy boots that look like they've seen some miles. The back of his neck has a delicately inked tattoo of a flowering lotus. The scent of engine oil, spicy cologne, rough alcohol, and strong tobacco mingle about his person in a distinctive, masculine scent. A gentle smile creases the big man's features, making the lines at his eyes crinkle and his whiskers twitch upwards. He lumbers along slowly, moving with firm confidence and relaxed ease. He's quick to laugh, a deep booming rumble that can be infectuous in its own right.

(Charisma 3. Animal Magnetism.)


Mikael gets out of his car and shakes his hair back over his shoulder as he glances around the crowd to find Heathen. Spotting him he heads his way "I wondered where you had gotten off to. Are you going to enter on the bike or the car?"


(Dawson) You see a guy in his mid twenties with a slim, athletic build, white hair, blue eyes, and more than a few tattoos covering his body. The man looks like he's been through quite a lot - his body showing the occasional scar here and there but it's the hardness of his eyes that tells you more. Maybe he's a vet that's been through combat or maybe he's a felon and been through worse. He's got that steely-eyed look that's difficult to fake but who would want to.

Standing a few inches over six feet tall, but with a slender build he's wearing a pair of black, leather riding pants -the kind that motorcycle riders sometimes favor, a black muscle shirt and a black, denim vest. Oddly enough the only real color about him are the red tattoos on his shoulders and upper arms and some splatterings of paint or dye along the legs of his pants.

There's something about him that catches your attention. Maybe it's his white hair, maybe it's the way his eyes seem to shine slightly silvery in the moonlight. Some people might consider his disquieting presence compelling or disturbing.


Heathen lifts his head up, watching Arianna approach the bikers, and does keep that in his peripheral awareness. "You race the car, I'll race the bike." he winks to Mikael and hads toward the signup. Oh.. heyyyyy... he knows that gerbil woman. After a quick signup on the sheet, he heads toward the Goth woman. Granted, he's dressed much nicer than he used to at things like this.


As the journalist approaches the bikers, the dozen or so folks have dismounted their bikes and are surrounding the two white-haired guys in a semi-protective circle. The riders, mostly men, range in age from early twenties to twice that and, perhaps defeating common strereotypes, their not all unshaven white guys. As their leader quietly discusses something with them, a few keep their attention focused out of the circle for any rivals or idiots suffering from engine-fueled testosterone poisoning. One of the women in the group, a Latina beauty with short, black hair cut in short and choppy, seems to be points something out to Dawson. The leader tilts his head as if in question and watches the crowd.


Mikaela has taken an interest in some NPC's Chevrolet Camaro Z28. (http://fastmusclecar.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/1969-Chevrolet-Camaro-Z28-Pro-Street-Race-Car-572-Blower565651.jpg) Her eyes are wide as she surveys the engine that's one display. She tilts her head as seems to be dissecting how the technology works. "Whoa, that's so cool." She peeks deeper into the engine to look at the manifold. "It uses centrifugal force to propel the air into the manifold." She seems tickled, "Neat application." Ok, science nerd... back where you belong. She wanders back over to Merek. "This is a Science Fair for grease monkeys!"


Mikael chuckles softly and trails off after Heathen, "Non, I will watch /you/ race. I am better at observing and placing my bet than the racing. Besides you were always the better driver."


Swallowing down the vegertarian approved grub, Kumo straightens right up when Heathen approaches. "DUDE! I haven't seen you in like, forever. How have you been?" Last time they met, he was drawing/creating some mask/jacket/cosplay wing set. Her purple eyes are sharp and clear, as if a great burden had been lifted off of her shoulders. She's definitely ready to race her rather plain looking Kiki, black with no special paint or markings.


Arianna is just an adorable little pain-in-the-ass investigative journalist, yep. But she saunters right on up to the group of bikers confidently anyway with a, "Hey there. You all here to race." A slight pause and then she adds, "Everyone's here for fun. No beefs or gang shit." Followed by a charming smile, "Love to see you all racing and having a good time. Who's gonna be trying to show us they're the fastest?"


"Tell you what, we'll see if we can find you any willing to share the specs," Merek offers then to Kae with a smile, while he nods a bit as well. His attention shifts back to the people that are planning to participate, and he crosses his arms a bit thoughtfully.


While making sure that all the proper formalities of illegal street racing are followed, the Night Tiger starts to drift afterwards. Sort of it in a mild orbit near their own bike out of protective instinct; obviously, love has gone into it along with a lot of polish and wax. But where everyone else seems to be familiar already, the Night Tiger is mostly there to provide a mysterious presence and possible touch of menace. Maybe some low-key looming when, of all people, Merek seems to come to their notice. And while the helmet and mirrorized visor doesn't really show expressions there is that sort of 'judgey' feeling anyway. Maybe it's in the set of the shoulders or something like that as they stand there.


Not perceived as a threat - at least not one to jump and attack one of them at least, Arianna is permitted entry into the circle of bikers. Dawson smiles a bit and takes a step or two to extends a hand to great the woman pleasantly. "Oh no...we came to play. Harbingers don't start fights..." he seems to be rather confident in his statement - like the certainty that comes with scientific principles. "We got a small bet going just within our own family...winner buys the beers for us..." the white-haired man smiles and gestures to his crew with a fond, almost paternal smile.


As he's having his social moment with the pain-in-the-ass, part of his attention is caught by what he -thought- was a familiar face. But he must be mistaken. She'd never be -here- would she? Nah. Heathen grins and straightens out his jacket. "Doing well for myself. Taking the job with Viv was really a step in the right direction for me. Between her, Asheton, and especislly Mikael here, and a number of other good example... A step right into a leap. Doing more body painting lately. But learning to drive and time to out the lessons to the test.."


"Body painting? Not one to judge, but that shit washes right off." Kumo scoffs playfully, and hand coming to tap Heathen's shoulder without a care in the world. "I'm glad that's working out for you. Just make sure the competition doesn't run you right over, ok? Not a fan of peeling up bloody pancakes." The orange haired woman just grins in jest, her eyes going towards Arianna and her announcements. "Is it time finally?"


Mikael gives Kumo a nod of his head, "Bonsoir, Madame, it is good to see you again." Hearing her his eyes go to Arianna.


Sumter looks up as Arianna approaches, a warm smile creasing his leathery features. He nods to what Dawson says. "Yes'm, that's right," he says, rumbling a low chuckle. "An' it sure's shit ain't gonna be -me- who's buyin' t' night, that's fer damn sure!"


Mikaela continues to just 'bounce' as it were. Yes, a white girl - a white nerdy girl on top of all that - is trying to bounce to the next song that's blaring out over the sound system.

~Pull up right in your zone Take over the street, that's how we roll And we gon' ride on forever We ride out together~

Mikaela squeals once again when Merek makes his offer. "Really? You'd think they'd do that for me?" She beams brightly and spins around so that she can try to find her 'favorite' car. And yes, she's not just looking at the pink pretty cars. No, they better have a real engine. Aesthetics seem to go right over her head. Neon lights? Bitch, please.


Arianna reaches out to take Dawon's hand and give it a firm squeeze as she smiles charmingly at the response, "Great!" With an amused tone she adds, "If you're into more betting, there's a bookie over there. Otherwise, well, it's great to have more playmates. Have fun showing off those rides!" She flashes her smile around to the rest of the Harbingers too. Then she adds, "Oh, hit me up sometime if you'd like a flashier look to those bikes." Then she cheerily goes to saunter off to do more mixing and mingling. Lots of crowd to get to know. Oooh, and there's a Heathen and a Mikael to spare a friendly wave to.


Heathen smirks a moment. "It does. Leaves a blank canvas for the next time. Also, leaves less identification for the cops to use against me the next time." returning Arianna's wave as she mingles their way.


Mikael waves to Arianna and gives her a bright smile. He hears Heathen and smirks at the other man, "You just enjoy being artistic, admit such mon ami. You are in enough trouble regardless."


People paying much attention around the centerpiece van may see some camera-carrying drones getting launched from the van, one after the other. Perhaps you've seen some of the aerial vids from other races.


"Hey! Good to see you, too." Kumo has only met Mikael the one time. That was a rather eventful night, if she remembered correctly. A nice lady had attempted to stand up for her against the fearsome Cynthia. With friends like her, who needs enemies? It's then that Heathen's comment strikes the woman and just downright odd, and she simply turns her head and stares at him. Full minute. Amethyst eyes, Mona Lisa smile. What could she be thinking?


(Mikaela) The five foot four inch tall young woman is blossoming into womanhood rather early. She pulled back her strawberry blonde hair into a haphazard ponytail, which then later was wrapped around into a makeshift bun. Her bangs are loose with stray locks and whisps of hair finding ways to get in her eyes or cover her face. Her complexion has been kissed by the California sun, highlighting her flawless skin. Her aqua blue eyes express a hint of youthfulness and her zest for life, while her eyebrows have been carefully plucked to display a sense of elegance. Her button nose and Cupid's bow lips add an ethereal quality to the woman. Her shapely physique suggests a relatively active lifestyle, suggesting that active wear is probably a fashion statement and not a lifestyle. She's currently wearing several layers of clothing. The outer most layer is a two tone varsity jacket done in cream and crimson. The jacket is definitely not made to fit her, probably for a guy twice her size. Underneath, she wears a button down gray plaid flannel shirt which again is a size or two too big for her. She keeps the shirt unbuttoned to show off a simple white tee. Around her left wrist, she wears a slender leather band with a watch / fitbit tech. Her delicate hands and fingers are accentuated with a playful color of nail polish that matches her outfit. The girl's tummy and waistline are trim and soft, keeping with the anti-chiseled look. She salvaged a pair of old Levi's jeans and have transformed them into a pair of cut-offs. The freyed edges ride high, revealing a glimpse of the soft swells of her asscheeks. Miles upon miles of tone legs gives the woman height and only adds to her feminine curvature. A pair of Chuck Taylor Converse All Star high tops done in a patchwork collection of colors. The white shoestrings and the white soles of the shoes are the only solid foundation that playful shoes have.


Merek seems amused while he nods to Kae, then he shifts his attention to the cars when it looks like they are preparing for the race as well.


Pulling away the attention of the Night Tiger right away, the drones taking off is. There's a moment of contemplation with the helmet tilting upwards as they track the flight and departure; after a moment, part of the motorcycle jacket is unzipped just far enough to take a smartphone out and then up the zipper goes again. Again, nice gloves; the fingertips don't seem to be bulky enough to interfere with the touch screen as some last minute tasks are attended to. Returning texts or something, who can tell. Leaning against their bike, it's not a very drawn out message or anything apparently, as the same process repeats in reverse along with a slight pat-down in order to make sure it remains seated securely in their jacket afterwards.


Arianna in her mingling around does some teasing for volunteers to start off the races. MOre people involved is good. Also, word starts going around for the bike races to get ready. Which is soon followed by Arianna heading over toward the van and hopping up on the bumper, then the hood, and then the top of it like a stage. After an exasperated look from the Latino running the van, he shuts off the music so she can draw attention to herself and maybe draw in more people to hear what's going on.


<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->

Arianna rolls Charisma(4) + Performance(4) (8 dice) vs 7 for 0 successes.

2 2 3 4 5 5 6 6

<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

(Awe attempt...because.)


Mikaela shifts her attention from the cars when the drones launch into the air. "Oooooh" She looks up to the drones, and then looks around for the video system. She decides then that Merek's car makes a great place to sit. And no, not the hood of his car. No, she climbs up so that she can sit on the roof of the car with her feet propped on the crease between the hood and the windshield.


Arianna calls out to the crowd with a whistle to get attention and then starts talking, "It's time to get those bikes on the road!" She gestures down to the tv that plays a map of the city with a red line showing the course. Hopping blasting off to the highway 78 right there, over to highway 5, south to Carlsbad Village Drive, up to El Camino Real, and then back to Marron Road to finish at the starting line at Monroe Street so everyone can see. "Now, it's no fun for any of us if there's flashy crashes that bring crackdowns. And we're all here to see who's fastest, not who plays dirtiest, right?! Everyone's got their entry in, so lets get to the starting line. Last chance to place your bets! Now, let's get racing!" Shortly she hops off to head over with the crowd to see the bikes lining up for a race.


The deployment of the drones catches the attention Dawson and at least a few of his crew. It's not totally abnormal to have cameras in the sky but he didn't expect this rally to be so well organized or covered for the media. Their reaction was perhaps a bit typical for the biker club sort - anything unexpected is generally bad. With a muttered word of assurance, the others in his crew calm their hackles and occasionally glance sky-ward to see if they things can be seen. When word goes out that the bikes should be moving into position, the crew break from the circle and get to their mounts with the practiced ease of a mounted cavalry unit. Helmets go on - because Dawson ain't stupid - and the crew pulls out to ready themselves.


Heathen claps his hand, pops Mikael on the shoulder, gives Kumo a thumbs up, and heads to his bike. Blowing a kiss to the cameras, he pulls the helmet on, hops on the bike, and moves into position.


And with the announcement, however uninspiring and blah a performance it may be - when indulging in criminal enterprises, the Night Tiger always hopes for more elan than you'd get with the opening of a new banking plaza or podiatry center - it's still indication that it's time to get ready. They remount their motorcycle, bringing the engine back on line with a soft humm and then wheeling it over towards the indicated line-up point. From there they set into position; form is perfect, snap a picture now and put it in 'Proper Racing Style, fig 2' to the next manual. Head forward, back subtly arched and with thighs pushed in to the cowling over the engine. While the full-head helmet makes it hard to tell, there is at least the /feeling/ of an eyes-straight-forward concentration with the route in mind already part of their visualization. Mikael has placed a sizeable bet on Heathen, "You will win, mon ami" he tells him, giving him a thumbs up.


From afar, Dawson wonders, "I'll pose the other bikers racing but not roll for them if you don't mind. A dozen extra bikes would be hella spammy." You paged Dawson with 'Sounds good.'


Sumter glances up at those drones as well, lifting a shaggy gray brow. "Hunh. Well how 'bout that?" he mutters. He settles back on his bike and kicks up the kickstand. Turning the starter with his wrist, he nudges it over to the starting line. "A'right, brothers, let's show 'em how we do it!" he calls to his fellow Harbingers. Dawson is given a knowing grin and a wink, before he sets his focus on the road ahead.


Merek doesn't seem to mind Kae being upon his car, and he moves to settle with her as he shifts to the top. He then leans back while he watches, taking his goggles which he keeps on his scarf, lifting them up to watch with also.


Arianna ends up sending out a middle aged Latino fellow wearing a shirt with a paving company logo with a flashlight to stand out in front of the bikes on that nice, wide, five lane avenue. He's pretty thrilled to be out there. Once everyone's lined up he steps back and lifts the light, signalling the start, sending the engines roaring!


<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->

Heathen rolls Dexterity + Drive + -2 vs 6 for 3 successes.

3 3 4 5 5 +6 +6 +7

<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->


Course + Rules(#14448)

The Shoppes at Carlsbad is a good sized mall with staples like JCPenney, Macy's, and Sears on one end with the Regal Carlsbad theater at the eastern end. Ronald Packard Parkway, highway 78, on the north side with the five lane Marron Road on the south side with highway exits just to the west on Jefferson Street and El Camino Real on the north side. Late at night all that parking is going to be largely empty, with multiple entrances to various streets. 

https://www.google.com/maps/@33.1784802,-117.3336029,816m/data=!3m1!1e3

Word is the race gathering is in the large lots southwest of Sears, by Marron and Monroe. Go ahead and duck around the construction cones blocking streets in the area, those are part of the race night arrangements. Once everything is going the roar of engines and fancy lighting should help highlight it all as cars and bikes gather. Marron Road is convenient for a stretch of drag racing to start warming up the cars or settle some bets.

The main event for the night is a thrilling race through the streets of the area. OOC mechanics and rules below.

System: Rather than add up successes, Drive rolls will garner "advantage" points to determine how well each racer does on separate legs of the course.

- Botch = -2 advantage, 0 successes = -1 advantage, 1-2 = 0, 3-4 = +1, and 5 = +2

- Add +1 diff to Drive rolls for trick driving to add +1 advantage if not a botch or fail.

- Dex+Drive for managing the best speed, Wits+Drive for dodging traffic.

- Perception rolls for figuring out the best way around obstacles: botch = +1 diff to the next Drive roll, 3 succs = +1 advantage on the next Drive roll, 5 succs = +2.

To keep rolls reasonable we're going to boil it down to the following set of rolls twice: Perception + Alertness or Streetwise vs 7 Dexterity + Drive vs 7 Wits + Drive vs 7 Pose the midway of the race. Repeat with +1 difficulty. Pose out the results of the race.


<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->

Dawson rolls Perception + Alertness vs 7 for 2 successes.

2 5 6 +9 +10

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<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->

The Night Tiger rolls Perception + Alertness vs 5 for 3 successes.

1 1 2 4 +6 +8 +8 8 10

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<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->

Sumter rolls Perception + Streetwise vs 7 for 1 successes.

1 2 4 4 +8 10

<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->

Dawson rolls Dexterity + Drive vs 7 for 3 successes.

2 2 4 +8 +10 +10

<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->

Heathen rolls Perception + Streetwise vs 7 for -1 successes.

-1 2 3 4 4 5 5 5

<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->

The Night Tiger rolls Dexterity + Drive vs 4 for 7 successes.

1 +5 +5 +6 +7 +8 +8 +9 10

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<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->

Sumter rolls Dexterity + Drive + 1 vs 7 for 1 successes.

3 5 5 5 6 +7

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<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->

Dawson rolls Wits + Drive vs 7 for 3 successes.

2 5 6 +7 +9 +10

<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->

The Night Tiger rolls Wits + Drive vs 4 for 8 successes.

3 +4 +4 +5 +7 +8 +9 +9 +10

<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->

Sumter rolls Dexterity + Drive + 1 vs 7 for 3 successes.

1 2 +7 +7 +9 10

<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->

Sumter rolls Wits + Drive vs 7 for 4 successes.

5 +7 +7 +9 +10

<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->


Kumo goes home.

Kumo has left.


<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->

Heathen rolls Wits + Drive vs 7 for 5 successes.

1 2 2 6 +7 +8 +9 +9 +9 9

<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->


<OOC> Arianna says, "Okay, so The Night Tiger pulls out front by a good lead. Dawson does well at the speed and the dodging traffic, and Heathen isn't so fast but makes up for it with weaving through traffic to keep up with Dawson, and Sumter is right on their heels, ahead of the rest of the pack."


Mikaela is keen on watching the drone-fueled video screen as the bike riders are doing their thing. It'd be hard to watch from the parking lot. With the multiple angles from the different drones, the action is intense. Some are at rider level, while another may give the birds eye view.


Merek looks to the drones, then back to the main race, while he takes a drink of his beer. He seems content to settle with Kae, while he watches the people come and go as well.


After the racers take off out of sight, the tv by the van will be showing aerial footage of the race live as it goes on. Switching from one camera to another at different points along the route. Besides the drones there's a couple others at turns someone set ahead of time. Sure, it's not movie quality, but the racers certainly stand out on the streets amid the other lights.


Mikael moves to the front of the crowd and is glad he is tall so he can keep an eye on the race. He eyes the screen, trying to keep his eyes on Heathen.


Heathen zips around the cars with the appropriate nimbleness of his Suziki. Of course, he makes a wrong turn on the unfamiliar roads and has to pull back into the right course. Loosing ground, but gaining back as he pushes his machine in and out of every tight squeeze wherr the larger hogs can't.


With the light flashed by the starter, the Night Tiger immediately cranks the throttle. In comparison to both the American motorcycles and the Japanese innovations, the electric Lightning shows the clear benefits of progress - namely, blistering acceleration that has the Tiger pouncing out from the pack as fast as the wheels can spin. The electric engine outputting all the torque possible isn't the problem; the problem is not having the axles snap off under the force of it. They are perfectly adapted to the pressure rushing on to meet them - self inflicted - and when it comes time to reach the first leg of the highway portion of the course, the problem of other motorists isn't. The Night Tiger, perhaps, could inspire recriminations about potential ringers in the race; it wouldn't be unfounded given their talent for spotting traffic patterns and then zooming through them with a complete comfort and familiarity with clearances not much wider than the average paint job.


Dawson is holding his own among his crew. He looks back after they clear the first turn to see who's where and what's-what and is glad to see that Sumter is on his rear. The club is doing a respectable job but they don't seem to want to win or lose at this point. As the pack continues through the course, they'll pick up some speed to make sure that they're not the ones holding the scrub brush at the end but that's to be expected. For now, the leader of the Harbingers is looking for the biker with the wicked-fast moves. From the moment he saw the Tiger and his burst of speed jumping from the starting line - he knew that something was up. This ain't no casual rider or nothing. That guy came to race.


Sumter is cool as a cucumber. Hands gripping the handlebars, his hefty weight keeping the Harley balanced as he pulls out. As he starts picking up speed, a slow grin starts to crease his features. Winning isn't what he lives for. The -experience- is what he lives for. He glances towards Dawson, lifting a hand and flipping him a thumbs-up, before turning his focus back to the road ahead. He pours on more speed, leaning left and right to duck around the slower-moving traffic. "YEEEEEE-HAW!" he can be heard thundering as he flies by.


<OOC> Arianna says, "Next set of rolls? Per+Alert or Street vs 7. Then Dex+Drive and Wits+Drive vs 7. +1 diff to the latter two rolls if you want to do trick driving for more advantage."

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->

The Night Tiger rolls Perception + Alertness vs 5 for 2 successes.

1 1 2 2 2 +5 +6 9 9

<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->

Sumter rolls Perception + Streetwise vs 7 for 0 successes.

1 3 3 4 4 8

<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->

Heathen rolls Perception + Streetwise vs 7 for 5 successes.

3 3 6 +7 +9 +9 +10 +10

<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->

Sumter rolls Dexterity + Drive vs 7 for 2 successes.

2 2 6 +7 +10

<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->

Dawson rolls Perception + Alertness vs 7 for 0 successes.

1 3 4 5 10

<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->

Sumter rolls Wits + Drive vs 7 for 2 successes.

3 4 5 +8 +8

<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->

The Night Tiger rolls Dexterity + Drive vs 4 for 4 successes.

1 2 2 3 +7 +8 +9 +9 10

<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->

Heathen rolls Dexterity + Drive + -2 vs 6 for 3 successes.

1 1 5 +6 +6 +7 8 10

<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->

Dawson rolls Dexterity + Drive vs 7 for 2 successes.

3 5 5 6 +7 +7

<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->

The Night Tiger rolls Wits + Drive vs 4 for 0 successes.

1 1 1 1 2 5 8 9 9

<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

<OOC> Heathen says, "only 1, wrong dif"

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->

Dawson rolls Wits + Drive vs 7 for 1 successes.

1 2 5 6 +8 9

<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->

Heathen rolls Wits + Drive vs 7 for 4 successes.

1 2 3 3 5 +7 +9 +9 +10 10

<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->


<OOC> Arianna says, "Lessee, math. The Night Tiger started with 5 advantage and added 1 then lost 1 to stay at 5 over the 'pack'. Heathen started with 2 and really found a good route through traffic and dodged traffice for +3 to pull in at 5. Dawson started at 2 and Sumter at 1, but didn't manage to pull ahead any further. So, it looks like it's neck and neck with The Night Tiger and Heathen at the end, and then Dawson beats Sumter in for third, still ahead of the pack. Hey, no flurry of botches like last race."


Arianna goes to start leading the way out to the street again as the video shows the racers turning for the home stretch. She's ready to start the cheering as they come in to view. Hey, it's a thrill watching the race.


Third...not bad for Dawson - though he would have liked to have done better. Still, the leader of the crew still managed to place first for them so he'll be the one handling drinks for them when they get back to the Styx. Not too difficult considering he owns a bar and all that. So as the others roll across the line he'll wait for them at the parking lot.


Heathen zips in and out of the cars, and this time hits all the correct turns, almost looking like he's out of the race for a moment, blazing a trail through traffic, over the potholes and through the medians, and then he's back from the side and right on the heels of the Tiger, to the finish line he goes. To a cacaphony of blaring horns as his pants brush up against a car here and an suv there, almost, almost.... but there's the finish, just a few inches too soon to take the top spot.


On the second leg of the race and off of the highways, the Night Tiger seems much less confident. The speed is maintained until it becomes a bit too much to bear when driving far closer to city traffic than highway openness - at the very least, the old 'run in the breakdown lane for a few car lengths' trick is no longer applicable when the possibility of a not quite seen culvert or ditch is present. It becomes a lot more competitive to be sure, with that narrow, straight-ahead focus slightly broken when the helmet swivels around right-quick to see Heathen right along side. To the very last length it looks like more of a back-and-forth, with the break of luck that the Night Tiger's chosen lane is one car less empty, allowing for the vital twist of the throttle that sends them ahead by less than the length of a front wheel.


Mikael hits his fist against the side of his leg as Heathen /almost/ does it but he grins and lifts his shoulders in a shrug. "Good attempt mon ami!" He calls out when Heathen gets within earshot, not mentioning his loss of the bet.


Sumter maintains his pace. Relaxed and easygoing compared to the others in the pack. As he rounds the bend towards the final stretch, he finds himself behind a couple cars. Frowning, he leans to pass, only to be cut off by a semi-truck exiting the on-ramp onto the road. "-Shit-!" He pumps the brakes, losing precious speed and falling behind just slightly as he swerves to avoid a collision. As it is, he's the second of the Harbingers to cross the line, just behind Dawson. He coasts to a stop, shaking his head. "Ah well," he says with a chuckle. "'least we had fun, right chief?"


Arianna waits until the last bikes have crossed the line, even the tail end are part of the race, and pulling into the lot before she follows after the crowd that elated from the race. The tv starts to play a replay of it soon after. Arianna herself heads to meet more of the racers, taking time to flash a grin and a wave toward Heathen and Mikael with a, "Hey, great race!" But, she heads on toward The Night Tiger to congratulate the winner properly first.


Dawson claps hands with Sumter after the race - congratulating him and the others of his crew for not getting dead or destroying their bikes. He'll wait around for a bit before rallying them around to head back south.


Heathen thumbs up to Arianna, and a congradulatory nod to Tiger before removing the helmet and wiping a little sweat off his brow. "Good job man, great test for my skills."

<OOC> Heathen says, "gonna need to drift to the background here"


Bringing the electric motorcycle to a stop and checking the different gauges, one gloved finger tap-taps at a particular dial before seeming to show some relief; the Night Tiger dismounts, with a nod towards Arianna first when the organizer herself comes over. Though there are formalities to be seen to first. The Night Tiger turns towards Heathen, a hand extended out; sportsmanship and all that, even when showing up with something just around the level of professional racing equipment. Which is a courtesy or at least avoidance of a snub extended to the rest of the competitors as well, PC or NPC alike. Maybe with one exception.


Heathen gives the hand a firm shake when it's offered, and then slips back to let the winner have the limelight, and goes to mingle with the other racers.

<OOC> Heathen says, "alright, headed off for the night, assume Heath mingles most of the night before driving away"

Heathen has disconnected.


Arianna gives Tiger a little chuckle after the sportsmanship niceties and remarks, "That was a great race. I should've planned to race too. If you keep showing up maybe you can race that tie fighter too." She gestures over toward the van, "You can pick up the pot there." Also hands over a card, "And if you want to talk custom paint job, you can get hold of me later."


Mikaela is certainly riveted by the all of the racing and the intensity and drama that comes with the racing. The finish was certainly tight. But she doesn't really have a dog in the fight, so it's just a matter of watching the competition.


Merek smiles a bit as that all looks to be finished up. He then nods a bit to Kae as well, while he looks to her also, "So, did you like it?" he asks, lifting his brow a bit also.


Dawson goes home.

Dawson has left.


Mikael leans against the nearest car and smiles as he watches people. He hangs around as well talking to people and stays until the end, mainly teasing Heathen that he cost him a fortune tonight.


Not one to linger, the Night Tiger does nod towards Arianna when taking the card and giving it a thorough inspection. Tucked into a sleeve though, there is a slow scan around for those nearby still before they turn back to their bike, walking it over to the van first. And from then on to exiting into... the Night. How appropriate and also a bit cheesy, as is wont to happen to people with tigers painted on their helmets.


Mikaela smiles to Merek, nodding her head. She slides down off the roof of the car, and then bounces off the hood of the car. "I can only imagine what it's like to be driving one of those things!" She wrinkles her nose, "But I bet wrecks are like... deadly." She shudders at the thought, "I think watching might be best."


Mikael goes home.

Mikael has left.


Merek makes his way from the top of the car, then he nods to Kae. He steps within his, to take up his position and moves to the driver's seat, so he can settle in also.


Sumter finds a place to park his bike, kicking the kickstand down and killing the engine. He settles back in his seat, resting his hands on his thighs as he chuckles, still grinning from ear to ear. Night Tiger is given a curious glance. The burly biker swings a leg over his bike to dismount, lumbering over to the winner of the race. "Mighty interestin' bike y'all got thar," he says, nodding to the electric motorcycle.


Arianna watches the Tiger take off and then returns to mingling. Hey, it's not like this sort of event draws only normal and boring people, after all. Lots of new and interesting people to meet and chat up and see what cool things they've done with their rides.


Mikaela looks to Merek, still grinning from the excitement, "So what's next on the plate?" She taps the car's dash as if she still has a song or two stuck in her head from tonight's festivities.


(Merek) This man stands at around five foot ten, while he has a lissome and a somewhat muscular build to his form, and also skin which is dusky in tone. The male has smooth hair which comes towards his chin, the color which is like midnight and sable, although metallic-like tones, have been fashioned within that roguishly unkempt mane. He has eyes much like a golden amber, which shine with emotions.

He can often be seen in black attire from the cargo pants with a sleek leather belt and smooth straps, to the fine linen shirt he has on often covered with a jacket. He has two polished black boots with silver buckles as well as leather gloves that he can often be seen wearing. About the neck he has on scarves, as well as a pair of sunglasses to accentuate his features. He has a PDA holster.

Feral Appearance: *

Appearance 5, Charisma 4, Feral Appearance, Animal Magnetism, Primal Marks. Spirit Sight, Kinfolk, Resources 5, Legends 2 (Bast), Arcane 2, True Faith.


(Mikaela) The five foot four inch tall young woman is blossoming into womanhood rather early. She pulled back her strawberry blonde hair into a haphazard ponytail, which then later was wrapped around into a makeshift bun. Her bangs are loose with stray locks and whisps of hair finding ways to get in her eyes or cover her face. Her complexion has been kissed by the California sun, highlighting her flawless skin. Her aqua blue eyes express a hint of youthfulness and her zest for life, while her eyebrows have been carefully plucked to display a sense of elegance. Her button nose and Cupid's bow lips add an ethereal quality to the woman. Her shapely physique suggests a relatively active lifestyle, suggesting that active wear is probably a fashion statement and not a lifestyle. She's currently wearing several layers of clothing. The outer most layer is a two tone varsity jacket done in cream and crimson. The jacket is definitely not made to fit her, probably for a guy twice her size. Underneath, she wears a button down gray plaid flannel shirt which again is a size or two too big for her. She keeps the shirt unbuttoned to show off a simple white tee. Around her left wrist, she wears a slender leather band with a watch / fitbit tech. Her delicate hands and fingers are accentuated with a playful color of nail polish that matches her outfit. The girl's tummy and waistline are trim and soft, keeping with the anti-chiseled look. She salvaged a pair of old Levi's jeans and have transformed them into a pair of cut-offs. The freyed edges ride high, revealing a glimpse of the soft swells of her asscheeks. Miles upon miles of tone legs gives the woman height and only adds to her feminine curvature. A pair of Chuck Taylor Converse All Star high tops done in a patchwork collection of colors. The white shoestrings and the white soles of the shoes are the only solid foundation that playful shoes have.


Arianna's mingling takes her wandering by this car and that. That means wandering by the pair that were spectating atop their car. Drifting nearby she flashes a smile and a wave Mikaela's way to call out, "Enjoying the show? Showing off your own ride?"


Mikaela raises an eyebrow at Arianna, "Oh... uh..." She laughs a little, looking over to Merek and then back to Arianna. She shakes her head, "It's not my ride. I... I don't have a ride." She makes a face, "Don't have a license to have a ride." She smiles brightly, "But man, some of these cars are just awesome!"


Returning to his bike, Sumter settles his bulk up against it, digging into his jacket pocket for one of his stout cigars. He tucks it into the side of his mouth, glancing around as he digs for his Zippo. Mikaela gets a grin. "They sure are somethin' else, ain't they?" he says with a chuckle. He thumbs open his Zippo and sparks it, taking a moment to get his stogie fired up. "There's an art to keepin' a performance vehicle up n' runnin' like that," he says. Arianna gives Mikaela a little laugh and a shrug, "Hey, you never know who's been smitten with the fun of cars. Some people are getting their kids to help build their cars. And, yeah, lots of people have awesome rides to show off. Got any favorites?" Then a wry grin and she adds, "I got started just watching too."


"It's my ride, I keep it looking nice," Merek offers, while he nods to Ari as well. He then looks to Kae, "Dunno, figured we could look and see what things are like in the city, take in the stars," he says also.


<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->

Arianna rolls Self-control(4) (4 dice) vs 6 for -1 successes.

-1 3 4 4

<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

(There should be a rule against Appearance 5.)


Mikaela bounces her attention from Sumter to Arianna as they share their thoughts on the matter. "Precision timing. Keeping out any contaminants of not just the fuel lines, but the injectors as well would certain affect the performance of the engine. It's like a huge science project but for grease monkeys!" She then looks back to Arianna, "I don't know if I have a favorite yet. I'd have to take a look at all their engines."


Arianna starts a grin at Mikaela's enthusiasm for the engines, but turns a glance at Merek as he pipes up about his ride. She starts off replying, "Hey, it's good to keep them looking...nice..." She kind of trails off, though, staring at Merek as she gets a closer look and just seems to get entirely fascinated with him.


The Night Tiger has left.


Merek's gaze moves to Ari in curiosity, as his brow lifts upwards. He then offers a polite nod for the woman as well, "That it is, I often care for my cars, still looking to buy more," he says, while he shifts his goggles back about his scarf, and looking to Kae, "She wanted to come watch, so I brought her," he adds, his lips quirking into a cheshire smile with the husky drawl of his voice trailing its purr.


Sumter nods his head to Mikaela. "Well hell, us grease monkeys like us some science," he says, grinning around a puff of cigar smoke. "Hell, we wouldn't have engines without it!" He laughs deeply, grinning broadly. He slaps his hand on the seat of his bike. "This ol' hawg here's lasted me damn near twenty years. Best bike I ever owned. I keep 'er up with the best parts I kin find. Harley's a good, solid 'murican bike. They'll run forever, ya take care of 'em right." Arianna is given a curious glance as she seems to kind of space out.


Arianna doesn't seem to notice Sumter's comments. Yes, kind of spaced out, just really fascinated with watching Merek moving and talking. He *is* so very pretty, after all.


Mikaela nods her head with understanding to Sumter's rambling about Harley and all that stuff. It's like talking about Louis Vuitton and St. Yves Laurent and all that fashion stuff to a guy. The brand name may get recognition because it transcends the market; however, she just nods her head like a bobble head. She can't help but stage whisper to Merek, "I think you have an admirer." She giggles, "If you need to ditch me, I can probably find a way home by myself." She clears her throat and looks completely innocent. No, really. She is.


"I personally tend to go for Kawasaki or BMW, though Harleys are nice," Merek offers then to Sumter, because he can actually manage like three conversations, as to Ari he perks his smile, "You alright?" he asks, while he offers a light little squeeze to her shoulder, friendly, enough to probably get her to answer, then he looks to Kae, "Ah, well I mean she's just looking, you know, I don't want you to need to find another ride," he adds.


Arianna isn't mooning or fawning, exactly. She's just kind of standing there, staring at Merek with completely rapt fascination. Not even bothering to blink. And clearly too fascinated to actually pay respond to anything being said, whether it's the teasing stage whisper or the friendly concern.


Sumter lofts a shaggy gray brow, puffing thoughtfully at his cigar as he looks between Arianna and Merek. "She a'right?" he asks, looking back to Ari. He leans forward, reaching up to take ahold of his stogie as he peers at her, a bit of worry in his expression.


Mikaela shrugs a little, "Uh..." She waves her hand in front of Ari. She even snaps her fingers, "Um... Earth to... uh... Biker Chica? You in there, hon?" She then looks back to Merek. She can't help it. She blames him, "What did you do?"


<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->

Merek rolls Intelligence vs 6 for 1 successes.

3 5 +6

<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

(I think Merek was trying to realize what a jerk move it is to be so pretty.)


"Nothing that I can think of," Merek offers, while he takes a moment to step from view next to Kae then like she was a shield from sight of him for Ari. He wonders if that will assist, while he looks to Sumter to see his distraction as well as Kae's if they work also. He seems content to peek from Kae's shoulder also.


Arianna's gaze does shift to watch Merek moving. But then, horriffically, he (mostly) disappears from view behind Mikaela who's waving her hand. Finally Arianna blinks a bit at Mikaela's hand, and at her, and shakes herself a bit as she regains her bearings. And suddenly she's talkative again, as if nothing weird happened. Denialism is powerful stuff, right? "Hmm? Biker chica?" Charming smile and all she offers to Mikaela, "Call me Arianna." And shifts a glance over at Sumter with an interested tone, "You're keeping your bike in shape yourself? It's a popular hobby around here."

<OOC> Arianna says, "Mikael and Heathen are gonna be so sorry they missed this bit."


Sumter settles back as Arianna snaps out of her daze. To her question, he nods his head. "Yes'm, that's right," he says. "Got a knack fer workin' on engines, I reckon. Always did. I love workin' on 'em." He nods his head towards Mikaela. "Like she says. It's a science. But there's an art to it as well. A well-built machine's a thing o' beauty. Both fer whut it is an' fer whut it does."


Mikaela just kind of stares at Ari like the other woman is just a little crazy. Only a little, though. She smiles politely to Arianna, "Uh... ok." She looks over her shoulder to Merek, not really sure how she should be reacting to this. She looks back to Arianna, "I'm Mikaela." She says this as if she's Gretel and is introducing herself to the wicked witch of the Gingerbread house. She then looks to Sumter, regaining that shine. "I can only imagine what it's like to look at the internal workings of the engine. Air flow, timing sequences, proper valves working as they should. And then finding ways to perfect everything to get every bit of horsepower out of the engine."


Merek nods a bit while Ari regains some of that, then he looks to Sumter with a nod also. His gaze then is to Kae, "Tell you what, I'll get you a few things from the shops here in the city to look at, you can take them apart all you like," he says. "I'll also see if I can manage you some spec sheets," he adds.


Arianna remarks to Sumter, "I've been more about the riding, and the style. But I'm learning some fascination with taking care of it myself. It's certainly handy when you're running hard and might break down." She politely ignores Mikaela's expression and tells her, "Mikaela. Lovely to meet you. You're really into the engineering side, hmm?"


Sumter nods his head. "That's the nice thing 'bout knowin' how to take care of a vehicle," he says. "You cain't git fast-talked by some shady mechanic lookin' to make a buck. 'cause they're -gonna- try an' swindle ya, they think you don't know whut they's talkin' 'bout." He taps the ash from his cigar, shrugging his shoulders. "Folk're jest greedy, I reckon," he says.


Mikaela shakes her head to Merek, "Oh, you don't need to do that. I mean, the specs of some of the engines might be nice." She shrugs, "But it's not like I have a garage where I can fine tune the engines or anything." She then looks back to Arianna, "Well, I just like science. And like this guy..." She gestures to Sumter, "... says, it's a science to squeaking every ounce of horsepower out of an engine." As he mentions about being fast talked by a shady mechanic, she nods her head in full agreement.


Merek looks to the three, while he offers a smile as well. He nods a bit, then he looks to Kae, "Hey, I'll be in the car, when you're ready," he says, then he adds to Ari and Sumter, "Was nice meeting ya guys," he adds.


Arianna mms and agrees with Sumter, "It's handy. I've had to rely on charm for a while. Unfortunately the whole system pushes people to be greedy, or just desperate to pay their own bills." Then she agrees with Mikaela, "Oh, it is. Hearing some of these people talking about the tweaks to get a few more horsepower here and there can be pretty fascinating. Makes it even more interesting to see them tear up the street with all that care going into it. It's a nice mix of science and art. Besides all the artistic care that goes into the paint jobs too." Oh, and a pleasant, "Nice to meet you," for Merek, even if she doesn't dare to ask his name. "Thanks for coming. More people makes a better party."


Sumter nods his head to Merek, tossing him a two-fingered salute. "Y'all take care now, y'hear?" He looks back to Arianna with a chuckle. "I ain't never much been one fer crankin' out maximum horses. Fer me, it's all 'bout the feelin' I git, goin' down the highway pushin' a hunderd miles an hour. Feelin' the wind blastin' me, the road rollin' by under me, an' ever'thing all around me jest whizzin' on by..." He gets an almost wistful expression as he speak, his eyes bright and twinkling beneath the hang of his shaggy gray brows. "It's almost like flyin'," he says softly.


Katrina has arrived.


Mikaela rolls her fingers, "Well, he's my ride, so like..." She smiles brightly, "It was great seeing all of you. And the race was simply awesome to watch." She leans in a bit, offering a stage whisper, "Plus, it's great to get away from the books for a while. I mean, it's one thing to read about the science, but it's another thing to see it being applied." She grins and then straightens back up. "Anyway, it was a fun night."


A Ferrari makes its way towards the gathering. There is late fashionably, then there is something kept you away. Normally she might have come in hot this late, but tonight is just late beyond words. After the car comes to a stop a somewhat less than happy looking Katrina rises out of the car. She manages to put a smile on her face, but it's clear she's bummed she missed the fun.


Arianna is hanging around chatting with Sumter and his bike, Merek, and Mikaela (not Mikael, honest). Lots of the party is winding down, though the tv by the van is still showing clips and there's stillc ars to show off, and an occasional drag race among friends.

Arianna remarks to Sumter, "It's great to enjoy the speed, cruising over the road, yeah. And you feel it more on a bike." She grins and adds, "You did pretty good for yourself with the race too. Fourth isn't shabby when there's a pack." Then she adds a grin to Mikaela, "Oh yes, it's a lot better seeing it in person. I mean, I love the written word more than most. But knowledge is for applying."


Merek nods to Kae, while he offers a smile as well, "So, where to again?" he asks, while he checks his GPS, then he leans back also.


Mikaela slides into the passenger seat and shrugs a little, "Your car. You're driving." She wrinkles her nose, "I'm not even sure where we are." She fastens the buckle and closes the door. From afar, Katrina is always good to hang with you a little while.


Sumter can be found leaned up against his Harley Davidson Road King, smoking a cigar as he converses with the other three. He looks up as the Ferrari comes rolling in, his brows arching. He straightens up, eyes getting wide. "Hoooolee -shit-... now -thar's- a beautiful car," he says reverently.


Katrina shoves her hands into her pocket and approaches Arianna. A shake of her head and she mutters softly,"There's about to be a change in the cast. I know she's got the best voice of the lot, but her attitude is about to get her sound changed behind two broken teeth."


Arianna smiles on seeing the Ferrari pull in. She waves to the pair getting in the car and turns her attention to Sumter's comment and remarks, "I do love Italian style." Hey, that Ducati parked over there might be a hint too. But as Katrina heads over toward her she stage whispers to Sumter, "But that violent accountant there won't let me spice up the paint job."


Katrina catches up a little with the conversation between Sumter and Arianna. She manages a little better smile and winks at him,"Latina with the Italian. I am the puzzle of the city." She slips her arm around Arianna's waist and leans against her a little,"In the dark I can shut her down and lose a person. What she wants to do to my baby will make it stand out in pitch black."


Mikaela has left.

Merek moves to Prospect County - Carlsbad

Merek has left.


Arianna gives Katrina a playful pout, "Hey, you can turn off the lumilor with a switch. If there aren't lights enough to see the pretty red then some metallic and glitter bits won't stand out either." Then she protests to Sumter, "See, just not nearly willing enough to suffer for the sake of art."


Sumter laughs deeply at that. "Now that'd be a hell of a sight. Or not, as th' case may be. Jest this jet-black critter come rollin' up outta the night. Like a phantom car. That'd clench some ass-cheeks fer sure."


Katrina offers a stage sigh and she tells Arianna,"We'll talk about it later." she teases softly and turns her attention to Sumter,"See he gets it. I like moving out of nowhere to strike and fade into the night again. Strike like the fox."


Arianna gives you both a little laugh and then remarks, "I need to find some time to try building my own racing car. Get my bike fixed up too. I keep getting distracted wanting to make them pretty instead."


Sumter draws a long pull from his cigar, puffing a billow of smoke into the air. "Well, if yer needin' help with yer bike, I reckon I'd be able t' help with that," he says. "Whut kinda bike is it?"


"Making your own race car could be fun." Kat agrees thoughtfully,"The question becomes do you want a muscle car or a tuner." She winks as she adds,"The questions get more complicatred after that of course." She looks back to Sumter as he asks about Ari's bike, settling quiet to let the duo talk about her bike.


Arianna mms and remarks to Katrina, "That is a question. Probably a tuner to play with, small and sporty to turn around." She grins, "Maybe I'll get a collection one day." Then to Sumter she gestures over toward the Ducati parked not far from the van, showing off it's glowing art much like the van's. "I bought a lovely, fast bike for getting across country a while back. I'm still learning about the tuning, so I've only gotten some advice here and there. So much else going on, not enough time for hobbies."


Sumter nods his head. "A'right, well, you ever need any help with it, you kin find me 'round Styx n' Stones. Jest ask fer Josh Sumter. That's me." He chuckles a bit. "An' don't worry 'bout the fellers thar. They's a rough bunch, but they's well-behaved. Dawson n' me make sure o' that."


"I drove by there a week or so ago. Looks kinda rough." Katrina comments about Styx and Stones,"Was a little disappointed I didn't have time to stop. Never know what sort of adventure you'll find in a place like that."


Arianna smiles at Sumter and replies, "Well, that's nice of you. It's always lovely getting to know people into the racing." Then she mms and adds to Katrina's comment, "I only get by Prospect sporadically these nights. But you never know where I'll be chasing a story, or a race."


(And that's where the last of us faded for the night.)

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