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Going Once, Going Twice
- “But that was the trouble with ancient artifacts - no one really knew what they did.”
- - ― ― Patricia Briggs, Wolfsbane
Andone is happy to share the information that he's gathered as he gets ready to continue his investigation. He's put together tidy little folders that summarize what he's discovered so far. Perhaps he was inspired by Eris. There is a company called Hart Wolfram incorporated that appears to be a shell company that is buying out other companies that focus on finances and record storage, as well as a few other choice items. It seems like these companies have started inviting clients, including military and political personnel, to strange parties and private auctions and one such auction is happening this very morning. Andone suggests that we all drop in to enjoy the auction and maybe pick up a nice heirloom or two to pass on to our children.
Poppet watches and listens as well she is technically not even a kinfolk and is still getting a feel for her place. At the moment she does not have additional information to offer so she keeps to herself and listens.
Stefan takes a folder and as Andone mentions the auction he nudges Pemmy, "Looks like it's time to get out your wallet rich boy."
Camila smiles. "Well it will give us an idea of the buyers and if we ought to be worried. Or maybe it's just more filth we can dip our fingers in."
Andone nods to Camila. "It seems like whenever these companies are bought out they change practices fairly quickly, but this was a recent acquisition by Hart Wolfram, so this might be a good chance to snoop on things before they've completely changed the way things operate there."
Pembroke shows up with his pocketbook ready. He may not be in the top position financially, but a plastic surgeon has deep enough pockets to work an auction. He does check out the client list to check if any names pop out as one of his own clients, or their wives. "I expect a Stepford situation. Go in and get chipped, come out perfect little automatons, jacked into Her web."
Camila holds her hand out... such smooth skin. "Let me see that list, I get around certain circles."
Andone will slide over a copy of what information he has over to Camila, shaking his head. "I didn't get many specific names from my source. More a description of the /type/ of people that are being invited to these little gatherings."
Stefan pulls Pippin out of his jacket pocket and syncs the camera in his eye with his cell, in case he needs to send him off roaming a bit.
Ever the intern, Alena arrived quietly and prepared coffee for those gathered as they planned. She's dressed well, in silk and cashmere, and by the time everyone is ready to move on, has the information pulled up for review on her cell.
ST: The Auction that Andone is speaking of is happening at a building on the Southeast side of Prospect's Industrial district. the date for the Open House auction is set for early morning on a Tuesday of all things. But when one is independently wealthy workdays mean little. Dress code is business casual but the auction is said to be silent and it's known that some bidders will not be personally present.
Hidden Treasures, LTD had recently been bought out by a wealthy conglomerate and this was going to be its debut under new management. The website and fliers indicate that the special auction is for exotic antiques and estate items that are one of a kind.
The lot has several dozen vehicles in it, all being guarded by your typical pepper-spray security guards. A lot of cars are expensive and some are even nigh unique in the United States. Along the side of the lot, there are several limos with drivers all huddled together chatting amongst themselves while they await their passengers. There is a metal detector at the door and once everyone's through they are handed a paddle with a number... Provided they don't get turned away for being armed.
Stefan is very average looking, and not very memorable in his business suit. He appears like the well to do nerdy intellectual that he is, and he picks up a flyer and a paddle as he keeps his cell phone in one hand.
Andone isn't brining any weapons with him and while he's charismatic he has a rather plain appearance and doesn't bother with much disguise. He'll wander into the building and happily accept a paddle, staring at it briefly before he continues on in.
Pembroke does separate from anyone that does want to hide their identity, but his might just work to his advantage. Oh, and hey, a plastic surgeon coming in with Camila might even boost his rep a little. He does send a little telepathic memo to Stef to get Limo numbers into his polaroid brain on the way in. Small talk is made with anyone entering openly, but just random BS. Though he does set up a small visual signal with the others to let him know if he should open telepathic communication, with the warning that some might detect magic in use, and might not want to do so too often.
Poppet smiles as she does have to show a crystal pendant with a metal fitting to hold it around her neck, but obviously it is not a weapon and only jewelry.
The good thing about being with someone like Camila is that even Alena's remarkable features fade in contrast. Aside from being well-dressed and well-bred, nothing much stands out. She heads inside, grabs a paddle, and prepares herself to be situated alongside Poppet and Stefan.
Camila sizzles in her pink cocktail dress. The kind of looks that make faithful men question their vows and women question their worth. She keeps that dark smile on her face as she mingles into the crowd. If people want to believe Pembroke os responsible, they can.
Stefan settles into a seat as he glances around at the various faces at the auction, committing them to memory and chatting a bit about a couple of the items with his companions.
The group are welcomed into the Auction House, each handed a paddle and then they have ushered down a hall into an open staging area where surprisingly comfortable theater-style seating has been set up overlooking a circular stage area that is well lit but without anything to obscure or detract from it. There is a podium and an older gentleman standing with a mousey looking woman who are talking quickly and quietly amongst themselves while they go over something on a clipboard.
Some faces one doesn't even need to have any special knowledges to know. There are famous people here and Camila not only blends but makes an impression. But due to the nature of th auction they cannot speak to her, only stare longingly at her and her obvious enterouge. Poppet also gets a fair amount of attention. A couple of them even find numbers slipped into their hands with obvious hopes that they'll hand them off to Camila pr Poppet's hands but no one speaks a word even as they mingle about. The business casual dress is obviously to keep anyone from being singled out but you can't miss a Pop Star, a Saudi Prince, a couple of local politicians and even some Sports Heros are here with at least one other companion.
An announcement comes over the PA: Ten Minutes until the Auction begins, please find your seats. Please be sure to read the rules on your pamphlets and have your collateral ready for exchange upon purchase. Thank You.
Camila sits beside Pembroke, taking note of the famous personages to latch onto later. She will smile at those who matter if they look her way/
Pembroke examines the pamphlet and checks out the crowd. Wow, he hasn't seen this much silicon and botox since his last inventory check. A small smile breaks out, and an appropriately superior and smug look at any jealous gazes when he sits beside Camila. Though his own eyes drift toward the pair that look like they are about to start the show.
Sitting down for the auction could be interesting, but Andone is instead going to take this opportunity while most of the crowd is distracted with the auction. His plan is to sneak off to the offices and snoop around if he can get past security.
Poppet sits with, well near Pem and Camila as she watches and listens, always watching and listening. She does have a bad girl moment when a man obviously with a woman looks her way and she parts her lips just slightly and wets her lips with her tongue teasingly. Nothing more than that, but she tends to make such things seem like way more then they are.
Camila chuckles at Poppet's display. Her job is being accomplished, keep everyone looking while Stefan infiltrates.
Andone rolls Dexterity + Stealth vs 4 for 3 successes.
2 +6 +7 +7
Poppet rolls Manipulation + Seduction + 2 vs 4 for 3 successes.
2 3 3 +4 +5 +7
Stefan smiles contentedly as so many eyes on the beautiful women sitting near him means that no one notices how much attention he is paying to his cell.
Stefan rolls 5 vs 6 for 5 successes.
+6 +6 +8 +9 +9
Pembroke looks gradually around the room, eyes settling on the old man, shortly before he approaches the podium and the event is about to begin, hoping to get a glimpse of what he's up to.
Poppet has some admiteres in the form of a curious couple who have lost some interest in what's going on on stage. Everyone - well, almost everyone - is starting to find their seats and get ready to take part in the auction. Already something is being wheeled out on stage though it's covered with a black cloth. Because Camila and Poppet are doing such a wonderful job Andone is able to sneak away without so much as a second glance.
The old man steps up to the podium and grabs up a gavel and looks over the room at large. He's a somewhat dogged looking old gentleman who's face has etched itself into a permanently sour 'I'm judging you and I don't care if you notice' expression.
Pembroke rolls Intelligence + Empathy vs 6 for 2 successes.
1 2 3 4 +6 +8 9
Pembroke rolls Perception + Awareness vs 6 for 1 successes.
1 5 +6 8
Stefan rolls Perception + Awareness vs 6 for 2 successes.
1 4 +7 +8 10
Camila crosses her legs and looks up to the stage, curious on what products are drawing this high profile crowd:
The tiny rodent-like creature easily makes his way around the room without being detected, scurrying underneath the chairs. Everything that Pippin sees Stefan sees, and the man mentally sends him towards the back of the building to get a look at what the audience isn't seeing.
Andone loses one Willpower
Alena rolls Perception + Politics vs 6 for 2 successes.
1 2 +6 +7 8
Idle message from Stefan: BBL, leave message
Andone rolls Wits + Investigation vs 6 for 6 successes.
5 5 +6 +7 +8 +8 +9 +10
Alena rolls Perception + Streetwise vs 6 for 4 successes.
3 +6 +7 +9 +10
Pembroke whispers into Camila's ear, smiling and conspiratorial. "Something's up."
Andone rolls Perception + Alertness vs 6 for 3 successes.
+8 +9 +9
Alena sits quietly, one leg crossed over the other and grips the paddle as she uses it to fan herself a bit. She flashes a friendly smile at anyone looking her way and drinks in the details of those who look her way. She watches as her counterparts depart and leans towards Stefan to murmur something behind the distraction of her paddle fan.
Stefan glances at Pembroke and runs his hand through his hair. A signal for the other man to read his thoughts. <Something happening around the stage. The back of this place looks like a friggin museum.>
Camila rolls Charisma + Performance vs 6 for 3 successes.
1 2 3 3 4 4 +6 +7 +9 10
Camila has no attraction for these bottom feeders but she chews on her pen, looks seductively at security guards, makes herself seem attainable, interested.
Poppet unzips her jacket more than halfway as she leans back as if hot. She runs her fingers down over the valley between her bosoms as it trying to cool down as she looks to the ceiling and grones slightly.
Camila seems to have the attention of one of the security guards in the front. He's doing that weird awkward thing where he lifts a brow at her, cocks his head and mouths 'Hi' with his most seductive expression. That couple continues to ogle Poppet even while the man on the stage bangs his gavel and calls out. "Welcome to the Auction. Please have your paddles ready. I will call three times for final bids and if no one responds after the third call then the last bidder is the winner and must pay at first break and make immediate arrangements for transportation...
"The first thing we have on the docket is this one of a kind Mirror. This Mirror is said to have belonged to a Priestess of Egypt." He continues, launching into the history, "Women were priestesses to both goddesses and gods, undertaking similar roles to their male counterparts and receiving the same pay. The most common priestess title was 'Chantress', with some women impersonating goddesses in rituals and the wives of high priests holding the title 'leader of the musical troupe' Although most high priests were men, as were the lector priests who read out sacred texts, women held both these offices at times. Yet the most important priestess was the 'God's Wife', a title held by a succession of royal women acting as the human consort of the god Amun at Karnak. The God's Wife led sacred processions with the king or his deputy the high priest, and like them could enter the innermost shrine to make offerings keeping the gods content. She also took an active role in defending Egypt by magical means, shooting arrows into ritual targets and burning images of enemies. As the role brought great wealth and prestige, kings appointed their sisters or daughters as God's Wife to enhance their own status, and eventually regarded as the equivalent of a king shown with kingly scepters, these women could delegate on the king's behalf, both within the temple and in matters of state."
The Mirror is revealed as the cloth is pulled away from the stand. It is held upright, an image of the goddess with her arms outstretched flanked by falcons holding up the circular head of the mirror.
WE will start the bidding at one-hundred thousand."
-https://www.christies.com/lotfinderimages/d58267/d5826748a.jpg
Camila makes a kissy face briefly at the man then turns her attention to the auction with a mischevious smile. No need to keep baiting a fish already on the hook.
Pembroke glances around the room, looking at who is bidding on the current set. Especially anyone that's ignoring the ladies beside him.
Alena's attention seems to have been snagged by a couple of fellas in the audience. She watches them carefully as the item is introduced and tries to see if there is a seat near either of them.
Stefan acts as if he is interested in the item, but holds back from actual bidding.
Andone loses one Willpower
Andone rolls Intelligence + Lore Mage vs 9 for 0 successes.
2 3 8
There are several open seats but everyone here has a second with them. It's almost unusual. There are also people off to the side with Bluetooth headsets in and tablets in their hands who are paying attention to the item because it's their job... And someone important is on the line.
Other than the folks giving Camila and Poppet the bedroom eyes there are of course several people who are very interested in the item up for bid. Paddles start going up and the price climbs by tens of thousands at a time, ramping up close to half a million dollars by the time the item is purchased by a man wearing a Kufiya and with a magnificently trimmed and oiled black beard.
Pembroke tries to read the mind of the man that makes the purchase, get what info he can on what he expects to get out of the item. Status symbol, genuine magic, or just to impress his date...
Pembroke rolls Intelligence + Empathy vs 6 for 0 successes.
1 -1 -1 2 3 4 6
Andone rolls Gnosis vs 5 for 2 successes.
1 3 +6 +7 10
Stefan glances to Pembroke <Let the others know to be careful if they go in the back, it is heavily guarded.>
Camila rolls Willpower vs 7 for 1 successes.
1 3 3 5 +8 9
-https://i.pinimg.com/564x/33/7e/b5/337eb5bec4c6f13ab02b948860526fb8.jpg
The Mirror is covered and taken back and the old man clears his throat. "Here we have an interesting item.." He gestures as an assistant walks out a square object, setting it on the display table and removing the black silk cover. Under it is a glass case that houses a staff head that resembles a cobra.
"This unique Item comes to us from a recent dig in Giza. The Cobra Head Staff was unearthed not far from another significant find of a mass burial sight from what was considered to be a great sacrifice to the god Set." He bangs his gavel, "We begin the bidding at Five-hundred-thousand.." There's a visible shift in the room and several people sit a bit more forward.
Camila... can't help but want to look at it. Not just look but stare. Though admittedly it's less Camila and more her Rider that finds it fascinating.
Camila loses interest in flirtation as the staff draws her attention. She whispers to Pembroke. "I think we want that."
The Devil doesn't come dressed in a red cape and pointy horns. He comes as everything you've ever wished for. . . Lust is the inappropriate desire the intense wanting and yearning that often leads down a path of vice, sin, and often destruction. This can take many forms, sexuality, love, money, power... As a child of Karnala Lust is a dark totem that prompts her children to do her dirty work for her. Lust appears as a sexually desirable young woman.
Pembroke waits for the bidding to rev a little before starting to throw his own paddle up on occasion, whispering to the ladies.. "Upfront, or behind the dumpster?"
Poppet rolls 3 vs 6 for 2 successes.
3 +6 +7
Camila doesn't understand the question so she just looks pretty. "Maybe after?"
Poppet rolls Perception + Awareness vs 6 for 2 successes.
2 2 +6 +9
Poppet tilts her head as if staring into space. She then removes her sunglasses from her pocket and slips them on as she smiles. "That so?" She then leans over to whisper to Camila leaning seductivly in to continue the show as she shares a secret or something.
Alena rolls Perception + Alertness vs 6 for 3 successes.
2 3 3 4 +6 +6 +10
Alena rolls Dexterity + Stealth vs 6 for 3 successes.
4 4 +8 +8 +9
Pembroke glances at the bidders.. "Buy it, or take it." he restates in somewhat clearer tones as he watches for the bidding to continue and listens to how high it's getting.
Camila smiles as Poppet whispers and nods
Andone rolls Perception + Awareness vs 6 for 2 successes.
3 +7 +8
The huntress has her prey in target and scoops up her paddle to subtly slide in next to him. She casually looks over his shoulder as he appears really too distracted to take much note that Alena has caught him in her web.
The Bidding War for the snakehead becomes vicious as three hold outs continue to drive the price up. It lasts minutes, long grueling minutes of the auctioneers' voice rambling on and on, increasing in number without so much as blinking as it climbs past two million and quickly towards three. As if it's all very normal mundane business here... Finally, the Middle Eastern man drops out of the bidding and it's between a young man with a tablet and a phone and a small elderly woman sitting in the very front row... So small and unnoticeable it's almost like everyone missed her right up until there was a reason to. The rest of the room is silent and waiting out this bidding war but becoming even more curious about what that 'thing' is now that it's drawing that kind of capital...
Poppet rolls Perception + Awareness vs 9 for -1 successes.
-1 4 5 5
Pembroke ponders how to acquire it as zeros rack up. Not sure what kind of cash on hand, the others have available, but figuring they'll pull their own paddles if they have that kind of dough.
Poppet looks to the old woman, then looks outside, then to grandma. She then whispers to Camila "Ummm maybe going nuts. Is that old lady a vampire to you?" She continues to eyeball the old woman hard.
Camila says, "Cant tell but I am trying to figure how I didn't see her before."
Alena rolls Wits + Empathy vs 6 for 2 successes.
1 2 2 2 +6 +6 8
After the time is up the Aide wins, barely, but not without receiving a watery-eyed glare from the old woman in the front. The Man looks back down and taps out something on his tablet. The Announcer calls out: THat concludes the first portion of today's Auction. Next lot will be up in precisely fifteen minutes."
This breather is both for those who've purchased their items to pay and people to try and gather more money for the next items that will be on the docket. Especially after such a spectacular first showing.
Poppet slowly stops paying attention to granny goodness as she looks to the Middle Eastern man.
Andone looks towards his co-conspirators, most of them fairly new faces to him. Or rather, he's the new face to them. He gestures for anyone nearby who's curious to come closer to him so that he can speak softly with them.
As the people break, the silence can finally be broken and people start to move off into groups to socialize with one another. Shmoozing is part of this place..
Stefan leans over and whispers something to Pembroke. Those with excellent hearing might pick it up. "Might be a good idea to get in with that one. Easier getting something paid for by someone else."
Camila moves closer to hear Andone.
Pembroke rises from his seat, taking a cigarette from the pack as he stands, though it does not light it. He does join Andone to get the report
Andone looks to Camila as she steps closer, and will wait for any others who want to listen in before he begins. "The back office area is pretty typical, open-air styling. I found client lists and a few other documents made sure to record everything relevant. Things in the umbra are.. odd. Bland, but not in a Weaverish sense. I mean, Great-Grandma's touch is present here obviously but it just feels kind of sickening. And there's awarded door that I couldn't get past on either the physical or spirit side. Warded by symbols that.. make me think that a wizard did it. But I'm not really sure. I felt sick just approaching it and I think pushing though might've killed me."
As a break is called for Alena stands up, next to the aide and turns to face him, flashing a dazzling smile his way. She tucks a loose strand of hair behind an ear and nods, "Congratulations. That took some determination!" She chuckles in slightly accented English. After a bit, she remembers her manners and attempts to offer her hand, "I'm Svetlana Krane, here on behalf of the Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States."
Camila moves over to the middle eastern man and smiles. "Better luck next time. Why was that such a high ticket item? Better give me a pedicure and get me drunk at that price."
Pembroke glances around, and looks toward the back and leans toward Andone... "Think I could do it?"
Alena rolls Charisma + Subterfuge vs 6 for 5 successes.
1 3 +6 +6 +7 +7 +8 10
Alena loses one Willpower
Andone looks to Pembroke and shrugs. "Hey, if you want to give it a shot go for it. From what I saw if it kills you it'll be pretty painless."
Alena rolls Manipulation + Subterfuge vs 5 for 4 successes.
1 2 2 +6 +6 +6 +10 10
Alena rolls 2 vs 5 for 1 successes.
2 +5
Camila smiles sheepishly. "Excuse me," she moves back to the group and tells Andone quietly. "You may be right we can't get through the warded door but I can melt the walls around it?"
The Aide looks up and smiles at Alena with that comfortable 'Politicians' smile that gets trained into them young. He shakes her hand with a quiet, "Thank you. It's quite the find." But rather than discuss his win he changes the subject, "I'm Ben Thorne," He introduces himself. Hissotto baritone accented by an upbringing in New Zealand. "You're a new face. This your first auction?" He wonders.
Not too many people bother the group of people though the flirting is non-stop towards the lovely young women most everyone here seems to know who they want to talk to. It might seem odd other than the fact that Alena had peeled off to group to approach a political contact who obviously threw money around.
Camila moves towards the bearded man and he looks up. His companion who's been sitting to his left the whole time leans forward and speaks to the man quietly. The Middle Eastern man doesn't even look at the translator. He seems intent on his new conversation partner. He speaks in Iranian and his translator replies for him. "Well for me it would help complete a part of a collection. In fact, it would have rounded out the collections of several people here."
Pembroke glances that way.. and then grins at Camile, nodding and inviting himself to join her backstage
Andone glances to Camila and smiles. "That might trigger a security system or fire alarms. But hey, what's life without a little risk? Assuming our friend here can't get through." He gestures to Pembroke.
Camila shakes her head. "Im hot but its not heat or fire." She chuckles. "Show me the place."
Pembroke leans toward Andone a moment. "Sometimes, those things have to be finely tuned. If I feel uneasy, I'll let her do her thing."
Alena returns the smile, letting it widen easily across her features as she chuckles and tilts her head to the side a bit, "is it that obvious?" She asks, but acquiesces, "yes, this is the first auction. I was sent here to look into it since the Ambassador will be in town for the season. He'll likely have me looking into make some purchases for him." She looks over at him with a little gleam in her eye, "maybe you could teach me a trick or two, Ben?"
Andone reaches over to place a hand on Pembroke's shoulder, nodding towards the offices. "I'll show you the way."
Ben laughs, "Now now, no spoiling tricks of the trade." Ben tuts softly as he offers over a card. "But maybe we cn go to dinner sometime? I'd love to hear about how things are going int he Ukraine."
There are guards between the stage and the back room. And people who are moving things around in the back storage room.
The offices are still left unguarded
Camila follows along, looping a finger through Pembroke's belt loop for appearances. She waits for Andone to show her what to break as she is not sensitive to magic.
Camila loses one Willpower
Camila rolls Perception + Medicine vs 8 for 1 successes.
4 4 5 7 +9
Camila places her hand on the wall, black lines like veins spread out from her touch. The white wall turns a sickly grey and Camila wipes the now vile substance away.
Alena rolls Manipulation + Subterfuge vs 5 for 6 successes.
1 +6 +8 +8 +8 +9 +9 10
Alena rolls 1 vs 5 for 1 successes.
+5
Pembroke loses one Willpower
Pembroke rolls Perception + Investigation vs 7 for 3 successes.
4 4 6 +7 +9 +10
Camila says, "I can but yes let's get out of here first."
Fin
(TBC...)
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