Leadership - open to all clan members

Despite his early evening recreation, Alec seemed to be the second to arrive after Carol and her panties...um...panties? Blushing, Alec looked around the room, at everything *except* Carol and her panties. He'd actually never been in the Stadium before, so it wasn't a wholly feigned interest. It looked pretty comfortable, and would easily facilitate a gathering, but wouldn't be as intimate for friendly movie viewing.

Friendly movie viewing. He was surprised at the number of Tacharan he'd discovered with that social hobby. It seemed that their reputation for being mercenaries, hardened killers, thieves and wayward children of the night didn't lessen their appreciation of cinematic goodness. Maybe they just needed a better PR agent. That reminded him, he hadn't stopped back in to chat with that Addison or his guests. He'd have to look them up at some point.

So...the big meeting and we're the only eager...um...

Blushing, he stopped short of saying 'eager beaver'. It seemed somewhat inappropriate given the way she was sitting. "Dammit, I know she does this on purpose."

...folk...around tonight?

Plopping into a chair in row four *behind* Carol and her panties, Alec figured he'd be safe from further potential embarrassment or uncomfortableness. Then he looked down to continue to chat, saw straight down her shirt, and took a sudden interest in the beverage bar.

Ginnie had left her lab covered in oil, dirt and tear gas fumes. Yeah that whole asking the geeks to move the bombs to the vault thing, was a really bad idea, when they all woke up, she was pissed. So she stopped by the apartment to shower and put on something less oil covered. She opted for purple hipster jeans and a black t-shirt with a kitten hanging from a tree branch and the caption Hang Loose underneath.

She grabbed her lap top and shoved it a pad of paper and a couple of pens into her briefcase, and headed for The Stadium.

As she walked she dug some gum out of a side pocket, watermelon bubble yum, and stuck the square in her mouth. As she entered the bubble she was blowing nearly shot across the room as she saw Carol's position in her seat and Alec's very red face. She pulled the gum back into her mouth and covered her laugh with a cough.

"Hi, guys."

Alexandra got the news there was a gathering fairly quickly, changing into a pair of black leather hotpants a matching bustier and a long sleevles leather overcoat she looked herself over in the mirror, pulling her hair back into a loose braid she finally sliped on her knee high black stiletto heels before heading out the door.

Making her way down to a place called the Stadium, never having been there before it took her a bit of searching before she found it, flipping her braid over her left shoulder she noticed Carol was already there and two other she hadn't met yet.

Leaning against a nearby wall for a moment she cleared her troath before walking over to where they seating/standing.

"Hi all"

Nodding her head as a welcome she smiled faintly at the people present.

A silent and focused Mathias headed to The Stadium Shay trying to keep up with him. they hadn't spoken much on the way over - this was subject they had agreed to disagree on. Something did not sit right with Mathias, and he intended to allay those fears or have the parties responsible answer for it.

Entering the auditorium, he noticed Ginnie and Alec chatting with Carol. Such a sparse turnout so far he mused I wonder where Simon is..perhaps he will make a grand entrance.

Taking a moment to calm himself,Mathias headed down to the row where the trio was assembled.

"Ginnie,Alec,Carol - an honor as always" His hand went to Shay's,gently squeezing it,drawing upon her strength. "You,of course,know Shay"

Noticing the new arrival he bowed slightly. " Hello - I am Mathias and this is Shay "

He would ask the questions that troubled him
He would set things right

Alexandra was feeling really out of place, here she was with all these people she never met before.. well exept for Carol, but she didn't know her either, looking down at the points of her boots she wondered why she even decided to go to this meeting, it wasn't as if she had been part of anything that happend in the past, Hell these people probably didn't even want her here.


Just as she was about to up and leave someone addressed her, looking the man and his companion over she almost smiled at him bowing to her.

Noticing the new arrival he bowed slightly. " Hello - I am Mathias and this is Shay "

"Alexandra.. nice to meet the both of you"

Pushing a strand of hair behind her ear she gave them a forced smile, sure they were being friendly... well as far as friendly goes with vampires but could she trusth them? she didn't know any of these people.. it was at times like this that she really missed Michel.

Swallowing hard she looked at the others in the room, they all seemed to knew one another.

Though it could have been her own awkwardness at being such a newcomer to the clan, Shay seemed to sense a little of the same in Alexandra. Sitting down in the same row as Alec and Ginnie...next to where Alexi stood, Shay looked at the girl and patted the seat next to her.

"Why don't you have a seat?" Maybe once the girl sat down, she'd feel less conspicuous...if that was how she was feeling to begin with...this was all assumption on Shay's part, and she knew she could be totally off the mark.

"I'm not at all familiar with how these things go, and wasn't at the actual event. Being a clan member, I just thought it was fitting for me to be here...to see where things are to be going."

There...Shay thought at least now she had tried. Knowing Alexi would be tied up with demons she couldn't really help him with now, having a little company to kibitz with might make Shay feel more a part of the activity.

"Are you new?"

Simon walked quietly down the hallway towards the Stadium, hands in pocket and head hung low. Checking his watch, he saw that it was still early. He slipped his hand back into his pocket and continued his slow stroll down the hallway.

He had been struggling with what exactly to tell the clan about Ellis. Carol had shown him the information that Alec had found. It told him more than he wanted to know. Then there was Carol, what would he say about their relationship and how would it reflect on his recent actions?

Simon was in a bit of a pickle, but he'd be honest with the clan, which was more than he could say for Ellis. He'd expect challengers, from within Nachton and out of country. He knew he already had opposition from within the clan building, Mathias being one. Unwavered alliance to Ellis which he understood, but she tarnished her own name. Still, people saw what they wanted to. He did, for fifteen hundred years.

Simon reached the double doors and walked in quietly.

Shalimar O Mannon
Though it could have been her own awkwardness at being such a newcomer to the clan, Shay seemed to sense a little of the same in Alexandra. Sitting down in the same row as Alec and Ginnie...next to where Alexi stood, Shay looked at the girl and patted the seat next to her.

"Why don't you have a seat?" Maybe once the girl sat down, she'd feel less conspicuous...if that was how she was feeling to begin with...this was all assumption on Shay's part, and she knew she could be totally off the mark.

Looking at the other woman for a moment Alex relaxed a bit, as she patted the seat next to her she smiled, stepping closer she sat down crossing her long legs at the knee.

"I'm not at all familiar with how these things go, and wasn't at the actual event. Being a clan member, I just thought it was fitting for me to be here...to see where things are to be going."

There...Shay thought at least now she had tried. Knowing Alexi would be tied up with demons she couldn't really help him with now, having a little company to kibitz with might make Shay feel more a part of the activity.

Taking a deep breath of air she listened to the woman who had been introduced as Shay, she seemed nice enough.

"Thank you"

Smiling again she looked down at her nails, she wasn't the shy type at all, but meeting like this made her feel uncomfortable to say the least, not knowing anyone, being the newbie.. it just made her feel out of place.

"Are you new?"

Looking back up at Shay she nodded, a smile once again forming on her lips.

"Yes I am, I just got here a few days ago"

Holding out her hand she smiled and this time the smile did reach her eyes.

"Alexandra, and you're Shay?"

It was nice to have the ability to be social when the need arose. Being new herself, and without knowing too many others there, Shay didn't think it would hurt to rectify that situation. Besides, the more people she knew, the larger knowledge base she'd have to draw from, when writing her characters.

"Yes, I'm Shay. It's nice to meet you Alexandra. Are you vampire...or...familiar?"

If a person couldn't ask that question within the clan walls, then where? Shay didn't think she sounded impertinent...just curious.

"I'm the latter." She said, glad she could state it without actually saying the word. She took hold of Alexi's hand as they sat there, hoping Alexandra understood the connection.

Because the other woman appeared to be alone, Shay assumed Alexandra was vampire. But it was easier to just ask outright...something she hadn't done when she met Alec or Ginnie. She now wondered about them all the time...assuming in their case at least one was vampire. The other could conceivably be the corresponding familiar. There really wasn't any way now to find out by asking though...Shay thought that would just be rude. If she could remember, she'd ask Alexi...the thing was, she liked them both either way, so it only mattered in regards to knowledge for the book.

"Were you there?" A look of distaste crossed Shay's face, when she mentioned the 'event'. Though she had heard the horrors, and knew how difficult it still was for Alexi, she would probably never truly understand just how awful it had been. The more she knew, the better she could be when listening to Alexi talk of it. If it weren't for him, this particular knowledge would have meant nothing.

Walking in, Simon noticed that most of the regulars were present and accounted for, save for Addison, Ellis' new familiar. He took his hands out of his pockets and stood quietly until all eyes were on him.

'I apologize for the delay of this meeting and keeping everyone waiting. Recovery from the sun exposure was a bit more than the norm, but I feel fine now. Thank you to those who stopped by and sent well wishes. Also thank you for coming here tonight, especially the new faces.' He noded towards Alexandra and Shalimar.

'Most of you here were present for the raid on Terrance Hillman's compound that resulted in what's being reported as a terrorist attack. The destruction of the compound was a success, although the attention wasn't exactly what we had in mind. As you know, this type of aggression towards humans, facilitated by Ellis, will not go unnoticed by the Elders in the city or by the Tacharan clans from out of country. What we did was...frowned upon.'

Simon made eye contact with each member as he spoke. His face remained emotionless, as is the norm, but inside he was grappling with what exactly to say about their dead fearless leader. With a deep breath, he continued.

'The result of the raid has been disastrous. Our reputation, our lively hood under scrutiny and the death of Ellis. I will undoubtedly be called in front of the elder council to answer for our actions and the whereabouts of Ellis. They want to know what happened and I know all of you do as well. You deserve it more than the Elders.'

With a sigh, 'I don't have the words to describe the intensity that Ellis had, the sheer will to retaliate against those who she thinks have wronged her. I have been with her since the beginning, since before Tacharan. Her life was mine. Her goals were mine. Her happiness...was...mine. Till that day. Carol and the mercs discovered information about Ellis' ties with Hillman. Ellis' own admission to me as we exited the compound confirmed it. The information that Alec, 'nodding towards the little rogue vampire, 'in the archived files proves that she did, in fact, betray her clan.'

Simon looked around the room, catching the expressions, or lack thereof, of some of those present. Carol had been quiet the entire time and sat with her hands in her lap. She raised her eyebrows slightly at him just then.

'Ellis is gone. I watched her slip into the fire below, back into the sub levels. But it isn't so much a question of what I could've done...but what I should have done a long time ago.

'I loved her.' Simon's voice choked up, much to his surprise. He cleared his throat and continued. 'But what she was doing to the clan, to us...was wrong. Call it simply what it is people, Ellis was a traitor and a cruel one.'

Simon considered bringing up his family being hostage all these years and familiars being farmed from his genes. He decided that her actions should be enough to condemn her and his family was his own business.

'I'm assuming leadership of the clan. If there is anyone here who wishes to speak against that decision, now is the time to do so.'

He knew he'd have challengers, he just hoped it wasn't from within Nachton. Simon looked around and waited.

Ginnie sighed softly at Simon's words. She had spent the time since the raid holed up in her lab rebuilding the millions of dollars of weaponry Ellis had commanded for the raid. She had taken that time to sort through and catalogue every word that had been said leading up to and during the raid. Everything Carol has said into the com, every word that Simon had uttered, every single itty bitty thing had been stored in her eidetic memory and she dwelled long and hard over it all.

Ginnie had always had a respectful fear of Ellis. She could not hate her, as she had given Ginnie a home and a job when no one else had. She had accepted her talents and let her do the very thing she loved. She had never felt used or betrayed until now. That asshole had ben using her people, her contacts, her goddamned guns, and she had had to damn near wage a war to get things back in order.

She was going to have to spend some time with Carol and see if any of her information held a contact list, or shipping manifests that only Ellis, Carol or Ginnie would have access to. Because that would make this so much more personal.

She studied Simon for a moment. She had always, always, trusted Simon. She'd never gotten a creepy vibe from him, had never feared him, and had always had nothing but respect for him. She stood, slowly, pulling her fingers reluctantly from Alec's.

"I do not stand in opposition, but in support. I have lost a great deal in the Hillman Conflict, and I more than any of you should be angry with the outcome. I wondered if Simon had betrayed us by killing Ellis himself. I wondered if Carol had done the dirty deeds that lead Hillman to my gun ring."

She turned so that she could look at all assembled. Knowing she had to trust these people, and there was no going back now.

"Some of you know and some of you don't that I own the black market gun trade in Nachton and the surrounding area. I also lead in trafficking in a great deal of the east coast. Hillman took a lot of that right out from underneath me. I couldn't figure out how he was doing it and it has taken a street war to get myself back on top. You do not know what I have had to do and how many people I have had to kill because of that bastard."

She directed her gaze to Simon, the anger making her hands shake.

"I went into this for revenge of my own. I did not go because Ellis ordered me. I gave her my guns, but I walked into that building and set those charges because that man nearly destroyed me and mine. I am a vindictive woman. I believe that you will get what is coming to you. I believe Ellis got what was coming to her. I will stand by you Simon, not because the leadership defaults to you, but because you are and have been the true leader of this Clan for a long time. I will die for you Simon, I would not have done so for Ellis."

She held his gaze for a moment longer before returning to her seat and letting the anger inside her tremble through her body.

Winter sat, motionless, digesting what Simon had said he almost didn't hear Ginnies words.. over and over snippets of Simons speech echo'ed in his head..

Simon
'Ellis is gone. I watched her slip into the fire below, back into the sub levels. But it isn't so much a question of what I could've done...but what I should have done a long time ago.

Simon
'I loved her.'

Simon
'I watched her slip into the fire''

Simon
'I loved her.'

Simon
Ellis was a traitor and a cruel one.'

Simon
'I loved her.'

Simon
I have been with her since the beginning, since before Tacharan. Her life was mine. Her goals were mine. Her happiness...was...mine.

Simon
'I loved her.'

Simon
'I watched her slip into the fire''

Simon
what I should have done a long time ago.

he noticed Ginnie had finished, he had only half listened to what she had been saying, something about being a good contact for weapons.. 'gotta remeber that, ginnies got the hook-up... maybe I should pay her a visit' "pay them all a visit, one by one..bleed them dry' 'no! these are Tacharans! don't even think of such things!' he squished the dark voice down to the corner of his mind. there were more important things going on, he needed to focus! he ordered himself..

Winter spoke up from his seat in the back. "she betrayed us, so you betrayed her.. and you let her die..." he said, almost a question, but not quite.. "and now you stand here, informing us that your the new alpha..." he stared unblinking at Simon "so now its the law of the wild, rule of the strongest eh?" he said without emotion "You 've removed your oppisition and have even claimed Ellis's woman as your prize.."

He jumped to his feet and flared his coat about himself dramaticly.. "Hurrah to you good man Simon, poor tortured Simon, ever stoic Simon.." his voice now higher pitched, in a sing-song style he said "The unsung Hero now would be a King!" Winters laughter became faster, manicical now "All Hail the new King, and his court of the damned!" he smiled and then as suddenly as the manic laughter had started, it stopped, his voice was now flat, detached, cold "May you reign until the next Usurper appears"

soudlessly Winter walked to the exit, and left..

'Drama Queen'
'oh shut up!'

Carol turned to look at Winter, his voice low in the back.

"You 've removed your oppisition and have even claimed Ellis's woman as your prize.."

'What the...fuck,' she murmured under her breath. Carol was startled when Winter jumped to his feet, his voice changing dramatically. As he left, she turned back in her seat and stared straight ahead, past Simon.

"...and have even claimed Ellis's woman as your prize."

The implications of his statement made her nervous, to say the least. Although it would be easy to assume that he'd take over her property, familiars included. She was fairly certain he'd release Addison, but they haven't talked to him yet. Marthinus was suppose to. She crossed her arms in front of her, as if she was shivering. She was surprised to notice that she was.

Mathias listened to Simon's speech, and felt..nothing. It was not truly a surprise - it only confirmed his misgivings..and shed no new light on the supposed evidence of Ellis' betrayal.

Ginnie's oath was unsurprising, and honestly he could see how some might react in that manner. The albino..Winter was it? Now that was an unexpected surprise. He echoed many of Mathias' thoughts although he was unsure if Winter shared his concerns or merely was stating the obvious.

Shay's hand gave a warm glow to Mathias as he squeezed it briefly before standing.

" I would not oppose you Simon. And yet, I am troubled. You say Ellis betrayed us, that she sold us out. That Carol found evidence of this. That Ellis herself admitted this to you. "

His gaze drifted to Carol before settling back on Simon

"And yet where is this evidence? What proof beyond your word do we have that it is legitimate? Where is Ellis to answer for the crimes she is accused of? Ah yes..how convient. The accused is not here - by your own admission you allowed her to die in the compound. Allowed a woman you say you loved to burn."

Mathias voice grew calmer as he continued to look at Simon.

" Ellis betrayed the clan - so you felt she had to be punished. If we were so grievously lied to - should she have not faced us? Stand before those she hurt? No,that is not to be for Simon Huntington is judge,jury and executioner. How odd that you felt the need to kill Ellis out of loyalty to the clan,but not give us a chance to decide if she was even guilty. How..convient"

"You will go before the elders - a group that despised Ellis as much as she despised them. And will answer for what we did. And Ellis will be blamed, and she will be the martyr for our and your sins. "

The rest of the room faded out to only Simon and Mathias he spoke his last words.

"Understand this Simon Huntington. You say that Ellis betrayed the Clan. If so, then you betrayed your heart and your soul. If she betrayed us, then by your own admission you betrayed her. Which is the greater sin Simon? What makes you any different than what you accuse Ellis of being?"

Simon opened his hands, seemingly welcoming the questions. Winter's response did not surprise him, however Winter saying it did, but his love for Ellis did not go unnoticed. She had that affect on people, but in that respect, the clan saw what it wanted to see. The mother queen who provided a home, a sanctuary, a reason for an existence, if only to kill.

'Information was found by Carol's merc team and by Alec who retrieved files from the compound. They were analyzed at Duibne. You're welcome to them, Mathias, but I wager any proof I show now will only be looked at as tainted.'

'If you think I stand before you all thinking I am untainted and pure...believe me, I'm far from it. Any atrocities Ellis had a hand in, I helped. She herself said, where she did not lead personally, I would. I'm guilty of many things. Many deaths, many underhanded deals...I am also guilty of never doing the right thing.' Simon's voice went low. 'We all have our guilty secrets, Mathias, I don't deny that, but Ellis' treachery...I have more than just my word on it.'

Simon slipped his hands back into his pocket and shrugged. 'What makes me different than Ellis? Between the clan and her...I finally chose the clan.'

And the drama unfolded.

Simon had told it like it was. It was now up to others to accept it or not. "Simon's got goddamn balls of steel. I sure as hell wouldn't have said a fucking word if I'd killed a clan leader, no matter how guilty they were." Alec considered his cowardice a moment, and decided, no, he was QUITE comfortable with it. Balls of steel or no, he couldn't imagine that Simon was happy with the way the dice had fallen...he was just man enough to take his lumps. "Maybe in a thousand years I'll be that much of a confident badass too, but I'd like to reach that ripe old age first. Still, you have to respect that...even if it somewhat flies in the face of DO NOT GET CAUGHT. Hehe."

He was surprised when Ginnie'd been the first to stand. He knew she was pissed about the whole Hillman thing, but he'd figured her pretty heavily in Ellis' camp and then a possible x-factor on this meeting. It was good to see that his worries were unfounded. It also moved "Not pissing Ginnie off" up to the number three slot on things to avoid at all fucking costs chart, just above going in against a Sicilian when death is on the line, just below finding the divine presence and giving it the finger. It was always nice to know where things stood with your lover.

Winter's reaction...worried the hell out of Alec. He still didn't know what to make out of Godzilla, but he knew that he'd escaped the compound without injury, and that was no small feat. Crazy or no, the man was good at what he did, and frequently that involved putting people off of both of Santa's lists. Alec knew there would be bad news today, and that sure seemed to qualify. He wasn't quite sure what he was talking about concerning Carol, but that was moot. If Simon had taken her on to protect her from falling to another crewer, that was all to the good in his book.

When Mathias stood, Alec frowned. Had to be someone he liked on the "Mad at Simon" list, but things had been warming up between them and hopefully this wouldn't set them too far back. At least he wasn't straight up opposing Simon, that was good, but it left open the opportunity for him to be drafted into a rival camp from afar. That sucked. His points were valid, but ultimately moot. Tacharan was founded on bloodlust and had been rife with internal struggle until Ellis had finally killed off all of her other siblings and the majority of elders not firmly backing her. 1955 was only a few minutes ago percentage-wise to some of these guys when compared against Alec's short span of memory, but they still seemed to forget. Funny how that happened. If nothing else, it simply proved Simon was a Tacharan traditionalist in at least one way.

Standing, Alec spoke his brief piece.

As far as I am concerned, things are business as usual...but there are plenty of other ways Simon is different from Ellis that he might not realize or be too humble to note. He develops us youngers and makes sure that we'll live to see a later night. He finds people with like talents and philosophies and makes sure we blend for the growth of the clan. He makes sure all of us are prepped for what we are going into and generally plans well ahead. He carefully weighs and measures all sides of an equation and makes sure that Tacharan comes out ahead of the game. He looks to get us a seat at the table and is disappointed when things further marginalize us...whereas Ellis brought each and every one of us into that building with the intent to bleed us dry. Which is the truer leader?

Nova, love the shirt, by the way.

Sitting back down, Alec slouched discontentedly. He knew that his opinion mattered little, since in the grand scheme of things he was younger than Carol and even the dangerously open-minded Tacharan were still somewhat agist, but at least here he could say his piece. That was something.

[Mathias I expected, Winter is still a bit of a surprise but it makes sense.]

Simon's expression, or lack thereof, had not changed when Carol started to send to him. He had no idea how he was going to broach the subject of the familiars, much less Carol.

Nova rested her elbows on her knees while Simon spoke, occasionally looking around the room but, save her loud shirt, she kept it low key. There were no real surprises in Simon’s speech and at the moment she was far more interested in the reactions.

Ginnie spoke first, seeming hella pissed and for good reason. Nova gave Simon a little nod after that speech, as though to say ‘see? we’re with you’. She reflected that perhaps she had been over confident when Winter spoke, and Mathias’s contributions only made her more nervous. She was hard pressed not to resent the comment about taking Carol as a trophy, her feminist side twitching in annoyance on Carol’s behalf. She briefly considered throwing her shoe at Winter as he walked away…then thought better of it.

He was –so- on her list, though.

She looked down at the floor for a moment to keep from snorting at the idea of being the Tacharan Santa Claus. Coal for the ones who didn’t accept Simon, candy for the ones that did. Ho ho ho!

Still, she kept the list on the brain as Alec stood and spoke. If she didn’t know he was a good sort before now his statements would have sealed the deal. She shot him a wide grin at his compliment.

Yeah, he gets it.

Hmm…was everyone meant to make a speech? Nova shrugged, lifted her hand to her forehead, and gave Simon a salute.

“You know I got your back Simon. So, not to put you on the spot or anything, but is Alec right? Are we back to business as usual? I appreciate that there’s going to be damage control with the big wigs and it’s going to take time for things to settle down…I’m just anxious to get back to work. I’m sure we’re all anxious to have our lives back and wonder when that’s going to happen.”

For more reasons than one; not only did she have some interesting developments from Hillman’s lab, but she was beginning to grow restless in a general sense. Break time was over; it was time to do something productive. She was half tempted to go back to her Arizona lab and knew she couldn’t, that it would look like she was dicking Simon over and turning her back on the clan, and in spite of the ‘I don’t give a fuck’ deal she projected this shit mattered. Things were getting a little too real on all fronts; all this shit going down with her ‘family’, Evans, politics…it gave her an itch to run for it. But this mattered, this was important, and it was time to nut up and stick around.

Lotus watched the meeting unfold from the projection booth. Being so new to the clan, she didn't quite feel comfortable being in the middle of something this big, this important, especially since she wasn't there for the raid. She never met Ellis, and she barely knew Simon. She couldn't form an opinion on the matter. Simon seemed like a genuine caring guy, but people are full of deception.

As they congregated, Lotus focused on the chatter, trying to catch their names. Ginnie.. Alec...Shay.. Mathias. Noted. Lotus would inevitably have to crawl out of her little world and be part of this clan, she just always took comfort in knowing as much as possible without asking. Her mind started drifting away from the chatter and she started thinking about how different it was, being in a 'family'. Was it a family? Or were these people merely co-workers of sorts. It had been so long since Lotus had a family. She felt a tug deep in her mind, drawing her back to the memories of Joseph. She hated when this happened, the feelings of dispair and loss always lingered, leaving a bad taste in her mouth.

She saw the doors open as Simon quietly entered and waited to gain everyone's attention. For someone who'd just lost a leader, he didn't look very stressed or worried.. or sad. He didn't look very anything really. She shifted her weight to the other leg. She had been putting all the pressure on one foot and now it was tingly.

She listened as Simon recited the events of the raid, his last moments with Ellis. Wow. Lotus's mouth fell open just a little bit. Simon *let* her die. She didn't know the details of this so-called betrayal, but she could only imagine it had to have been horrific. Ellis was an ancient, and if what Simon says is true, and he'd been with her all that time, that makes him a near ancient. That's a long time. Disdain for Ellis must have been brewing in Simon for awhile if he just *let* her die.

Hearing an angry female's voice snapped Lotus out of her thoughts. Boy that girl was pissed. But not at Simon... at Ellis. It made her stop and think, how glorious they made Ellis sound overseas. She decided perhaps she should forget everything she heard. These people obviously knew a very different Ellis.

A pasty kid started speaking then, seemingly to himself, but addressing Simon. He kind of had a point. Lotus cocked an eyebrow at his next actions. "Ok, well he's really weird." she wrinkled her nose, totally not the kind of person she wanted to call family.

She shifted again, listening to Mathias speak, rather grateful he didn't bust out into song and dance. She picked up the religious words. Seemed odd to her that a creature of the night would be god-fearing. Simon's words signalled regret, but as far as appearance and mood, you'd think he was discussing finances or something equally boring.

Lotus sat down, finally taking the pressure off her feet, taking it all in. Boy did she pick a bad time to show up. She was sure this was barely the tip of the iceberg.

(ooc out)

Simon waited a moment longer for everyone to give their opinions and then continued on.

'There is the business of Kyle Evans, the human that I owe a huge debt of gratitude to. He is, as some of you may know, a reporter from the Nachton Times. I have no idea what he was doing in the compound at the time, but I do know that he was tortured while there. He is no friend of Terrance Hillman, but he is a friend to this clan.'

Simon looked each member in the eye. 'Kyle Evans is not to be touched.' He said it slowly and as clearly as he could. 'He walks unfettered in Nachton, by Tacharan and by any other vampire. I am holding the clan responsible for his protection. Because of his heroism, he is in Duibne suffering from Eternity addiction. The clan will take care of him and Nova has already looked into keeping Evans comfortable while he is in rehabilitation. And as some of you who look into the information gathered at the compound will find out, he is privy to several comments Ellis made on the way out. He is, quite frankly, priceless to me. Any vampire that touches him, will deal with me personally.'

Simon was in a position that he was not familiar with and that was being immensely grateful to a human. He could barely recall anything but the pain of the sun and explosions all around him, but Simon remembered Kyle giving himself freely to him. To drink from him and pull Simon from the brink. Simon owed Evans his life and he would see to it that Evans would have the protection of the clan on him and his...always.

Frowning for a moment, Alec piped up again.

Regarding Kyle...wouldn't it be safer to just bring him completely into the fold? I am a little apprehensive about having a reporter back on the street with so much of our very private business, let alone existence and personal descriptions. What are the operating parameters he'll be given in regard to what he's allowed to chat up and what he has to hush up? Or would becoming a familiar be complicated because of the affect of the Eternity addiction?

That also brings up another point of interest - can you clarify the protected statuses of Ellis' former familiars for everyone?

He was guessing from Winter's hand that Carol would go to Simon, but that still left Marthinus and Addison unaccounted for, and those were just the ones he knew. He could see Nova taking care of Marthinus - they seemed close, but Addison was so new there would be no clear successor there. He'd seen him with Jan a couple of times, though.

Alec stopped thinking about that quickly, though. If he got a Nova-Marthinus-Jan-Addison image in his head he'd get the jibblies in the middle of a clan meeting, and that was simply not done. Ugh.

Ginnie had to stifle a laugh at Alec's concern over Kyle's reporter abilities. She was curious about him, but took Simon at his word and would protect him if the need arose. However, she felt the need to give Alec a little lesson on Kyle. So she leaned close and spoke so that only he could hear.

"Kyle, is nothing to be concerned about. He's a good writer, a damn good one, but that's all he is. He's a conspiracy theorist, and has been spouting about Vampires for years, no one will believe him, no matter what he reports."

She settled back into her chair, for she too was interested what would be happening to the familiars.

Nova tried her best to look innocent when Simon made it perfectly clear that Kyle was not to be touched. She’d only smacked him around a few times and he’d given back in turn but that fact might not go over so well considering.

She also thought that if Kyle found out about this little rule it was going to make her threats rather obsolete.

She considered Alec’s contribution for a moment, then piped up.

“Evans is a self admitted hack reporter whack job that no one listens to, but…Alec might have a point. Not that I think he’s going to hurt Tacharan, but he has a way of getting himself into some pretty stupid situations. He just wandered on into Marthinus’s hospital room not too long ago and I tell you what, if I had been in any worse of a mood I’d have…well anyway, he takes risks. He’s got a big mouth and tends to get in people’s faces. Be easier to protect him if we had some sort of standing agreement. Ought to be some way to keep him and us both out of trouble.”

She shrugged, not sure if she had said anything particularly helpful. “Anyway, he’s not going anywhere for a bit. Took a turn for the worse, we’re still working on the whys.”

'I have yet to speak to Mr. Evans regarding his new, and more than likely, unwanted position within the clan. I would be surprised if Mr. Evans would be so quick to turn against the people who helped him in his time of need. Hopefully Nova and I will be able to impress upon him the importance of staying quiet.'

Simon paused a moment, trying to gather his thoughts for his next statement. The question of Ellis' familiars had come up again and they had every right to know what would become of them, Carol being held in high regard with the clan members, they'd want to ensure her safety.

'The issue of Ellis' familiars is a simple one. They're to be released. I have no plans on taking any personal posessions of Ellis by default, nor is taking a familiar something I have interest in...but with that being said, something has happened. Something you all need to know about...something that might be disturbing for some considering the recent events.'

Simon looked down at Carol and held his hand out.

[You're doing this...right now?]

Carol's eyes went wide but she hid her expression as she leaned forward and stood up. Walking out of the row and up to Simon, she reached out and took his hand. She looked at everyone in the theatre who were looking right back. She took a deep breath and opened her mouth.

'Uh, hi. Um...I'm with,' she cleared her voice and in a high pitched, nervous voice said, 'I'm with...him...now?' Carol blushed and looked down embarassed, mortified but mostly...really fucking scared.

Simon grinned at her, tucking her hand into the crook of his arm.

[Gosh, babe...well said.]

Her touch electrified him and having her by his side, in front of the clan, he could not have loved her more. Simon put his hand over hers and nudged her happily. Looking back at the clan members present, he stood tall and very proud.

'Carol is not my familiar and never will be. This happened within the past several weeks. It had nothing to do with my decision to let Ellis go although I'm sure that is now a very hard thing to not assume. Believe me when I say, my world is the clan and Carol is a part of that, as are all of you. If you are to judge me on my ability to lead, consider who has fathered most of you and who has kept your interests safe. If you choose to judge me, do it after you read the proof.'

Shaking his head, Simon spoke softly, 'My decision to do what I did was one I have contemplated for quite some time. What stopped me was...well my love for her. Fifteen hundred years I was by her side, protecting her interests and running her business.' Simon stopped suddenly. He felt a wave of nausea come over him as he thought about what Ellis had done to his family. He had no reason to hide it since it was the reason why he finally acted.

'Marthinus, as some of you may not know, is part of my human legacy. As was the CEO before him. And the CEO before his grandfather. You see...Ellis has controlled my human family since she turned me. There wasn't anything I would'n't have done for her. She had my love and loyalty...but it wasn't enough. She used my family to farm her familiars and further advance her business holdings, thus Duibne Industries was created.'

Simon turned and looked at Mathias. 'Mathias I owe you an apology and my gratitude. The vampire you killed was in fact working for Ellis. He was Marthinus' would be assassin. ALL Huntingtons world wide have been living in fear. I apologize for lying to you.' He nodded at Mathias.

'You live in servitude for a millennium before anyone here judges me. You feel the humiliation of having your love ridiculed by your Mistress. Ellis never loved anything or anyone, especially me. It's taken a long time for me to realize that and to take back my life. Live my life, before you judge my actions.'

Simon then fell silent.

Mathias was at war again. Logic battled emotion as he assembled and tried to make sense of all the new information. Carol..not his familiar...Ellis holding Simon's family in bondage...Simon lying to Mathias,using him to free Marthinus. Simon's words,his apology - while inspirational,were simply that..words. His actions would tell more and Mathias would the time to do so.

Or damn himself.

Giving Shay's hand a gentle squeeze he stood,turning and addressing the assembled masses.

"I will not lie,I am not particularly pleased that you used me. However - I do understand circumstances sometimes dictate actions. And your apology carries weight with me. My actions,my words ,like yours, have been for what I see as the best interests of the clan. "

His next words were for Simon alone however, and Mathias focused upon him.

"I will examine your evidence,and you have my word I will give it an open mind. I serve Tacharan - for as long as you are best for us then you have my unyielding support. Long Live Tacharan. "

Long live Tacharan

Something about what Simon said regarding Carol struck a nerve with Mathias - perhaps he and Shay would not have to pretend anymore.

" Another question Simon, does your statement regarding Carol and your relationship signal a general change in clan policy regarding familiars and other interactions?

((ooc. sorry for taking so long to respond, been really busy))

Shalimar O Mannon
It was nice to have the ability to be social when the need arose. Being new herself, and without knowing too many others there, Shay didn't think it would hurt to rectify that situation. Besides, the more people she knew, the larger knowledge base she'd have to draw from, when writing her characters.

"Yes, I'm Shay. It's nice to meet you Alexandra. Are you vampire...or...familiar?"

If a person couldn't ask that question within the clan walls, then where? Shay didn't think she sounded impertinent...just curious.

"I'm the latter." She said, glad she could state it without actually saying the word. She took hold of Alexi's hand as they sat there, hoping Alexandra understood the connection.

Because the other woman appeared to be alone, Shay assumed Alexandra was vampire. But it was easier to just ask outright...something she hadn't done when she met Alec or Ginnie. She now wondered about them all the time...assuming in their case at least one was vampire. The other could conceivably be the corresponding familiar. There really wasn't any way now to find out by asking though...Shay thought that would just be rude. If she could remember, she'd ask Alexi...the thing was, she liked them both either way, so it only mattered in regards to knowledge for the book.

"Were you there?" A look of distaste crossed Shay's face, when she mentioned the 'event'. Though she had heard the horrors, and knew how difficult it still was for Alexi, she would probably never truly understand just how awful it had been. The more she knew, the better she could be when listening to Alexi talk of it. If it weren't for him, this particular knowledge would have meant nothing.

Listening to Shay talk, Alex mostly listened and observed her, when she said she was a familair herself, she smiled nodding her head letting her know she was perfectly ok with that little piece of information.

"I'm a vampire.. but somehow I think you already knew that"

She was just about to respond to Shay's next question as Simon walked in starting his whole story, after that she mostly concentrated on what was happening around her, focussing on the people around her, as Simon said her name and welcomed her she just nodded her head in greeting.

It was so strange to be here in this room, all these people knew eachother in one way or another, they spoke about Ellis the past leader who brought her in to this clan to begin with, true she had never met the woman.. but it was because of her contacts and the intel she submited Alex had decided to join.

So now this Simon was the new leader, she had no problem with that, hell she didn't even know this Ellis, what she had heared here she wasn't the kindest of persons either, not that that matter as well, fuck it all.. she was here now no matter who would lead, she would stay for now, be loyal do her best to fit in but when it came down to the bone, Alex looked after Alex.

Simon was only vaguely familiar with Mathias and his woman's relationship. He never argued with Ellis on her rule regarding familiars. She never understood the need to take human companions. It was considered a waste of a good snack. Simon refused to feed on Carol, despite the euphoric results for her and him. He rather attain the results using other methods.

'Mathias I appreciate your candor and respect in handling the clan situation.' Simon then addressed the latter issue. 'The rule of familiars is not my own. If you choose to make your human...excuse me, Miss O'Mannon your companion, you are more than welcomed to do so. Your relationship is welcomed within the clan but the rules of exposure still apply. She is still not to speak of the clan, bring attention to it or be in the Domicile without you as her escort. I hope that is sufficient.'

Simon addressed the clan again. 'If nothing else, that concludes this meeting. As always, my door is always open.' He lowered his head in respect to the clan.

[See, that wasn't so bad.]

Carol gave him a side look, still blushing.

Nova fiddled with the settings on her phone while the meeting progressed into discussion about Simon and Carol and their whole deal. While she would tend to agree, it kind of did look bad, she personally was willing to give both parties a little more credit than that. No one seemed to be giving them crap about it, though, so in her mind it was all good.

There were probably people she should be talking to once the meeting dispersed, but she figured she’d let the news soak in and possibly catch a few Zs before she started in on work related stuff.

And she should probably swing by Duibne again. Just to check the labs, check Kyle, make sure everything was copasetic. Then she could sleep easy.

With that thought in mind, she shoved out of her seat when Simon called the meeting to a close, gave everyone a cheery wave, and rolled out with a grin in Simon and Carol’s direction.

“Thanks guys…er, congratulations and all that.”

/ooc Nova out

When Simon adjourned the meeting Ginnie stood and stretched, cramped muscles that had stopped twitching and had simply seized up. She watched Nova leave. 'Shoot, I really need to get with her, I have some physiology questions for her.' She made a mental note to drop in on Nova later in the week. For now she was tired, and just wanted to curl up around Alec and sleep. She made her way out of the row, waved at Simon and Carol, since there really was nothing else to say, and went to wait for Alec outside the doors.

((ooc Ginnie out pending Alec's following her ; ) ))

Looking around after Simon's final speech Alex got out of her seat, smiling at Shay who was still seated next to her she pushed a strand of hair behind her ear.

"It was nice meeting you, see you around"

Whit that said she quietly left the stadium, returning to her room to think and spend some quality time alone, she really did have alot to go over in her mind.

((ooc Alex out pending reply Shay))

If there had ever been any doubt in Shay's mind that Alexi was her soul mate...her other half...the yang to her yin...his simple question regarding the relationship they shared would have been the defining factor.

As it was, all she could do was look up at him with her heart in her eyes...well that, and maybe to try and squelch the desire to pull him down on the floor between the seats and do fun things with him, right there, in front of the entire clan. She couldn't help but blush at the thought, and hope no one else saw it.

Alexi scared her a little, at times. His being so in tune with her, and the way she thought, and felt, went beyond uncanny. But she had finally quit trying to understand why it was like that, and to just accept it. To be so close to a person was magical, and a gift that shouldn't be taken as anything else.

Before he sat back down, just as Simon was referring to Shay...as 'human', Shay put her hand on the back of his leg. Not that was something she had already grown used to...the need to touch him. It almost didn't matter how, but whenever they were in close proximity, Shay had to constantly connect with him...and renew the connection through minor pats, and caresses. It didn't even need to be anything overt...just a gentle hand on his back, or arm, or even just standing, shoulder to shoulder. As long as some part of her body was touching his, she felt grounded. He enjoyed feeding on her blood, and she enjoyed feeding on his essence...his physical energy. To her, she had the better of the deals.

She believed with every fiber of her being, that the words Alexi spoke to Simon, and the clan, were honest and true. It was so difficult for him now, and she knew he wouldn't rest until he had answers. Once he had those answers, she also knew he would deal with them honorably, even if they were not the answers he was seeking or expecting. It was that faith in him, that gave her hope for the future...their future.

With everyone leaving, Shay stood up now. Smiling at Alexandra, she nodded in agreement.

"Yes, thank you. It was nice meeting you too."

Then turning to Alexi, her smile grew.

"Thank you." It was all she felt she could say, at the moment, without making a complete spectacle of herself. She had to think he knew, and understood what those two words meant.

"Would you mind if I stopped and introduced myself to Simon...we've not actually met, and I think it would be proper...?"

Lacing her fingers in hers, she moved closer to him, trying to convey her love and support of him, but needing him to understand her own need to do this.

As Ginnie stood and began to walk away, Alec leaned over toward Mathias. Quietly, he stated

Make sure you're sitting when you go over the data I stole. I thought I was going to pass out...and you and Ellis were much closer. I'm really sorry man.

Standing, Alec flashed a smile at Simon and Carol and left the room, meeting up with Ginnie. He kind of wanted to talk about the goings-on and get started on security, but he was drained physically, mentally and emotionally. He'd probably just set up one especially nasty thing and then hit the hay after checking Ginnie's healing wound.

((ooc: Alec out))

Carol's eyes squinted at him even more. He could barely see the whites of her eyes now.

[Can you even see?]

Nope, she didn’t have anything to say at this point. She needed to think. It was possible that this wasn’t something she needed to stress over but then again it might be a major problem.

Val gave up trying to sort it out just then. She needed a drive. A nice fast drive, maybe she’d spend a night or two in New York. It would be a good idea to check up on the dealership too.

Standing she nodded politely to both Carol and Simon and slipped out as quietly as she could.

(out)

Mathias listened to Alec. He liked him,and was glad that having differing opinions regarding Ellis and Simon had not diminished their growing friendship.

"I will give it an honest look, though I still have my misgivings."

Make sure you're sitting when you go over the data I stole. I thought I was going to pass out...and you and Ellis were much closer. I'm really sorry man.

Were they? could anyone truly get close to a larger than life figure such as Ellis? Their meetings were brief, they had not spent any extended time together. Why then did he pursue the matter? Perhaps it was the circumstances of leaving Anantya, or simply that things were too pat.

Mathias had no issue with Simon or Carol on a personal level,in fact he liked Carol inasmuch as he had dealt with her. Why then all the concern?

That he could not answer troubled Mathias.

Shay's thanks snapped him back to the here and now. A soft smile and a gentle kiss were his initial response.

"The master/familiar thing never set right with me. With the changes occurring it made sense to ask."

Her request to meet Simon was odd,to Mathias but not out of character for Shay. She seemed to thrive on meeting people and he could not argue with how she wanted to become a full part of his life.

"Of course love,but I doubt that he and Carol will be inviting us over for dinner "

A small joke,but it covered the gnawing that still bothered Mathias.

Sliding his arm around hers and twining fingers,Mathias led Shay over to where Simon and Carol stood.

"Pardon the interruption Simon,but Shay wanted to meet you. Simon huntington,may I present shalimaar O'Mannon."

"No? No dinner? Shoot! Well, that's okay. If I ever learn how to cook anything edible, maybe I'll invite them over."

Now that was a joke, and something that most certainly would never happen. But she really didn't mind. From the looks of Carol and Simon, Shay doubted they were any more gung ho on sharing their personal time than Shay was with Alexi. Sure, she enjoyed the occasional party, and got along well with most everyone, but none of it would have mattered at all, without Alexi by her side.

Glad he hadn't voice any reason for her NOT to speak to Simon, Shay walked along side Alexi as they made their way to Simon and Carol, and extended her hand to Simon first, having met Carol earlier.

"Please, it's just Shay." The name Shalimar would forever be a curse, though she understood Alexi's use of it, somewhat formal circumstances and all.

"It is good to meet you Simon. I just wanted to thank you for including...'us'...in the meeting today, and let you know I wish you well on your road ahead."

Emphasizing the word 'us', she hope he understood she meant it as in those not vampire. She could have also added how utterly relieved she was to know she'd never need to face up to that bitch, Ellis again, but didn't. First out of consideration for Alexi, and second because it really wasn't the time or place.

She basically had nothing left to add. She was such a minute factor in the whole of Tacharan, that she doubted Simon would remember who she was in a few weeks. But she still was a 'member', and felt it never hurt to show support to the powers that be...when it was felt, that is.

Simon bowed before Mathias and his companion. Reaching out he shook Shay's offered hand and gave her a small smile. 'It is a pleasure to meet you, Shay.' Shalimar was taller than Carol and very attractive. He looked at Mathias and Shay standing together and understood what they were probably going through. For them their relationship was just that, a relationship and very far from the master/servant formula. At least there was one thing Simon had in common with Mathias. Still, he was wary of him.

'I appreciate your support, Shay. Hopefully things will settle down and we can go back to our...' he faltered, Tacharan's life was killing which probably shouldn't be discussed with a human, member or not. 'Back to business, as it were. Again you are welcomed here and we appreciate that you understand about our secrets.'

[Speaking of business, we need to evaluate the merc situation.] Simon turned and looked at Carol out of the corner of his eye.

Carol gave Shay a big smile and waved at her.

[I've already looked. Situation is normal...all fucked up. Ellis loyalists within the Merc corp is apparent and some have left. We've ad no word from Gaia as well.]

Carol met Simon's side glance with her own.

'You'll have to excuse me.' With a smile she waved goodbye to the couple. She'd seen Simon later to discuss the Merc situation but for right then, Carol had to follow up on the other familiar in question. If the clan was protecting Addison, they ought to know what he's doing. Last she heard Marthinus was on his way to tell the red head the situation. So she figured she'd make herself useful and follow up.

((OOC - Carol out))

Giving Carol a smile, Mathias nodded at both she and Simon. It was time for he and Shay to go home. The meeting was done and Mathias had information to peruse. Things were still not cut and dry, and truth be told he was more confused than ever.

"With your leave Simon, I will speak to you later. Thank for your time."


(( ooc - Mathias and shay out ))

Simon gave Mathias a slight nod and watched them retreat out of the Stadium, not far behind Carol. He looked around the theatre and sighed. Slowly, with his hands back in his pants pocket, he walked out of the room.

((OOC Simon out))