(Played 1/26/07) (Game date 2/11/1993)

(Max and Macair buy some toys, a meeting of Mages is planned, someone or something tries to fuck with Gabi’s mind, friends arrive from abroad, and Gabriela hooks up with Alex again.)

The smell of the wharf district offends the nose of Max Onyx. The Euthanatos, Macair, doesn’t seem to notice the smell (besides he’s French anyway).  They weave their way through the jumble on the docks down to Benito’s slip to complete the transaction and pick up the rest of the goods they had purchased a few weeks ago. 

Benito has a few words with Max about his trench-coat wearing friend, but Max convinces him that everything’s alright and that Macair is a trusted associate.  

The merchandise is exactly what was promised and they make an order for a couple more items to be delivered at a later date.  Benito warns them, “This shit is hot man.  Don’t even tell me what it’s for amigo.”  Max and Macair promise the transaction will never be traced to him.

The two leave the docks hauling large duffle bags concealing a RPG and a grenade launcher as well as 6 rounds of ammo for each item.

                        *     *     *

Bradford learns that one dedicated police officer is still investigating the gunfight near Gator’s Bar and he will try and keep an eye on the investigations progress.  He asks Gabriela if she has contacts in Homicide, unfortunately she does not.  But she thinks it is an avenue worth pursuing and has Ira send out an invite for the final Gasparilla party (on Fat Tuesday) to a homicide detective along with a large check for the annual policeman’s ball.  A number of city officials will be in attendance at the gala and one more will not be a problem. 

                        *     *     *

Max is researching and building his cell phones and has even succeeded in producing a prototype.

                        *     *     *

Jacek and Ursula spend the evening at a lonely café in St. Petersburg after their flight from the werewolf.  Ursula doesn’t have the strength or nerve to try again to seduce her rescuer and they simply talk well into the morning.  Jacek tells her that these Sabbat vampires are very dangerous and should never be trusted.  He questions their very sanity.

                        *     *     *

Gabriela asks for Shelton’s aid in setting up a meeting with Mages of other traditions.  It will be a gathering to introduce the New Cabal of Gabriela and her friends. They will declare their desire to work with other Mages in South Florida and the surrounding region.  Gabriela makes plans to meet with: Ike, Max, Macair, and Ursula to decide a name for their Cabal and if they would like to base it here at the Napolie. (Gabriela thinks that Cabal Gaspar would be a good name since it would be announced during Gasparilla, but she will put it to a vote amongst her friends first.)

She and Shelton believe there will be no problem getting other Cultists to come (Gabi and Shelton have a good Reputation among their own Tradition).  Shelton believes the other Traditions have been keeping an eye on this new group making its home in Ybor City.  He thinks he can convince some of the others to come to a meeting, “they’ll want to meet you all in person and get an idea of what your intentions are,” he tells Gabi.  They decide to have the meeting on the 17th of February.  It will be a private party for the enlightened only.

                        *     *     *

Macair finds out that another serial murder has occurred in south Tampa.  The crime scene is nearly identical to the others, but he, Uri, and Ursula determine that a woman is probably the murderer.  The three decide they need Max and Gabi’s help on this.  Gabi performs the Unraveling-Time rote and goes back in time to the scene of the crime.  The woman is blonde and not the same killer as before.  Gabi probes the mind of the woman and instantly knows that another is controlling the killer’s actions, she also is not alone in here (the killer’s mind) there is some malevolent presence.  Gabriela senses an attack on her mind and attempts to block it and retreat [Three 10s].  She’s successful, but realizes she barely made it out sane and alive.  Gabi is shaken by the attack.  She tells her mates that she believes the attacker could have been a Marauder (a very powerful, but Mad Mage), she has had dealings with their kind before -- it was the defining experience that brought her to mage-hood.

                        *     *     *

(2/12/93)

Max has been tapping and recording Assistant Water Commissioner, Scott Hemple’s, phone and computer.  There is some talk about a $100,000 bribe and Hemple’s relationship with the Police Commissioner.  It seems Bradford was correct in suspecting Hemple of something.

                        *     *     *

Gabi, Ursula and Flower Elcta greet their Cultists friends at Tampa’s Airport.  They pickup: Flea (of the Red Hot Chilly Peppers), Andres, Rosaline Summers, Matao, and Shelton.  Non-Cultists that arrive are Paula Civilo and Elen Greenway (a member of the Celestial Chorus).  A primal familiar spirit accompanies Greenway.  Greenway also compliments Ursula on her unicorn tattoo. 

Upon arriving at the Napolie and meeting the rest of the group, Macair senses the cosmopolitan background of Greenway.  The guests all intend to stay at the Napolie and they compliment Gabi on its décor.  Everyone seems to like Gabi’s birds that live on the 4th and 5th floors of the Napolie, the Cultist of course party well into the morning of Feb. 13.

                        *     *     *

(2/13/93)

The Gasparilla Children’s Parade goes off without a hitch and Uri’s car acrobatics are a big hit.  All Gabi’s friends and guests enjoy the sights along the parade route.  She assures them that the Jose Gaspar Parade will be fabulous. 

Later that evening Alex Jensen calls and invites Gabriela and her friends to the Pirate’s Knuckle a nightclub in west Tampa. Alex is there with his friends James Pierce and Shawn Rastoff.  They all party until closing time.  (Macair finds out that James is a sniper by trade.)  Gabi’s only interest is in Alex and she invites him back to the Napolie to spend the night in her bed.  He of course accepts. 

(Gabriela’s Banquete de la Caridad de Gasparilla, the generous Mr. Kannick, things get hairy at Gator’s.)

The ingenious Virtual Adept, Max Onyx, spends the morning of Feb. 9th, 1993 hard at work on some advanced cell phone technology.  He plans to give a phone to each of his friends so they can have instant communication with one another.  He wraps up around noon to go to the Hotel Napolie to help out with Gabriela Adagio’s first annual Banquete de la Caridad de Gasparilla.

A queue of Ybor City’s less fortunate is strung along the sidewalks at the gates of the Napolie’s grand courtyard where the afternoon’s event is being held.   Gabriela is standing at the gates greeting her guests when Max arrives.  “I was worried you couldn’t make it,” she exclaims upon Max’s appearance.  “I wouldn’t let you down Gabi,” he replies and goes on to take his place in the serving line.

Bradford dutifully scans the crowd for any disturbances or undesirables.  He touches Gabriela’s arm and points out Assistant Water Commissioner, Scott Hemple.  “He’s the man I investigated who is undoubtedly being influenced by some super-natural source, Madam,” he whispers in Gabi’s ear.  “Thank you,” she replies as they make their way through the crowd to greet the city official.  Mr. Hemple asks for some publicity photos with Gabriela, which she happily acquiesces to.  He then presents her with a generous check for Gabriela Adagio’s Caridad Foundation and makes his leave.  “We must keep an eye on that one Bradford,” she says.  “Assuredly,” replies Bradford. 

Gabriela spends the afternoon filtering through the crowd, greeting her guests, posing for pictures and signing an occasional autograph, all the while furtively scanning the Life signs of those at the gathering.  She passes health vouchers to those she finds with dire illnesses and directs them to healthcare workers who have volunteered for the occasion.

Ike Black (still suffering from his paradox flaw) shows up later in the afternoon and is congratulating Gabi on the success of her party when a very finely clad gentleman approaches them.  He introduces himself as Mr. Kannick. (He looks to be of Mediterranean origin and has a restrained accent.  Later Gabi learns it is Egyptian.)  Gabriela instantly sees an underlying stability of pattern in Mr. Kannick.  Macair who is nearby sees that his pattern has been shattered and then reformed. 

Mr. Kannick asks Gabriela a few questions about her event and if she plans to make it permanent.  She assures him that she’s all about creating things that will last.  He then presents her with a check for $75,000.  Gabi thanks him for his generosity and asks if he’ll be in town for Gasparilla.  He tells her he will be and she then invites him to attend her celebration parties here at the Napolie.  Mr. Kannick accepts and she assures him his name will be on the exclusive guest list.  Mr. Kannick tells her that he has watched her career ascend and wishes her well in her future artistic endeavors. 

Meanwhile Max has made a new acquaintance, Aline Johnson, who lives nearby in the slummier part of town.  They have a good talk while working in the serving line.

One more oddity during the event - one of the volunteers had an peculiar Life pattern.  The person shown as being completely healthy, but as far as Gabriela remembers no one followed up on this information.

                        *     *     *

2/10/93

Ike Black has a Hermetic meeting (boring, boring, boring) in Jacksonville and he pops over for the monthly affair.

                        *     *     *

Macair tells Uri about Mr. Kannick.  Uri says a pattern like the one described may have been from one who has been resurrected. 

                        *     *     *

Gator’s is throwing a Gasparilla barbeque that lasts into the night.  Gabriela is inside the bar doing shots of tequila with a biker named Mel Reynolds.  Ursula, Max, Macair, and Ike (who has rigged up a resourceful outfit composed of mirrored surfaces to combat the paradox flaw) are on the back patio enjoying the food and festivities. 

The sound of horseshoes on pavement disturb the night (shit!).  Five riders (you know who) appear. They are dressed as pirates (an appropriate disguise for Tampa at this time of year).  Gabriela is blissfully unaware of the commotion outside, she is much to engrossed with biker Mel.

The vampires engage in some menacing colloquy with our heroes on the patio when Jacek arrives in his convertible.  His large hound “Tabby” is riding in back seat, he growls at the undead riders and their ghoulish mounts.  Jacek and Dragonov confront one another with glares and Jacek moves a newspaper to expose an intimidating Desert Eagle.  Meanwhile Ursula gets into the passenger seat beside Jacek; Tabby licks her face in salutation.  The sleepers in the vicinity aren’t paying much attention to the scene. 

Macair eases across the street to the Napolie where he has some weapons stashed.  He seems to go unnoticed by the vampires, but on his way back to the street Bradford (who was taking his evening smoke in the courtyard) warns him to be careful.  The situation is tense, a Mexican standoff for now. 

Suddenly a fearsome howl pierces the hazy city sounds of the night.  Ursula and Max shiver with menace at the howl.  Ursula leans over to Jacek and says “Baby maybe we should get the hell out of here.”  For the moment he is still intent on Dragonov and ignores her when another howl, now much closer cuts through the tension of the moment.  The riders lose interest in the group and now are scanning the area for the source of the howl.  Dragonov shouts to Gallatin, “Something evil is on the wind.  Why did you allow it to track you?”  Gallatin insists that he did no such thing. 

Ursula sees a huge creature (a werewolf in crinos form) bounding from roof top to roof top, advancing towards the intersection next to Gator’s.  Gabriela’s spine tingles with trepidation, something is amiss.  She excuses herself and heads outside.  She observes the riders and her friends.   She sees Ursula in Jacek’s car (has a jealous moment, “That sleazy bitch,” she says under her breath).  Gabi then performs a Mind rote and looks into Ursula’s mind to instantly get caught up with the situation. 

The werewolf now overlooks the street.  Kaboom!!! One of the vampire’s gun explodes into flames (a catastrophic botch).  The vampire McNair is waving her hat at the flames on her clothing.  There are the pops of gunfire and Gabi sees the beast leap to the street knocking the vampire McNair from her mount.  Macair, armed with a shotgun, unloads a round silver buckshot into the beast which howls in pain.  The patio is a chaos of sleepers running in delusion at the sight of a creature from the world of their nightmares.  Gabriela crouches near the wall avoiding the crush.  She tries to perform a rote of mind-slowing on the creature, but seems to have no effect.

Tires screech and rubber burns as Jacek floors it and leaves the scene with Ursula.  “Those things give me the hives,” he explains as they maneuver through the backstreets of Ybor City to safety.  Ursula is just happy to be gone; she appreciates a heightened flight response to werewolves.        

The werewolf renews its attention to the injured vampire ripping a large chunk from her and casting her 15 yards into Gator’s patio.  A barrage of gunfire engulfs the savage beast as Mage and Vampire unite to destroy the enraged monster.  It ferociously counterattacks, but is overwhelmed by superior firepower.  It soon collapses to the street shrinking and transforming into the form of a large gore covered man. Macair, Max, Ike, and Bradford exit the scene before the cops arrive as do the riders who retrieve their fallen companion. 

Gabriela reenters Gator’s and is successful in calming the crowd with the aid of some Mind magick.  She also starts to influence what the crowd thought it perceived.  She convinces them that the strange rider’s where the cause of all the disturbance and that they alone killed the man who lies in street.  Gabi waits at Gator’s while the police interview the witnesses and she is observant incase any of the detectives are using Mind magick, but none seem to do so.

Later on as Gabriela relaxes on her balcony, enjoying a well earned nightcap and smoke, she wonders what other excitement is in store for her and her comrades during this Gasparilla season.

(Gabriela and Ursula go for a horsy ride with some unusual strangers.  Gabi makes a new smoking buddy.  Ike gets more than a suntan.)

Gabriela’s preparations for Gaspirilla are coming along and all will be ready for the celebration.  Ursula has been great aid in designing the floats and in the overall groundwork for Tampa’s yearly festival.  Uri’s car is sporting a new paint job for the acrobatic show that he’ll be performing during the 7 mile parade.  His costume is also finished as are the costumes for the rest of the crew.

It’s a beautiful Saturday and Gabi asks Ursula and her other Cultist friends to go out and party in laceName>YborlaceName> laceType>CitylaceType>’s entertainment district.  Gabi and Ursula ask Max, Macair, and Ike to join them, but only Max accepts the invite.  Macair says he’ll try and catch up later.  Ike Black intends to study his new books.  What bunch of stuffy old curmudgeons those Hermes are.  No wonder they never get laid.

Gabi, Ursula, Flower, Sapphire and Dillon take the limo to Club Hedonism, Max follows in his Delorian.  They are having a terrific time partying, dancing, drinking, and drugging when something really odd happens.  Five people on horseback make their way into the club.  They park their horses at the front bar, the horse are surprisingly well behaved.  They stand at the bar and drink their beer with out a sound.  (These are very polite and extremely healthy horses, though something is odd about them - Gabriela preformed a Life check on them.)

Two of the gentlemen approach Gabriela’s group.  They introduce themselves as Gallatin and Seal.  They are both very confident as well as handsome.  Gallatin sits next to Ursula and Seal next to Gabi.  “Are you in town for Gaspirilla?” Gabi asks.  They reply that indeed they are.  They introduce the other riders as Dragonov, Hack (a cowboy sporting six shooters), and McNair (a girl who watches the horses while the others mingle).

Ursula asks if she can ride Gallatin’s mount and Gabi cannot let Ursula have all the fun so she solicits a ride from Seal.  The gentlemen are happy to comply.  At this time Macair has made his way into the club and he and Max are concerned, something is obviously not kosher here.  Who the hell rides a horse into a big city club, they think.  Max and Macair assume the girls have lost their minds or are under a spell.  Actually the girls are just adventuress and this seems like a lot of fun.  Besides the guys are really handsome and have a lot of presence about them. 

Seal easily places the petite Gabriela forward of him in the saddle.  Gallatin may have grunted a bit lugging Ursula onto his horse (must be all that tap beer and day old donuts from Gators).

As the girls and riders duck their heads to exit the club Max runs up to Gabi and tells her that the warehouse where the floats are being stored has caught fire.  The riders (all five) say they will take the girls to the location on horseback; they say can get there as fast as any vehicle.  Gabi and Ursula become a bit worried, but part of them doesn’t want to miss the ride and part of them believes they’ll get there faster on horse back.

The unusual troop of riders maneuver their spectacular mounts through the nighttime streets of laceName>YborlaceName> laceType>CitylaceType> sometimes jumping over the hoods of cars.  At one point a cop car lights up, but Dragonov looks back at the police car and it drifts to the side of the rode the lights go out and the siren stops.  Now Gabriela knows something is unquestionably awry.  She lights a fresh cigarette (the eyes of Seal widen momentarily, but he regains his composure), and she looks forward to her own short term future.  She sees that she and Ursula will awake wore out and drained, presumably from a long night of carousing (it’s happened before). 

When they arrive at the warehouse district Gabi and Ursula notice Max’s Delorian (Macair got a ride with him).  Uri and Bradford are looking under the hood of a Volvo and there is a large gym bag near Bradford’s feet.  There is no smoke or firemen and the buildings seem fine.  Thank Gaia, thinks Gabi.  Gabi detects worry in the surface thoughts of her friends.  She and Ursula ask to be let down so they might inspect the warehouse and the floats.  The gentlemen agree and let them down.  The riders are now looking at the others who are obviously trying not to look obvious.  Gabriela gives the keys to the warehouse to Ursula and asks the riders if they’ve heard any of her songs.  Dragonov replies that he has and Gabi starts to sing one of her new tunes.   Suddenly she screams that there are snakes coming up from the storm gutters and in the minds of the horses there are.  They start to buck and run.  Gallatin is thrown from his horse, but lands on his feet.  The others scatter, but the riders regain control.  Dragonov glairs at Gabi who is now at the warehouse doors with Ursula making ready to enter in case bullets start flying.

A taxi arrives and Leandra gets out near Max’s Delorian, she looks nervous.  The taxi leaves going through the scattered riders, Gabi tries to manipulate the driver into beeping his horn, but fails.  Gabi and Ursula lock themselves in the warehouse.  The riders after regaining control advance towards the others and Dragonov warns them that if they try anything that it will not go well for them.  They believe him and attempt nothing while the riders leave.   Macair throws a wrench against the warehouse to tell the girls all is well.  It scares the demure Gabriela and she lets loose a scream, it doesn’t appear to bother the iron nerved Ursula.

Altogether the group goes back to Club Hedonism there they pick up the rest of their friends and a group of the beautiful club people including a hunk named Alex Jensen.  They all go back to Gabi’s home to party the night away.  On the trip home Bradford tells the enlightened that the riders where vampires, vampires that don’t seem to give a damn about keeping the Masquerade.  He believes Gabi when she tells him that her premonition didn’t show them being killed, but he explains that vampires can do other things to a mortal much more frightening than merely killing them.  He does not elaborate.        

The revelry floating down from the balconies doesn’t bother Ike Black his nose is shoved to far into his books to hear it. 

Gabi is setting on Alex Jensen lap when the jealous Ursula comes along swinging her hips.  Gabi moves slightly and avoids being brushed off her perch.  Ursula can only glare back at her, foiled again.

Alex tells Gabi he assist with legal disputes.  He also has a number of friends who help him:  Richard Carlson, laceName>BenlaceName> laceName>CavelaceName>, Wayne Castle, James Pierce, and Shawn Rascoff.  He pulls out a fine cigar from his suit pocket.  “Cuban,” he tells her and ask her if she smokes.  “I’d be delighted”, replies Gabriela.  The two talk and smoke, do a few lines of coke, then later Gabi invites Alex and his friends to attend her Gaspirilla celebration.  At about 3:30am Gabi and Alex retire to her bedroom.  In the morning Gabi is wore out and drained, but not from a blood sucking vampire, thank Gaia.  No just good healthy all American sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll. 

Gabi calls down and has breakfast prepared for those guests who spent the night.  She and Alex talk about the stock market and some other financial things, she notices that he doesn’t seem to be telling the truth when she speaks of the subject of some companies that sell arms to the third world.  He acts like he’s never heard of them.  The subject of unrest in southern China is broached, but again Alex seems to know more than he lets on.  Fine thinks Gabi, she could invade his mind, but she sees him as a friend and thinks it would be rude to view his private thoughts . . . for now. 

Ike comes up for a late breakfast after most of the guest and Alex have left and he is acting awful peculiar (did he get into Gabi’s stash?).  He keeps adjusting his garments and says he’s just trying to tan.  Gabriela invites him to the roof to do it properly.  There they can get into the buff and tan all over.   Gabi grabs some sun-block for Ike, he is an unsightly pale. 

On the roof Gabi disrobes (She’s not ashamed at all of her body).  Then she helps Ike and puts some sun-block on him, though he keeps squirming around and doesn’t look directly at her.  She just takes this as if from excessive shyness.  [Ike is actually suffering from a paradox flaw where his perspective keeps shifting.  He no longer is seeing with his eyes.]  Ike finally goes to sleep and Gabriela puts an umbrella up for him so he doesn’t burn to a crisp.  Gabi reads a book and thinks how wonderful Gaspirilla is going to be this year with all of her new friends to enjoy it with her. 

(These 3 chapters are short due to illness and the Holiday obligations of the narrator.  Please accept my apology; the story does pick up steam again in chapter 15.)

Gabriela sells the inventory and leases Figaro’s Curio Shop to Dedra the ghoul.  Dedra keeps the employees on.  Dedra likes the location next to Ike; it’s convenient to share one another’s libraries. 

Dedra brings in some new inventory.  Items like wolves-bane are now on the shelf. 

                        *     *     *

Uri’s Zell has come in and Uri takes Macair for a joy ride which includes some car acrobatics.

                        *     *     *

Max installs more gadgets for Jacek, like sleep gas.  Max notices some of his former work has been tampered with, presumably by the vampire.

                        *     *     *

Gabi invites some of Flower Electa’s friends to dinner.  They are cultist who operate in the sex worker trade.  They help sex workers and addicts:  Free condoms and needles, safe houses, and stripper unions ect. . . .    One is a stripper named Sapphire.  Her partner is Dillon.

Flower asks Max to set up some accounts for them similar to the deals in Michigan and Colorado.

                        *     *     *

Ike updates Median on the Austin Thorell situation.

                        *     *     *

(2/1/93)  The whole gangs at Gators Bar partying when some ganger hoods walk in, Max recognizes them immediately.  They are the dudes he fucked with at Benito’s boat. 

Flower and Gabi pick up on Max’s tension and Flower begins giving Max a shoulder massage.  She is using it to build up Max’s Stamina.  Gabi sings along with the jukebox and offers Max a drag from here Russian cigarette.  She is supercharging Max’s mind for rapid thinking in case he has to fight theses guys. 

Enhanced, Max strolls over to the pool table to confront the bangers.  Macair follows close to back him up.

There is a fight.  Gabi scans one of the ganger’s minds and finds he’s afraid of bugs.  She causes him to believe that roaches fall from the ceiling and are crawling all over him.  He panics and the boys deal with him.  Macair shots one in the knee crippling him and Max explains to the leader that they aren’t welcome in laceName>YborlaceName> laceType>CitylaceType>.  They leave taking their wounded comrade. 

                        Chapter 13

Gabriela plans a charity dinner for the poor and indigent on the Feb. 9^th.  She also gives an endowment to the soup kitchens and shelters in the Tampa area. 

Bradford will handle security and she gets her friends to promise to help out as well.         

                        *     *     *

Macair using Entropy find that the two fumori will strike again at a night club in Miami (Nature’s Fury).

                         *    *     *

Ursula goes out on a date with Jacek and again fails to seduce him. 

                   Chapter 14

The gang goes to Miami to stop the Fumori.  Gabi does a time ritual to see into the future at Nature’s Fury.  She sees the suspects and the targets it will happen the next evening. 

Gabi invites some of her friends that hang at Nature’s to go clubbing elsewhere on the 3^rd.   They always win the wet t-shirt contest anyway. 

While out with her pals Gabi sees the man in black type asking questions.  He is also using mind magic, probably to ascertain truthfulness.  She gets to a spot where he’ll question her.   He is asking about a coworker who has disappeared.  She tells him truthfully that she has seen the guy before, but it was over a month ago.  When he leaves she follows to get a license plate and then calls some clubs to see if he has been there as well - he has - looking for his comrade.

                           *    *   *

At Nature’s Uri, Max, Macair and Ursula ambush the murderers and dispatch them.  Latter they run into Gabi and she tells them about the missing guy.  They all return to the crime scene in the wee small hours of the morning and Gabi backtracks the car the killers were driving.  They find a hotel room with a wallet and some other items.  Then the go to the address in the wallet and find that the murderers had been living there as well. 

Gabriela plans for Gasperilla.  Max buys some guns.  Macair and Ursula go to France.  Gabi passes gas at the opera._ 

Tarots drawn:  Gabriela receives the Knight of Questing - upright,

Max the 4 of Blades - upright, Macair the Tower - upright, Ursula the Devil - upright.  Ike Black did not attend.

                        *     *     *

Gabriela's studies have proved fruitful and she has increased her Life Sphere as well as her Medical Knowledge.  She has committed another Mind to these studies.  She doesn't want them to interfere with the truly important things like sending out party invitations for her three planned Gaspirilla celebrations.  And of course all the preparation involved. 

The parade floats are coming along on schedule and she has hired the ghoul Bradford to handle security for her events.  He is to work with Ira Levin on the details.  At her New Years celebration the undesirable vampire Salo was boorish and made a snack out of one of her guest.  No permanent damage was done, but Gabi can't tolerate rudeness, party crashers are OK, in fact she secretly encourages them.  They add spice to a gathering.  Some of her best friends were and are party crashers.  There is a certain skillful competence to proper party crashing that she admires.

Some of those enlightened guests she's invited are: Shelton (her awakener), Paula Civello, Flower Electa, Andres, Rosaline Sumners, Mataio, Flea, Austin Thorell, Leandra (Max's friend), Uri (Macair's friend) and Jacek.  Some of the sleepers are: Ursula's friends from Gator's Bar, Felix Kincade (Sony Productions), Israel Gold (International Nightclub owner), Bert Skiles (Water Commissioner), Deputy-Mayor - Taylor Gordon, Ybor City Fire Chief - Charlie Tomms and numerous others (too many to list here).

Gabriela also has a meeting with her jeweler/fence, Samuel Stein.  He and Gabi offer to pay Bradford and Dedra 3.5 million dollars for their items.  Bradford and Dedra agree and Gabriela makes arraignments for the money to be deposited in an off-shore account.

Bradford and Gabriela later meet with her party organizer, Gloria Small.  They all go over the plans and Bradford insists on a few changes.  Gloria doesn't want them, but Gabi waves off her objections. 

Gabriela uses her influence to have the paperwork for a business license for Dedra expedited and backdated to include some grandfathered regulations or lack thereof.  She also has Ira procure some weapons and the proper permits for Bradford.  A few calls from Gabi and the permits are stamped and rushed over by courier.

                        *     *     *

Max heads over to the seedy nightclub Bottoms Up to meet with a weapons dealer named Benito.  Macair goes along and they also take an order for some not-off-the-rack guns for Bradford.  Benito says he can get everything including a RPG-launcher and they set up a future meeting at the docks to finalize the trade. 

                        *     *     *

Macair and Ursula make a quick trip to France to investigate some killings in Marseilles.   Macair cases the police station using Entropy to find its weak spots.  They determine that he should walk right in trusting his Arcane to hide him from nosey cops and Uri has a way of taking out the security cameras.  Ursula will use Forces to detect any Technocracy activity.   Macair succeeds in obtaining the correct files and they make a clean escape, although Ursula did feel a Mind effect going off near the end of the caper. 

                        *     *     *

Gabriela has a vision amongst her nightmares:  There is a Disturbance in the Sky above Tampa as if there were a rift from another dimension.  Something comes through the rift. It is invisible, but Gabi can feel its presence.  At times it seems to be looking for her and at other times not, but it is sure to be trouble for her and her friends here in Tampa.  It had better not interrupt my party, she thinks when she awakes.  She'll be sure and mention this "dream" to Ike and the others when they return.

Gabriela gets the party employees list for Bradford from Gloria Small.  Then she goes for the last fitting of her dress for the Opera this evening with Austin Thorell.  At the fitting she experiences a horrifying bout of flatulence, although the smell isn't what you'd expect, fresh baked cinnamon rolls.  She laughs nervously and says, "Boz must be baking."  The tailor is much too polite to say anything. 

She's perplexed; this is her first experience with "paradox flaws". 

But as they say "the show must go on" and she gussies herself up for the Opera.  She tries a few enhancements with her newly acquired Life skill and they workout for her.  Although her flatulence does not.  It seems to know when others are about and it's not quiet, oh no, these are big ripping man farts.  A cornucopia of smell arises from our poor Gabriela:  Cookie dough, pine scent, fresh paint, gasoline fumes, and "are those ribs?" are a just a sampling.  (Paradox bad, bad, paradox.)

It's not a complete disaster at least Il Trovatore was good.

                        *     *     *

Max cons $50,000 from some internet dweeb, enough to pay for the guns.  And then he's off to make the buy.  He does something he usually wouldn't do.  He goes without backup and just as Benito is displaying the goods for him on his boat three fellows come walking down the docks with pistols drawn.   They claim that Benito sold them some damaged merchandise and demand recompense.  They think Max is part of Benito's crew, of course. 

Thinking quickly Max fast-talks a coincidental effect (something about them not maintaining their weapons) and uses Matter to cause their guns to fail and fall apart just as the goons are about to use them.  The unsatisfied customers run away and Max completes the transaction with Benito.  Benito tells Max he's always welcome at the Bottoms Up Club.

                                                Chapter 10, By C. J. Ruby

Gabi studies biology.  The boy's go to "virtual" Colorado on a caper._

(Tarots are drawn. Gabriela receives Death upside down.)

Gabriela's nightmares are still haunting her even during the full light of day.   She asks Ira to go out and purchase books on biology and some basic medical journals.  She is determined to make a study of Life and Medicine.   She spends time in meditation and song to establish another mind in which to imbue this information.   Then she goes about a ritual of Time and Mind to do some major cramming on the subjects.  She will speed-read and memorize as much as she is able.  The chapters on the "eyes" nearly cause her to freak out, but she manages to keep it together.   The boys:  Max, Macair, and Ike Black are going to be out on a caper.   Her orders to Ira are that she is not to be disturbed during her studies. 

                        * * *

Macair and Ike ride in Max’s Delorian to a Super 8 in Bradington to meet with Leandra. (Leandra is blonde and slender.  She dresses oddly for FL, long sleeves and gloves.)   The place has internet hookups.  Leandra has a couple suitcases with VR gear.

She tells them they are in for an experience since they’ve never been in the matrix before.  She sets them up with their gear and assists them in dressing.  She teaches them to merge with the matrix.  Macair and Ike get the idea and do it easily. 

The landscape is strange.  It looks like Tampa was 400 years ago.  Pirate ships are in port and people are dressed anachronistically.  Max appears as a human shaped onyx.  Macair gambles a bit then buys a flintlock and a cutlass.  Then they take a boat trip across the bay.

When the get to the other side the scenery changes, it is strange and jumbled.  They wait at a bus stop on the Internet super-highway and head for Colorado.   On the way they see the Technocracy riding hover boards and wearing red and chrome armor.  Leandra ducks, Macair makes faces.

Exiting the bus Leandra leads them to a ski lift that takes them to their destination.  They head to the Alpine Bank of Colorado.  Macair easily kills the firewall program (a security guard).  They see a pattern spider on the roof of the building (then start noticing them in many places).  Accessing Kevin Costner’s account they conduct the transactions for the Cultists. They are very successful and it seems no one will know a thing, although Ike wants to leave an entry “for Blow”.  Leandra deletes that.

At the Mason Morris Real Estate Co. two ninjas fight our web warriors.  They are hurt but only slightly and win the day.  They successfully do the job there as well.  Then head back to Tampa.  5 to 6 hours pass in real time.

Leandra says they’ll watch a couple days to see if the Technocracy caught on before they’ll finish the gig.  Leandra sells Ike and Max the VR gear for two Quintessence points each.

                              #

The night terrors that our dear Gabriela suffers are beyond description.  They leave her nearly incapacitated and she is unable to leave her room for the entire day.  She shakes and cries and relives the dreams even while she is awake.  Ira brings her toast and milk at dinner time and she is just able to keep it down.  Night is close and she dreads the terrors she may have to face.  She tries meditation, but even then visions of horror break her concentration.  Worn out from the ordeal she finally collapses on her super-king sized bed with satin sheets, and drifts into an uneasy slumber, clutching the queer black vial to her chest.

Ira made sure that no one disturbed her or saw her in her fragile condition.  He has seen this before and knows it will pass.  He does what he can to look after her when she is in this condition.  For a sleeper he is very perceptive of her needs.        

                   * * * * * *

On the drive from the airport both ghouls take turns riding in the back of the Volvo with Jacek.  Ike notices him showing them a tattoo or mole on his forearm, but he is to busy driving to get a good look in the rearview to see anything else happening.  Bradford and Dedra are surprisingly refreshed when they reach Ike's bookshop at the Napolie.

He asks them where they will be staying.  Jacek pipes in, "Not with me."  Ike decides a day and a night with a couple of ancient ghouls could be a learning experience (it's a Hermes' thing) and invites them to stay in his quarters in the rear of his bookshop.  He helps them unload their luggage (they have a lot), while Jacek heads for cover from the sun which will be rising soon.  

After getting settled they tell Ike that they have some valuables that they would like to sell so they can stake themselves [bad pun] here in Tampa.  The items are in a suitcase.  It is full of antique jewelry between 200 -450 years old.  Ike is wise enough not to ask of its origin.  He tells them Gabriela may be able to help them.  He has seen a number of valuable objects in her possession and believes she may have an eye for their worth or at least knows someone who could identify the value of such things.  Plus she is rich and has wealthy sleeper friends and acquaintances that could purchase such items discreetly. 

He makes a call up to Gabriela private rooms, but Ira Levin intercepts the call and cordially tells Ike that the lady is not feeling well and will be taking no calls today, but he could take a message if it's an emergency.   Ike wonders what is up and for a moment thinks of popping in on Gabi, but decides Ira is acting in Gabi's interest, and it can wait.  Besides, it will give him opportunity to entertain his odd guests and possibly learn more about them and their kind.

Bradford and Dedra tell him that Mataio spoke well of him and they do discuss vampire and ghoul relations to a point.  There seems to be a line they won't cross and Ike politely drops the subject. 

                        * * * * * * * * *

Max opens his email and finds one with an odd attachment on it.  It is from Leandra and the attachment is a Correspondence rote.   When opened it gives him the general feeling of a direction he must travel to meet with her.  He gets in the Delorian and ends up in front of the Tampa Aquarium where she is waiting for him.  They wander in to view the sites and to talk.   They speak of the favor that they will perform for the displaced Cultists in Colorado and Michigan.   Leandra tells Max his VR equipment is inadequate for the gig, no worries, she'll provide the best gear for the operation.   She also asks if he has any friends with the Correspondence who will be able to help them while they are in the virtual web.  Max thinks he might be able to persuade at least one to aid them.

                        * * * * * * * * * *

Macair is at the Tampa library and no one notices when he enters the restricted Archives.   He spends the day poking around and finding interesting historical information.  He also finds a couple possible reasons why the murderer is removing his victim's eyes:  One is that the person's soul will become lost and become a ghost.  The other is so the victim will not be able to seek vengeance in the afterlife without her eyes to see with.

                        * * * * * * * * * *

Gabriela awakens still grasping the small black vial.  Figaro is grooming his feathers and singing quietly on the headboard.  Gabi is feeling considerably better. [Although a dice down on a die rolls due to the after effects of the nightmares.]  That afternoon she is ready to entertain visitors and Ike brings Bradford and Dedra up to meet her.  The ghouls bring a suitcase with them.  

Introductions are made.  It turns out that Gabi is known to the ghouls (they must like her records).  For a moment she thinks they are just fans Ike has brought up and the case holds some memorabilia they'd like her to sign.   Ike explains that they are ghouls and have been displaced from LA because of the unrest there and they've brought something for her to evaluate. 

Gabriela asks a few questions why they had to flee, but their answers are vague.  Gabi could look into their minds and see the reasons, but they are guests of Ike's and are (possibly) fans and searching through peoples minds, too Gabi, seems a rude thing to do.

Bradford opens the case and Gabriela is astonished by the wealth and beauty of jewelry displayed before her.  She does a calculation (slowing time to do so) and determines that there are approximately 8 to 9 million dollars worth of pieces in the case.   She offers $200,000 on the spot to hold the case in her safe for her appraiser to take a look at them and better estimate their value and ways to dispose of them on the market without causing a ruckus.  Gabi of course will get first choice on the best pieces.  Gabriela figures in all the ghouls will probably get 2 to 5 million for these items.   She closes the case and calls in Ira and tells him to place it in the Napolie's safe.

Gabriela invites the ghouls for an early dinner "can you eat food?" she asks.  They assure her they can.   She also invites the rest of the cabal to come as well.  She'll make a party of it.  She has Ira select some of her oldest vintages of wine and liquor.   The ghouls seem impressed by her generosity. 

Gabi then asks what kind of work the two are interested in.  Bradford would like to operate as a body-guard.  He has a lot of experience in that line of work though he needs to obtain some weapons.  Max and Macair tell him no problem there.  Gabi often needs security and knows people who would gladly hire Bradford.  Dedra wishes to work around books; maybe Ike could use another helper.  Gabi senses that Dedra may be a bit of a hedge-mage.

Gabi and Ursula have the most fun at this impromptu gathering (they are Cultist after all).  Gabi tries to forget her nightmares and gets a little tipsy and starts calling Bradford, Brad or Bradley, he grimaces at this, but says nothing.

Max asks Ike and Macair to aid him in his virtual web mission in two days and they agree. 

Macair does a Life check on the ghouls and finds them tainted, though not as tainted as vampires.

The ghouls have had a long night and day and excuse themselves after dinner and a few drinks.  They go down to Ike Black's quarters to get some rest.  Tomorrow they'll deposit the check and look for a place of their own. 

Macair then asks Gabi if she's up for going out to look at the most recent crime scene.  Gabi turns pale at the thought.  She tells Macair she cannot do it she's just not up to it so soon.  She neglects to tell them of the night-terrors she has suffered.   Macair then asks her why she doesn't make another mind to place those unpleasant memories into.   She wonders why she has never thought of that and on a whim tries setting up another mind.  Success.  That was easy, she thinks.  She then filters the evil memories from one mind to the other.  She tells Macair, "Yes, I think I'm up to it now, thanks."  She hugs him and plants a big kiss on his cheek. 

As they all prepare to leave Jacek pulls up in a hot convertible.  He offers them a ride.  Gabi and Ursula are like school girls trying to get the seat next to him.  The rude slut Ursula plays dirty and nudges the demure and petite Gabriela out of the way and wins.   Gabi pouts for a moment and ignores them both all the way to the crime scene.  (The car is large and easily fits all six.)  Macair gives Jacek directions and they're off.

At the scene Ike uses his newly acquired Spirit to see any spiritual activity in the area.  There is something going on, but Ike isn't experienced enough to know what it is. 

Gabi sings to link the Mage's minds, then lights a joint and begins unwinding time (just 3 days in this case).  This time it's two men.  They smoke a joint laced with diesel fuel.  Then one starts to attack the other and beats him to death and removes the eyes.