[Fury] Stories of my Youth (Vignette 3.3)

Rich

Vignette,


Your fire-eater drove you to the meeting place, a place that was once called Henry's Tavern. You know it by the ruined sign on the brick facade. The sign was smashed some time ago, the white paint on the letters runs down along the brick like blood. You came here a few times when you were younger. The last time, you were being chased. Who was chasing you, Vignette? Did they find you here?


Suquamish is waiting outside, smoking a hand-rolled cig, a small umbrella hiding her from the sun. The shade makes her look darker, except for her eyes, which shine out as she watches you approach. "Give me your word you won't hurt this one, Vignette." She still doesn't fear you. She's doesn't hate you, either. It looks like she'll step in front of the door if you don't agree to her terms. She doesn't have any obvious weapons, but there could be a knife under the wrap she's wearing.

Jax and Fiinn are at either side behind you, looking the part of your guards and glaring. Jax has your back on this, even if he trusts Suquamish. He'd end her if that's what you ordered him to do.

What do you do?

John

I wonder how much Suquamish knows about Henry's Tavern. Did she choose this because of the tunnel? It would have been a good way to get Harbormaster in and out unseen. The tavern shares a basement with a shop next door that I used to think of as The Ort's Den. (It had actually been Sports Den before time and weather and vandals removed the first two letters.) The last time I was here, I was much younger--maybe ten or twelve years old--young enough that Ballard had the nerve to actually chase me. I ducked into Henry's Tavern, down a trap door, and through Ort's Den. I smile a little, even now, at the mental image of Ballard scratching his head, wondering how he lost me.

I do not smile long. Damn it, Suquamish. Jax thinks I am not hard enough. I just got done convincing a kid I am not so hard as to kill his father on purpose or without remorse. Now, Suquamish wants to test me. A part of me wants to just rip her brain out and be done. Instead I take a deep breath and see what her mind will tell me. Maybe challenging me is not her intent. I will stir the pot with words and see what bubbles up in her mind.

"Are you challenging me?" I ask in a cool, almost disinterested tone. "Because trying to extract a promise from me, acting like you might have a say in what I do where Harbormaster is concerned, these are not part of your duties. Perhaps you misspoke."

John

Casual brain receptivity: (Rolled: 2d6+2. Rolls: 6, 2. Total: 10)

John

Let's start with 'what are you really feeling?'

Rich

Vignette,

Suquamish feels worried for HM. She knows he has a blindspot where you're concerned, and she's trying to make sure he doesn't end up dead. She's not afraid of you, even though she knows you're powerful and she sees Jax has your back. She can't match your power, but she's not much of a fighter anyway.


She considers her words carefully, in her head. Her expression is cool as she answers, "Millions was a sick rotter. HM's meeting like you asked. I'm asking that you keep it peaceable, that's all." She looks away from you, breaking eye contact in a tiny show of submission.

John

Second hold: how can I win her loyalty? I would prefer that she understands that I value her and am willing to consider her advice–but must assert my place and not tolerate disrespect or risk appearing weak. Not everyone on the crew can handle that level of honesty. Some would interpret even that as weakness.

Rich

Vignette,

Home is how you get her loyalty. Nothing is as powerful or important.

John

Home as in a place to belong or HM’s “Home”?

Rich

Vignette,

HM's Home. Only that, or an equivalent. Suqumish is sure of her whiles in finding a "home" to live wherever she'd like.

John

Have we established visual manifestations for Home? Suquamish doesn’t act like Hope, but there might be other things going on with Hope or she may be deeper in. Essentially, I’m looking for how Vignette knows S is in the thrall of Home. Can she see it, or does she know through observing her behavior, or is it only because she’s in her mind?

Rich

Vignette,

Home's addiction affects people differently, but the addiction grows over time and continued use. You're keyed into when someone's mind isn't their own, right? That's how you see it. Even though Suquamish hides it well, but you see behind her facade, Vignette. You know she is under HM's thrall.

John

Flood… So, that’s why she’s so concerned about Harbormaster. It’s Harbormaster’s “Home”. When I touched her mind, the sensation was like sticking your thumb through a rotten tomato, trying to pick it. I feel a chill as I consider the fact that Suquamish shows no obvious signs of dependence on Home, while Hope…well…Hope must be on this or worse. I am not even sure it is safe for me to enter her mind.

I reach out and do not quite touch Suquamish’s shoulder. “Your suggestions are welcome. I understand the importance of this to you.” I say with a meaningful look at her. “I have no intention of hurting Harbormaster.”

Rich

Vignette,


She nods, moves out of your way and leads you inside.

You see HM sitting at a booth, a bottle of wine and two glasses. He offers you that spooky smile, stands when you enter.


"Vignette," His eyes glance over Jax and Finn, then back to you. "Please, come sit. Drink with me. What's on your mind?"

John

I return Harbormaster’s smile and say nothing while Spider makes his way down my back, across my hip and thigh, finally coming to rest gripping my calf. I think my maintaining eye contact and smiling while not moving and not speaking would be unsettling to most people. To Harbormaster, I am not so sure.

Not this time. I think at Spider. I know you could, and no, I do not think he is expecting it, but I did not lie to Suquamish. There are things he knows that I need to know. Another day.

I sit down across from Harbormaster and finally speak. “I apologize. I agreed to get information for you and I have not. My life became different very suddenly. I imagine you may have heard. I believe, though, that we may still have some common interests.”

Starting a ‘Casual brain receptivity’ on Harbormaster.

John

‘Casual brain receptivity’ on Harbormaster: (Rolled: 2d6+2. Rolls: 3, 6. Total: 11)

John

Holding 3.

Rich

Vignette,


He nods, "Yes, I've heard. Congratulations, Suquamish shared with me your decisive actions to take over Pike. I've heard through the grapevine that you're making strides in cleaning up the place, making it safer. That is commendable."

After some brief effort, HM opens the bottle of wine, begins pouring, "I hope you like this white wine. I can't say I'm fond of reds."

John

I wave my hand in polite demurral. “That is very gracious of you, but I meet with the Admiral soon…and you have observed, I think, how well I hold my liquor,” I say with what I hope seems like a genuine, slightly embarrassed smile. Let him believe I think of him as a confidant.

“Speaking of the Admiral, I owe him a report on your operation–you know, since I am spying on you.” I smile.

Rich

HM gives a subtle nod of his head at your mention of holding liquor. He probably planned on using that, but he doesn't push the wine on you. "Yes, of course. I am working Boeing into Gates' good graces, hoping that the Hocus will join me. I'm not inclined to think it will be successful, so Boeing is becoming more desperate to please me. I'm disappointed in him. Also, Decatur was one of my castoffs, and I've found that he's recovered from whatever ailment struck him out on the ocean. I'll go see him soon."

He watches you for a moment after rattling off some of his secret plans. "And, if you recall, I offered you your mother's music machine in exchange for your aide. Now that you're in charge of Pike, I would like to set up shop there. There are a few places that could suit my workers well. Can we make this arrangement, Vignette?"

John

"I would not become too disappointed in Boeing," More like I do not want to see what comes of this disappointment. Again, wearing this mask of the conspirator that I am presenting to Harbormaster, I say, "You gave him an impossible task. Gates cannot be won in the way you imagine. He is a trusting man, though, and that is his weakness. Let Boeing be merely a spy and not try to engage Gates' baser desires. You may find that the redemption of a sinner is a greater temptation to Gates than the sin itself."

I do not know this Decatur, but if he is a recovered cast-off, Bon will know him and will want to know that Harbormaster means to renew the man's suffering. I should visit Bon and warn her once I get to Safeco.

"I recall our deal, and I intend to make good on it. I remind you, though, that the music machine was offered in exchange for the aid of Vignette, freelance discoverer of secrets--not for the aid of the Mistress of Pike." I hold up a hand to forestall protest. "I propose to pay Vignette's debt by reporting back on my upcoming conversations with the Admiral. The Mistress of Pike does not have this obligation, but you and she may have a separate deal. I will share the details of the deal I reach with the Admiral, and I will grant you space in Pike. In exchange I ask for 1/10 your intake, with two conditions."

I tick off the conditions on my fingers. "First, you agree to not damage your workers or your customers. Pike is, as you say, 'safer' under my rule. There will be no people left to die in boats tied to our pier--just as an example. Second..." I lower my voice as if not wanting my people to hear, "You once offered me something you called 'Home'. I have observed how much better Suquamish functions on it, and I believe that it would help me handle my day-to-day dealings with the various factions around Pike. I would like you to supply this 'Home' for my own personal use, at no cost to me, for the length of our deal."

I sit back, palms flat on the table, and await his reply.

Rich

Vignette,

It feels very much like you're trying to Manipulate HM here, the leverage being the deal you offer and taking Home. Let's see if you can allay his normally very suspicious nature.

John

Manipulate: (Rolled: 2d6+1. Rolls: 5, 1. Total: 7)

Marking XP (5). Advancing.

Rich

For a long moment, HM looks at you, Vignette, his smile unwavering, his eyes peeking into you. Finally, he leans back, "One tenth? Fair. As for workers who no longer attract customers, I will not harm them. I've never harmed them. I couldn't afford treatment for the red sick, and I didn't want the rest of my workers to become sick as well. If you'll provide alternate employment for them, I'll happily hand them over to you, Vignette."

With a magician's deft hand, he pulls out a small glass vial filled with a bluish liquid, it looks thick and has some kind of sparkling quality to it. "You want me to give you Home? I'm happy to provide it to you, Vignette. Come, take your first drink. I want to make sure... it agrees with you." He hands it to you, expecting you to drink it.

What do you do?

John

I take the vial carefully between two slim fingers. Holding it up to the light, I watch the sparkle of viscous blue liquid, letting my eyes unfocus, trying to appear mesmerized.

“We have a deal,” I say without taking my eyes off the vial. I give my head a small shake, pocketing the vial with one hand and extending my other in offer of a handshake. “I had better wait until after I speak to the Admiral–until, as you say, I see whether it agrees with me.”

Rich

When you try to forestall, HM shakes his head, "No, I'd rather you take it now, Vignette. If there is a problem, I'll be here to help you, like I did on my yacht. There never has been a problem." He asserts the end part with a drop in his tone.

You hear Jax take a half-step forward, moving as if to back you up against a threat, which HM notes with a look up at him, then back at you.

What do you do?

John

I smile and reach over to take Harbormaster’s hand. “I appreciate your concern…and what you did for me at the harbor. After that, I knew I could trust you. Now trust me. I will be careful. Suquamish is accustomed to its use. She can help me later.” I tip my eyes toward Jax. "I will not do this right here and now.

Rich

He squeezes your hand, eyes on you, not on Jax. "Home is... very important. Please hand the vial back to me, and Suquamish will bring it to you later. She'll make sure you're safe." He turns his hand over, waiting for you to hand it back over.

What do you do?

John

My smile goes cold as I say, “Your babysitting me was not part of our deal.”

Rich

HM sighs, slightly frustrated, closes his eyes. "Give me the vial, Vignette. You can come back to me when you're ready to try it. Either I, or Suquamish will be with you when you do. And bring your bully boys if you feel the need. I think we have agreed on terms. Are we done, pending the use of Home?"

John

Wait–I am still holding 3… How can I convince HM to let me keep the vial?

Rich

Vignette,

Push too hard, and he'll become suspicious. He guards this stuff closely and he's well aware of your Weird talents. He's not stupid.

To get him to let you keep the vial, you can let Suquamish stay with you.

John

Ha. I was thinking exactly that, but didn't want to push too hard in the wrong direction.

John

I try and look a little distraught at the notion of giving the vial back, try to let just a hint of desperation enter my voice. “Okay, okay–I understand. I just… Look, things are going okay, but this meeting with the Admiral is a big deal, and afterwards, it will be the first night off I have had in awhile. I just need to…to breathe, you know? And I do not know when it will be safe for me to see you again–I am supposed to be betraying you to the Admiral in just a bit. How about I keep the vial and promise not to take it without Suquamish?” I look at him with a hopeful expression I do not have to fake.

Rich

He gently puts a hand over yours, the one holding the vial, "Suquamish will stay out of your way. Be careful, Vignette. Admiral may forget all you've been for him now that you're a hardholder yourself." He releases your hand, letting you keep the vial. Suquamish gives Jax a level look, then walks over to stand behind you, Vignette, opposite Jax.

What do you do?

John

I smile humorlessly. "I have no illusions about the Admiral's and my relationship. It is not coincidental that I chose to seek out Home on this visit to Safeco."

And that is it. Or so I thought, but then, on impulse, I look back at Jax and Suquamish. "Give us a moment, please."

I turn back to Harbormaster, not even considering that those two might hesitate to listen to me. "One other thing. A conversation that we never had, due to my...unexpected departure from Safeco. You said you could tell me more about my mother--how you knew her, how you came to have that music machine, maybe...maybe something about her disappearance."

Rich

Vignette,

Jax ushers Suquamish out, or tries to. She snatches her arm away when he reaches for it, but HM gives her a nod and she leaves the two of you alone.


HM's eyes stay fixed on yours as you ask him about your mother. He nods once, "She sang the song often, her voice was so beautiful. I found the music machine, Vignette, just sitting on the counter at an abandoned store, like she'd left it for me. I looked everywhere for your mother." He pours himself another drink, like a lifeline, looking away, "I don't want you any more upset when you meet with Admiral. I'll tell you what I know about her disappearance after you've met with him and we can spend time... talking about her."

John

I do not like the idea that Harbormaster knows what my mother sang often. I do not like that he thinks she would leave something for him. I wonder if there is anything else on that recording... I have listened to her voice over and over these last few weeks, but I was pulled so deeply into every nuance of her voice, every breath she took, I would have overlooked anything in the background short of a pitched gun battle.

You know what else I do not like? Harbormaster thinking that he has something to tell me that is going to upset me. I am not offended. I am afraid of what this information could be. I have suspicions. They are like dark birds, these suspicions. I have bound them tightly so that they cannot fly around in my mind.

"I will find you, after. I want to know. No matter what you think is going to upset me. But I can wait."

Rich

Vignette,

You take your leave of HM and walk with Link and Jax, Suquamish trailing behind, a new part of your retinue. You pile into your truck and drive around to enter Safeco proper. You are greeted by Buck, who never really gave you attention before. But now you're the Witch of Pike, so you must matter. He escorts you and yours to the Yacht Club.

Admiral waits you at his normal booth. Hope sits beside him. Valentine isn't here, which is a tad unusual.


Admiral stands as you approach, "Vignette, thank you for coming to see me. Please, have a seat. Buck, get her a drink, maybe something to eat. What would you like?" He waits for you to sit first. You've seen him do this with important merchants before, the polite thing. He never gave Millions this level of respect.

What do you do?

John

I am surprised at the Admiral's reaction to me. I had expected condescension and bullying. If anything, this level of politeness from him freaks me out a little.

I decide to respond in kind. "Thank you for agreeing to see me on short notice. I felt I should deliver my report on the Harbormaster in person, given that my mission was...well...interrupted."

Rich

"You saw an opportunity, and took it. Millions was weak, you capitalized on it." Admiral says in a smooth tone as he gestures for you to take a seat across from him. "I've had Pike scouted, and it seems overall secure. I'm impressed, Vignette. Now... would you like some coffee?"

John

“I would love a coffee. This is one thing that is not so good in Pike. I guess I took the wrong hold.” I say with a lighthearted laugh–I am kidding–really.

“Thank you for saying you are impressed. Your opinion means a lot to me.” Just not in the way you think.

When the coffee arrives, I put it to my lips, close my eyes, and breathe in the aroma. Without opening my eyes, I let my mind float outward, carried by the steam, and slide over the sharp quartz planes of the Admiral’s consciousness. I do not think of him as “Daddy” when I am in his mind–not ever, not since that night.

John

Casual Brain Receptivity: (Rolled: 2d6+2. Rolls: 5, 6. Total: 13)

Rich

Vignette,

Hope's watching you, Vignette. You catch her in the corner of your eye, even though Admiral seems to think she's "out of it". You know better.


"How is negotiation with the Tax Patrol?" Admiral asks politely. He takes a drink of his own coffee, giving you time to answer.

John

I catch Hope looking at me, more there than I have seen her in awhile. The universe keeps mocking me for not learning the Arrows' sign speech. You would think that with the amount of time I have spent around them, I would have learned that. I did learn things from Cujo, but not sign speech.

"The Tax Patrol is unhappy with me. Salmon thinks that I am treating them unfairly. There is no 'fair'. He thinks that I am cheating them. He is wrong. I am dismantling them. It will happen gradually, but it will happen. In the long term, there is no place for raiders between Pike and Safeco and the nearby settlements."

Rich

Admiral smiles when you say "there is no fair", as if he taught you that. He nods, right up until you say there's no place for raiders, then he scowls, fingers gripping the table, "Pike can't afford to turn their backs on raiders, Vignette. They will come down on you like wolves. No offense to your guard, but you've got no walls. You exist on the good will of those rotters, and playing them against each other." His nostrils flare a bit. Hope subtly moves away from him, scooting on the bench closer to the window.

What do you do?

John

"I understand and agree with you, but you misunderstand me. I have not turned my back on any raiders, including Tax Patrol. I am well aware that Pike's 'walls' are the competing values of the various raider factions and other interested parties, such as yourself." I take a sip of coffee, noting Hope's movement and not made happier by the implications of it.

"What I propose to you is that the existence of the Tax Patrol is, long-term, not in your best interests or mine. The value of open commerce between Safeco, Pike, and the surrounding lesser settlements is greater than the value of the Tax Patrol."

I pause to let that sink in, then continue. "The Tax Patrol, unlike the other raiders, operate within our area of control. As Safeco and Pike have grown, the presence of raiders between us has become a problem. I do not think we can just remove the Tax Patrol. They would fight it, and it would spook the other raiders. So, I am playing a longer game--phasing them out, hurting them a little without pushing so hard that they lash out. I want to make it less appealing to be a member of that crew, start a downward spiral that leads them to move outside our area of control--probably after an internal coup--or to dissolve entirely into crews already outside."

I stop talking and await the Admiral's reaction. The old Vignette would have leaned back, put her boots on the table, and looked at him with a smug smile. The Witch of Pike cannot behave that way, so I sit attentively, suppressing all but the faintest hint of a smile and a gleam in my eye.

Rich

"Long games are tricky, Vignette," Admiral answers, not casting the idea aside like you might've expected. "What happens when one of your own betray you to the Tax Patrol, give them a heads up that you're undercutting them? And when they come running to me, what do you expect me to do?" He steeples his fingers and waits for your reaction.

John

“You will act in your own best interests. That is why I am here–to see if we agree on what those are. As for betrayal, only you know what I am doing, and if your interests and mine were not aligned, I would not have long term plans for Pike.”

I shrug and give him a smile, trying to reach a younger, bolder version of the Admiral and daring that one to join me. “Anything worth doing entails risk. I did not take Pike to wear Millions’ clothes.”

Rich

Your father nods slowly, no smile on his face, but in his eyes, there's a newfound respect. "How confident are you that the guards Millions bought and paid for before you can keep your hold, or you, safe? Are they up for the highest bidder? If so, what if someone else drops jingle their way, are you done for? What do you offer them?"

John

I give him a tilt of my head and a grimace. "I am new to them, and they were not a loyal bunch to begin with. Some fear me, which only goes so far..." I glance over at Jax, then back at the Admiral. "My right hand has come to value that I value him, I think. That is how I am most unlike Millions, maybe most unlike anyone wanting to buy their loyalty. The ones who want it and can handle it have more control over their lives. I treat them like human beings, not tools."

I wonder, as say this, whether the Admiral will use it against me. I do not think he can. Hearing is not understanding. He cannot change his stripes.

"And for those who really need reassurance I am not soft, I will not avoid opportunities for demonstration."

On sudden impulse, I finish with, "I would, of course, welcome your advice. You have been doing this longer than I have. I smile self-deprecatingly. I am flattering him, but as I do so, I realize that it is true--I could use his advice. What father does not want to see his daughter turn that corner?

Rich

"Of course, Vignette." Admiral says. "When have I not offered advice. I've always wanted the best for us both." He nods, as much to you as himself, "I was worried when you took Pike, that you'd over-stepped, that you'd stuck your neck out and put yourself at unnecessary risk. Now... I'm encouraged at what we could build here. Together."

--END SCENE--