El Bodegon

Chris smirks slightly when Claudia mentions she wants to go back to the Hotel with him. “Well, normally I don't really take girls with me to a hotel, but I suppose I can make an exception this time.” He gives a suggestive wink, the gesture more taunting than anything.
“Teddy, a good evening to you. Fear not, I shall make sure the lady arrives at the Hotel in one piece.” He certainly picked up on the worry or jealousy from the Brujah, and shamelessly uses it to suit his amusement. He bows slightly to Theo, a mocking imitation of a gentleman's greeting, then moves toward the door, which he holds open for Claudia.

The Tremere approaches Theodore and kisses his cheek in a brief movement. She uses the moment to seemingly reassure Theodore with a few words and approaches Chris to leave as well.
(Theodore) Yeah I'm not too worried, she's still kindred, a Tremere nonetheless.

He seems calm and accepting, and waves them goodbye. Claudia does the same gesture, speaks and goes through the door.
(Claudia) We'll see each other tomorrow then.

She waits for Chris and gives him a slight polite smile but it's clear she is uncomfortable. Once they are both out and walking, she seems to follow him.
(Claudia) I'm not going back to the Hotel.. But where I go is on the same direction.

As she says so she indicates saint Catherine street, which leads directly to the theatre and the hotel.
(Claudia) But who are you exactly? And what did my sire give to you?

Saturday Night

Once Duncan, William, Fred, Miriel, and Estela arrive, they enter the bar.  The barman, Paul, recognizes Duncan and waves them through, reaching under the bar to open the door to the stairs.  The coterie heads up to meet Theodore, whom Duncan and Miri had seen earlier discussing with Marc.

As they reach the lounge area upstairs, Theodore is busy on the telephone, arguing with someone – it’s not hard to guess the topic.  He waves them in, but they don’t immediately approach his desk… instead, everyone gives him a little space to finish the phone call.

Once he is finished, Theo waves them over.  Duncan and William tell the Brujah Primogen what happened, with a few comments from Fred.  At one point, when describing how Estela found Fred, William mentions something about the “two Malkavians”, although he corrects himself immediately.

Theo is not happy at this turn of events; he says, “That’s what happened to me last time.”  He says he is trying to negotiate some kind of treaty that will allow them to look for the artifact, but he is not hopeful, and he had wished the coterie could have managed to get in and out without being noticed by the Nosferatu.  Until then, they will have to wait.

The coterie discusses their next move.  Duncan mentions a few bits of unfinished business, such as delivering a box to Laure Nolveaux; and investigating the missing humans, although Fred seemed to have no idea some of them were students.  Theo interrupts at one point when he mentions investigating the Armory.  Theo tells him that’s already been taken care of; Mike and Franz reported that the Sabbat only broke in the one time, to get weapons; and it was only used as a base one time before the latest attacks. According to the two Brujah, the Armory had been used as a temporary base camp, and they didn't plan to come back. Theodore seems to think there are no other "cell" anymore, and that all "obvious" Sabbat assailants had been killed (or captured) on Thursday.  Duncan seems annoyed that he didn’t know this, but he merely nods and says that’s one less thing to worry about.

William suggests again that they should report to Regent Kersten.  As nobody can think of any better ideas, this will likely be their next move.

"Either way, I have to see my Primogen first, and get some fresh clothes while I'm at it", the neonate stated as he prepared to leave. "Unless Lyle knows how to deal with this issue, or the Lasombra has been interrogated and spilled information relevant to our objective, I presume I'll have time to assist you with mentioned endeavors."

As the group discusses their next move, Duncan takes out his phone and starts to check something, but he directs a comment at William.

Yeah, going to see Kersten sounds like a plan, if he's at the chantry.  You should probably try calling him again, before we go, to make certain that he's there.

Speaking of which, does anyone have Laure Nolveaux's number?  Or does she even have a phone?  I'd like to deliver that box we left with Claudia, but with Mrs. Nolveaux's workshop being bombed, I have no idea how to get in touch with her.

Duncan finishes pulling up a few news websites, and offers the phone to Fred.

Fred, here's a little info on the missing humans.  You were asking about them earlier.  I bookmarked a few news stories that seemed to have the most information.  There are actually two groups, that may or may not be connected-- never mind, I'll let you read it.

Fred, Storyteller:

Duncan also turns to Theo, to include him in the conversation.  There is a slight sarcasm in his tone, but it is directed more at himself than anyone else.

Assuming Mike hasn't already solved this one too, we might be able to get some more information on the missing university students.  According to Mlle. Carrion, Jean-Pierre Griffin has influence in Bordeaux 3, the college that those students attended.  I doubt he would look for the information himself; but perhaps we could ask him for access to their student database, to find any possible connections between them.  Unless, of course, you have any influence at Bordeaux 3?  That would save us from interrupting Griffin again, which he might not like since he's on some kind of leave from the chantry.

As an afterthought, Duncan looks down at his own clothes.

Oh.  Yes, changing clothes sounds like a good idea too.

William sighs and takes out his phone, "Lyle is probably bonking someone again, he probably has half the female population of Bordeaux ingesting his blood."

He gave a sly look at Estela but quickly focused on his screen, typed in the message...

Message:

and pressed send.

William:

Theodore signs Duncan he may approach, before taking a small carnet and a post it where he writes something.
(Theodore) Sure Nolveaux has a phone, she's an Elysium Keeper, she gotta be reachable. I've got it right here. Do I look the kind of guy to hang out with literate or artsy kids? I know shit about that, 'xcept it's in between the Ventrue and the Tremere with the occasional intruder. Dunno how centralized that shit is, but Franz was a teacher there before being embraced, maybe he managed to keep someone inside.

He writes down another number on his paper and writes "F.D" under it, before letting Duncan take it. 
(Theodore) There ya go. I'm not sure whether the Toreador will be in condition considering her work place got blown up, but it wouldn't be the first time anyway.

Fred is about to speak up when asked for Nolveaux's phone number, but is not quick enough as Theodore reveals it instead.
Fred doesn't do much until Duncan offers his phone with the news about the missing students and all that jazz, he takes the phone.

Ah thank you, truly your kindness knows few bounds; even providing one such as me with your research material. I'll study this information at once and return the phone momentarily.
Fred goes to sit as close to a corner as possible, hoping to keep himself out of the coterie's way while he research the missing mortal issue.

Duncan moves to Theo's desk to take the paper, although after he thanks the Primogen he fakes being shocked, to be funny.

Thank you.  Franz, a teacher?  I certainly didn't see that one coming.

Still grinning, Duncan turns to Miriel and holds up the paper.
When Fred is finished, I'll let you use my phone to call Laure, if that's okay.  She's your clanmate and everything.  Plus, you can answer any awkward questions about where we got the box.  She may be too busy to  meet us, anyway; but if not, we can also call Claudia and make sure she's still at the place we met her earlier.

The neonate Brujah then addresses William and the others.

I guess we'll all be making a stop to change clothes.  We can meet up at the Regent Grand Hotel afterwards... or at least the lobby, which is as far as I'll go, invitation or no.  Perhaps Miriel and I can make a detour first, to deliver a package to Laure.  That will depend on whether William can reach his Regent, and whether Laure wants to see us tonight.

Miriel stands at her tiptoes, peeking at the paper Duncan holds from where she stands by the pool table. She grins as she spies it, kidding along with him, Ah, yes. Awkward is my speciality. She waits patiently to use the Brujah's cellphone next, leaning at the table to line up her next shot.

Duncan and William mention changing clothes; she only softly interjects, Ugh! Yes, please, and shoots. The billiards 'clack!' and roll every which way.

She straightens up after Duncan talks about the two of them making a detour, depending. She sounds hopeful and in an obvious good mood, perhaps feeling enthusiasm from playing at her pool game, We shall find out in short order.

Fred eventually finishes his research into the missing students and hands the phone back to Duncan.
Thank you once more for most generously lending me your phone.
I've made good use of the information stored in it, and hope that my new insight will provide assistance in your search.

Duncan, ST and co.:

Duncan accepts the phone back from Fred, and nods as the Malkavian thanks him excessively.

That's okay.  You don't have to thank me for every little thing... or apologize so much, either.  It's not a big deal.  It's your search as much as mine.  I just figured we could share information, since we're both looking into it.  Obviously, these disappearances have become numerous enough to stir up the human authorities, so it's a Masquerade issue-- it concerns us all.  Excuse me a moment; I'll be right back.

The young Brujah walks over to Miri and hands her his phone, and the slip of paper with the numbers.  He smiles as he replies to her comments.

Miriel, Auspex 1, Storyteller:

Duncan heads back towards Fred, but not before adding:  And stop bending over the pool table like that.  You look too tasty as it is, no need to pose.  Duncan is obviously teasing Miri.

To Fred:  Anyway, about those disappearances... I haven't really had a chance to look into it much, due to other stuff having priority, like this artifact the Sabbat are looking for.  The only thing I know aside from what's in those news stories is the fact that one of the missing guys was named Maxime Le Bot.  I didn't have that bookmarked because I read about it a few days ago, and heard his name on the radio, before I started looking into these disappearances.

Everyone:

Theodore shrugs about Franz being a teacher.
(Theodore) I doubt his sire even knew about it. King philosophers uh ? I tried reaching Kersten but his answering machine said something in the lines of "not available, call back later".

He doesn't seem so convinced about the idea of "king philosophers", but it's clear the Primogen has thought about it for a while and has made a thoughtful choice on the matter of his clan's reputation. He seems annoyed he couldn't get in touch with Lyle but it doesn't seem to be a surprise, oddly. He does nod visibly when his clan brother scolds Miriel for being too tasty looking, with a very meaningful smile.

people:

During the conversations going on around her, Estela remains fairly quiet and to the side. She tries to listen and understand as much as possible, undoubtedly aware that she is going to have to learn fast if she wishes to survive. At William's slight jab about half of all women in the city enjoying Lyle's blood, she sends a quick glare in the Tremere's direction.
As Duncan mentions calling Claudia for a potential meet-up, she turns to him, pulling out her own phone. “I could call her if you want,” she offers with a friendly smile. “Though I'm not sure if she's got her phone back yet. Before she had accidentally switched them.” She approaches Duncan and Miriel just as she shoots and the billiards roll around. The young vampire cannot help a chuckle at the Brujah's remark, raising an eyebrow in a jesting manner. “No one's forcing you to look, you know.”

I must concur with miss Rose. I believe it would be a poor idea if you were to taste the blood of the wolf, who can say what will occur as a side effect?
Fred suddenly turns to Miriel and takes off his beanie.
Ah! N-no offense miss Wolf, I am truly sorry for allowing my large mouth to babble without control and promise to exercise more caution and self-control in the future.
Fred begins to curl together a bit, but not entirely yet, waiting to see how Miriel reacts before he does too much.

REALLY? Miriel smiles as Duncan draws near, I have been hearing that all week, she makes her way a little further around the table and leans over again from the opposite angle, Did you, uh... Catch this side yet? Clack! She shoots again with accuracy, playing along with the Brujah's teasing. 

She straightens up with a friendly wink, showing she's in on the joke and accepts the phone and slip of paper. She leans on the pool stick, smiling anew as Estella speaks, Ha, yeah... She's prepared to take another shot, but Fred pipes up only to apologize profusely thereafter. 

She straightens up her posture and shrugs, You're good. She has no issue, she understood the situation as being strictly playful, at least from Duncan's angle and forthrightness. She takes the time to ring Laure's number, adding aside to Estella, If I get no answer, feel free to ring Claudia for us.

Fred calms down at the lack of a reaction on Miriel's part and puts his beanie on after a short moment.

Duncan is amused at the general reaction to his teasing of Miriel, although he isn't sure whether Fred's comment was half-joking, or the Malkavian really did think Duncan was considering tasting Miriel's blood.

Don't worry Fred, I won't be tasting Miriel's vitae anytime soon.  We're not even dating.  But what were you saying about the Rose and the Wolf?  I think Aguilar means 'eagle'; and while a literal translation of De Boucher might be a little frightening, it definitely doesn't mean 'wolf'.  Although she is a member of the Clan of the Rose.

While he waits for the various phone calls to be made, the Brujah neonate addresses an offhand comment to his Primogen - mostly with a straight face.

Hey, Boss... we need a fancy title like 'Clan of the Rose'.  'Zealots' and 'Rabble' aren't very flattering; and as you just pointed out, that whole 'Warrior-Poet' thing kind of got tossed out the window a few hundred years ago... although Roland still qualifies, I guess.  We need better "relations publiques", and a cool-sounding nickname.  You know, to get the hot chicks.

William snorts and gave a chuckle, "Good luck with that, I doubt you can make good on decades of bad press in a few years, the first Brujah I've met since my embrace tried to punch me squarely in the jaw."

He felt up his jawline as he remembered the event quite clearly. "Besides, the clan of rose have an actual rose as their emblem, what have you got? A circle and an upside down A? Maybe we could call you the Dyslectic Circulars? Either way, Lyle isn't answering and since there is no such thing as the Tremere information hotline, I'd best go to the hotel and ask the rest of my kin if they would have any ideas on where he might be."

system:

Miriel:

Theodore chuckles at the idea of a more proper name.
(Theodore) I like the bad press ! Hey, who said anything about dating ? It's blood, not love. He openly shrugs at the idea, making a direct link between drinking blood and having sex, as many kindred do. Your argument is valid tho, I'll try and think o'something. Clan of the AK 47 ? Say, the Tremere got a number in their chantry, maybe the library girl can answer ?

William:

Duncan laughs, and replies to Theo's comments.
You're right, a certain amount of bad press is useful.  I was kidding about the hot chicks, of course.  About the clan nickname, as well.  Although Clan of the 9mm would fit too.

(Theodore) Hey, keep on joking and actual good ideas could come out. That's kinda how Gosuin became Prince, in a certain way. I'm more of a shotgun and rifle user though, if it's to use handguns I'd rather use my head.

He points to his forehead. Whether he's speaking about intelligence and ruse, or about giving headbutts, is unsure.