[She is not (5). But she will steal them for later in case they have to get into other places on the ship. Instead, she's just going to haul up the vampire corpse, doing a quick glance to make sure the hallway is clear, before heading for the utility closet and stashing the body (nat 20).
If they come back to an empty security room, she has a feeling that it's probably expected for a guy that gross.
And as she makes her way back out again, she raises an eyebrow at Rusty, who's been gripping his glass a little too tightly as he makes conversation. He excuses himself from his current conversation and moves to another part of the boat, but out of the corner of his eye he catches something familiar (18), and tries not to let his attention linger too long, but as he rounds the corner, he finds himself drawn to a stop, eyes widening at the Arbiter sitting casually in the middle of the room.]
You shouldn't be here.
[This is probably not his best move. Given that he can likely see through their flimsy disguises, there's a chance that he will give them away. But he can't help but want him gone for what comes next.]
( Arbitration is a waiting game, and can sometimes last months, depending on what he's been dragged into. It forms differently. It requires different obligations. It is an unwavering rite.
Some of the time, it requires political maneuvering and invitations he can't say no to, especially if he's arbitrated them before. The same case can't be arbitrated again, but someone else can call for arbitration. Sometimes, it's all about angles. Very rarely does a new angle change the outcome, but people try.
His is fearsome. He is calculating. He is formidable. And he sees what shouldn't be seen. )
You aren't here.
( Except, he is, isn't he?
And no, Faron doesn't go anywhere he shouldn't be, where he isn't expected to be.
He turns to face him, setting his glass down before rising up from his chair. )
[Rusty's jaw sets, anger flaring because he remembers what happened the last time he was before the Arbiter. It didn't end well for him, and he didn't think the arbitration was particularly fair, but he was bitter and a little insane at that point.
Still, he doesn't want the Arbiter here for what's coming next. He takes another step closer and dropping his voice.]
Why are you here? I wouldn't have expected this to be your ... scene.
I wasn't aware I had a scene. Tell me, what are my lines? And how should I say them?
( A glean in his eye, his mouth curls into a smile. )
What should I call you? Shakespeare? I'll just call you the Bard. Make things easy on everyone.
( He purses his lips. Catastrophe. )
You're the last person I'd think might call out my scene. I was extended an invitation. And we both know there are some invitations I can't refuse. Even for a few minutes of face time. How long do I have to... turn the page today?
[Rusty's eyes wander off the side of the boat, eyes pinpointing where they are on their journey down river. He takes a moment too long answering before Stefan's voice is in his ear:
( Buffy glances to Stefan, back around them nonchalantly. (dirty 20 as she folds and stretches. She pulls herself off of her chair to smooth out her dress, concerned and curious but not interrupting. )
Give or take. I always found you to be much more precise. I'd ask if you were flying by the seat of your pants but - ( He spots the others, cloaked. ) you're not alone. Crashers. How quaint.
You also didn't follow the law to the letter. We all play by the same rules.
( Even if they'd rather the rulebook thrown out altogether. )
Facilitating. You and your angles. ( he can see through you in more ways than one. ) You're making another move. I do appreciate you not involving me this time. You weren't the only individual whose ire I drew the last time you tried to call on my services.
[Rusty hasn't seen the Arbiter as an impartial third party in a long time. He can't help but feel that his judgements are weighted, but he's also blinded by his own anger and his own suffering.]
No. We'll wait until you leave.
[He will not mention the fact that one of the Slayers has already taken out one of the vampires.]
[Rusty steps away, letting Faron make whatever pleasantries he has to where Rusty doesn't have to keep complicating things. As he leans over the railing to look at the water, he will respond to William.]
He's someone complicated. If you really want me to explain, I will later, but no one make any more moves until we're sure he's off the boat.
Alright, we're in a holding pattern then. And we move on your go.
( Rusty is the de-facto leader now. Buffy was, but Rusty runs this show, doesn't he. It's his grudge. He's the one invested. Buffy lost people. Mia did, too. )
But, if this complicated someone may interfere, you let me know earlier rather than later. We get this one chance.
[It's probably the one thing they have in their benefit is that the Arbiter is that he has to keep his hands clean to at least maintain his appearance of impartiality.]
He's the Arbiter. He can't get his hands dirty.
[Scarlett frowns, leaning back in her seat as she got the closest to actually recognizing the title at least (10). "Why do I know that title?" The rest of mine rolled under ten, so it means nothing to them.]
( Buffy knows the name the Immortal, as it caused drama for her once upon a time without her knowing, and a girl that looked very much like her shared a burden she stepped up for, but the arbiter passes over. William, too, does not know the name, nor recognize the face getting one number under Buffy. Finally, Rhett doesn't either rolling worse than anyone, apparently.
"You tend to know the influential names, my love," Rhett says, looking away, but speaking to everyone on the comms.
Faith on the other hand and her (nat 20) surprises you, me, and everyone, as she turns, on deck. She ashes her cigarette over the side. Probably not environment-friendly. It is what it is. )
He's old, he's impartial, and he only shows up when he needs to rule on a judgment. 'Less you're involved, you don't get involved and neither does he. I was pulled into one of his circus acts a few years back.
("Like some supernatural jury duty?" Buffy asks, frowning. "How I not know about this?")
'Cause you weren't his supernatural witness, B. And until you mentioned the name, it's like I forgot. He's judge, jury, and executioner. And you step off the beaten path, he silences you literally. Facts are facts with him. Heard someone was silenced monk-style for a week for lying. Got sequestered with another unlucky lady in waiting.
("That doesn't mean what you think it means," Buffy says, exchanging a look with Stefan. "Unless it does."
"I hope it does for Faith's sake," Rhett says, smirking. )
The witnesses don't always remember it happened afterwards. Keeps everyone from petitioning him about every little thing or things they could resolve themselves.
[Doesn't stop the people who learn and know from trying however.]
("I forget something?" Faith asks, realizing the cigarette is on her dress. She pulls at the fabric, bouncing it onto the deck, stepping on it. )
Later. ( Buffy and Stefan up at the bar, turn back to face the room again. ) So, he can't interfere, but knows you're here - and us. And he can't do anything about this? Can't say anything. Can'd do anything after. How... neutral. He's like literal Switzerland. Do you get a chocolate for telling your side of the story?
Not that I'm aware of. Though after my petition didn't go the way I hoped, I wound up in Hershey, so technically yes but not the same quality you're implying.
[But Faron will stay out of it. That's the important thing.
In the meantime, one of Brannigan's lieutenants, a slim, elegant man named Barnabus settles next to Scarlett and Rhett. "Scarlett, darling, have you heard? Brannigan made a rather delicious move."
Scarlett raises an eyebrow. "Is that so? I haven't heard anything."]
["Rumor has it that he's staged an attack against the Slayers. And with a rather impressive amount of casualties too." Barnabas takes a sip of his drink, before leaning back in his chair as he studies the hand of cards dealt to him.
If nothing else, him bragging about this directly to Rhett and Scarlett's faces indicates that the Tower still wasn't aware of the presence at the Butlers at the event.
"He hasn't come back to brag yet, though I'm sure it's only a matter of time. You know how he likes to gloat."
Scarlett raises an eyebrow over the edge of her own cards, face impassive (19).]
Brannigan was always one to gloat. And never really one to change.
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bravebartender) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
everyonelives2025-03-12 08:39 pm
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William, where are the guards now?
[Where they are will ultimately decide what move she makes, but for now she'll pat the guy down looking for keys that may match the lock.]
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( He does not know if he knows ship directions, but this tells her they are each at opposite ends. She probably has some time.
There is a ring of keys! Is she good at identifying keys? She can do a sleight of hand check if she'd like. )
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If they come back to an empty security room, she has a feeling that it's probably expected for a guy that gross.
And as she makes her way back out again, she raises an eyebrow at Rusty, who's been gripping his glass a little too tightly as he makes conversation. He excuses himself from his current conversation and moves to another part of the boat, but out of the corner of his eye he catches something familiar (18), and tries not to let his attention linger too long, but as he rounds the corner, he finds himself drawn to a stop, eyes widening at the Arbiter sitting casually in the middle of the room.]
You shouldn't be here.
[This is probably not his best move. Given that he can likely see through their flimsy disguises, there's a chance that he will give them away. But he can't help but want him gone for what comes next.]
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Some of the time, it requires political maneuvering and invitations he can't say no to, especially if he's arbitrated them before. The same case can't be arbitrated again, but someone else can call for arbitration. Sometimes, it's all about angles. Very rarely does a new angle change the outcome, but people try.
His is fearsome. He is calculating. He is formidable. And he sees what shouldn't be seen. )
You aren't here.
( Except, he is, isn't he?
And no, Faron doesn't go anywhere he shouldn't be, where he isn't expected to be.
He turns to face him, setting his glass down before rising up from his chair. )
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Still, he doesn't want the Arbiter here for what's coming next. He takes another step closer and dropping his voice.]
Why are you here? I wouldn't have expected this to be your ... scene.
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( A glean in his eye, his mouth curls into a smile. )
What should I call you? Shakespeare? I'll just call you the Bard. Make things easy on everyone.
( He purses his lips. Catastrophe. )
You're the last person I'd think might call out my scene. I was extended an invitation. And we both know there are some invitations I can't refuse. Even for a few minutes of face time. How long do I have to... turn the page today?
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"Do we have a problem?"]
No.
[Then his attention comes back to Faron.]
Maybe a half hour? Give or take.
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Give or take. I always found you to be much more precise. I'd ask if you were flying by the seat of your pants but - ( He spots the others, cloaked. ) you're not alone. Crashers. How quaint.
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[So long as he's getting something he wanted out of it.]
It's beneath your concern. It's ... what did you call it? A petty concern that does not rise to the level of interest you require.
[Oh yeah, he's still bitter. But he's sure that the Arbiter sees the point.]
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( Even if they'd rather the rulebook thrown out altogether. )
Facilitating. You and your angles. ( he can see through you in more ways than one. ) You're making another move. I do appreciate you not involving me this time. You weren't the only individual whose ire I drew the last time you tried to call on my services.
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[He tips his head to the side.]
And some of my companions prefer to handle things themselves.
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( Like you did. )
I need to make a physical appearance without arousing suspicion.
( He can't betray Rusty even if he wanted to. )
I trust you won't start your vendetta with me still in attendance?
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No. We'll wait until you leave.
[He will not mention the fact that one of the Slayers has already taken out one of the vampires.]
I appreciate your discretion.
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( Or, he has no choice. )
Your appreciation is noted, William.
( Shakespeare.
"Do I get to ask who this guy is," William asks, wondering if he's speaking through the third party straight to him. Is he? Maybe. )
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He's someone complicated. If you really want me to explain, I will later, but no one make any more moves until we're sure he's off the boat.
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( Rusty is the de-facto leader now. Buffy was, but Rusty runs this show, doesn't he. It's his grudge. He's the one invested. Buffy lost people. Mia did, too. )
But, if this complicated someone may interfere, you let me know earlier rather than later. We get this one chance.
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[It's probably the one thing they have in their benefit is that the Arbiter is that he has to keep his hands clean to at least maintain his appearance of impartiality.]
He's the Arbiter. He can't get his hands dirty.
[Scarlett frowns, leaning back in her seat as she got the closest to actually recognizing the title at least (10). "Why do I know that title?" The rest of mine rolled under ten, so it means nothing to them.]
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"You tend to know the influential names, my love," Rhett says, looking away, but speaking to everyone on the comms.
Faith on the other hand and her (nat 20) surprises you, me, and everyone, as she turns, on deck. She ashes her cigarette over the side. Probably not environment-friendly. It is what it is. )
He's old, he's impartial, and he only shows up when he needs to rule on a judgment. 'Less you're involved, you don't get involved and neither does he. I was pulled into one of his circus acts a few years back.
( "Like some supernatural jury duty?" Buffy asks, frowning. "How I not know about this?" )
'Cause you weren't his supernatural witness, B. And until you mentioned the name, it's like I forgot. He's judge, jury, and executioner. And you step off the beaten path, he silences you literally. Facts are facts with him. Heard someone was silenced monk-style for a week for lying. Got sequestered with another unlucky lady in waiting.
( "That doesn't mean what you think it means," Buffy says, exchanging a look with Stefan. "Unless it does."
"I hope it does for Faith's sake," Rhett says, smirking. )
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That sums it up, yeah.
[He then shakes his head, because he shouldn't be surprised.]
He also has an assistant, October. She's usually the one you'll meet in the real world, unless he's been ... invited somewhere.
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( She blinks. )
Maybe she does it.
( A second passes, Faith's cigarette dropping out of her hand, as if her memory resets. )
What was I saying?
( "You were a lady in waiting," Rhett says, taking a sip. )
I think this boat's jamming our signals.
( "Rusty, care to explain why Faith's coming up blank?" )
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[Doesn't stop the people who learn and know from trying however.]
I was a petitioner. I don't get to forget.
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Later. ( Buffy and Stefan up at the bar, turn back to face the room again. ) So, he can't interfere, but knows you're here - and us. And he can't do anything about this? Can't say anything. Can'd do anything after. How... neutral. He's like literal Switzerland. Do you get a chocolate for telling your side of the story?
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[But Faron will stay out of it. That's the important thing.
In the meantime, one of Brannigan's lieutenants, a slim, elegant man named Barnabus settles next to Scarlett and Rhett. "Scarlett, darling, have you heard? Brannigan made a rather delicious move."
Scarlett raises an eyebrow. "Is that so? I haven't heard anything."]
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( Rhett looks up from the hand he's holding, listening to Barnabus.
"Delicious can be relative," he goads. "Brannigan does have discerning tastes. Do tell us." )
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If nothing else, him bragging about this directly to Rhett and Scarlett's faces indicates that the Tower still wasn't aware of the presence at the Butlers at the event.
"He hasn't come back to brag yet, though I'm sure it's only a matter of time. You know how he likes to gloat."
Scarlett raises an eyebrow over the edge of her own cards, face impassive (19).]
Brannigan was always one to gloat. And never really one to change.
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