The Templars Deceit (RP)

The Templars Deceit was an RP event that was a part of the first season of the Sanctuary RPG, it lasted from Augustus 30 2014 until September 18 2014.

Kyle Aug 30 2014, 02:46 PM
Kyle sat on an abandoned branch of Agartha, his legs swinging back and forth. He finished the coffee he'd brought with him from Eldwic and threw it on the ever growing pile in the corner. It wasn't like the custodians or the controller ever came down here and that was why he liked it so much. He had time to think to himself. And right now he had a lot to think about!

Discovering that his parents hadn't died but had been chased into hiding because they weren't the same faction was difficult enough. But finding out that his father had been hunted down by the Illuminati and essentially beaten to a pulp until he was rescued by his mother made his blood boil. Add to that a Dragon who had taken a personal interest in making his life hell by killing off any remaining leads to his childhood all for the sake of a "pattern" and he was left with a very bad taste in his mouth.

His phone began to vibrate. It was a message from Temple Hall. He ignored it, it's not like they were on talking terms. He did take a moment to wonder how they managed to get messages to him no matter where he was when he used to struggle to get reception outside of the city centre! The phone vibrated again. He sighed and had almost put the phone away before he noticed it was Sophia.

She was technically a paper pusher at Temple Hall. They'd first met when she had been assigned to manage his case on Twitter when he'd been suspended from the Templars (he sure as hell wasn't going back with the threats they were making!). She had ended up getting herself into a load of trouble over it and had been buried under a pile of paperwork marked difficult to handle. Temple Hall didn't appreciate insubordination especially when they didn't understand how it was taking place. Now Sophia helped Kyle out by feeding him important news that Temple Hall may have forgotten to tell its agents. That and pictures of cake!

This message wasn't like the normal ones though. It was brief and to the point. It simply read:

"Kyle, we need to talk. This is important. Meet me in the Horned God as soon as possible. RecordKeeper"

He smiled, RecordKeeper. That was the nickname she used now when sending messages. She knew that Temple Hall wasn't as far behind with technology as they liked to make it appear and it was more of an in joke between the two of them but it always made him smile. At the same time he was worried. Until now they'd kept their communication strictly virtual. Whatever she wanted to talk about had to be important if she wasn't willing to share it over the phone. He started texting back,

"Don't trust HG, cant u make it to Agartha? I know a quite spot? Kle" Within seconds she'd replied.

"I can't leave Eldwic, HQ is still monitoring me. Besides I don't want to raise any more flags. RecordKeeper" She was serious. So where to meet. Ahh, he started replying,

"How about Crusades? HQ wouldnt be there would they?, Kle" He waited. Eventually she replied. "Fine.I can't stand the place but you have a point. I'm on my way. Be quick. RecordKeeper"

As he set off toward the London portal, all thoughts of the Dragon and his parents went out of his mind. Now he was just curious about what Sofia wanted. To meet in person was unheard of.

Kyle made his way down the steps into the Crusades nightclub proper, being careful not to look too carefully at anything especially on the floor! If Sophia was being overly cautious then this was the perfect place. He couldn't imagine anyone from Temple Hall setting foot in a dump like this.

He saw Sofia stood at the bar waiting impatiently for him. He made his way over and gently tapped her on the shoulder. Without a moments hesitation she grabbed his wrist and had used a pressure point on it to bring Kyle to his knees.

"For the last time today" she said "I'm not intres..." She suddenly realised who it was on the floor. "Kyle. I'm so sorry" she said as she helped him back up "I didn't realise it was you. I've been hit on all day and I just lost my patience" Sophia looked embarrassed.

"You did that without Bees?" Kyle asked "I used to do martial arts before I joined the Templars. It's quite therapeutic at times". She saw Kyle rubbing the feeling back into his wrists. "For me at least. Can I get you a drink?" "A larger for me" Sophia ordered and they made their way over to a table in the corner. After Sophia was satisfied that they weren't being listened in on she began to talk. "So I bet you've been wondering what's so important that we couldn't discuss it over twitter or phone?" She asked "I did cross my mind. It's not like you to want to meet face to face". "Well it's not a situation that can be summed up neatly in one hundred and forty characters or less, plus I'm not supposed to know so it's best not to be announcing it over social media" "What have you done?" he asked and grinned at her. "More like what have you done, Kyle." Sophia replied. "You remember how we met, the incident with your records, a Dragon and hacking the Illuminati?" Kyle looked at her in genuine shock. "I thought Temple Hall had forgotten about that?" he said "you know brushed under the carpet" "Not by a long shot" Sophia sighed and took a long sip of her drink "The problem is thing have always been a little tense between the factions. The little debacle with the Dragon has ruffled everyone's feathers." "I don't understand, everyone seems OK from what I can see" Kyle said. "On the surface yes, but The Council of Venice has been called in. Temple Hall has challenged the Dragon for "unnecessarily interfering with an agents welfare and putting all faction's secrecy at risk". "The Council?" Kyle laughed. "There's nothing to worry about there there. Even I know they're weak" "That's not the point Kyle, they have to go through the motions" Kyle rolled his eyes. "already the Dragon have responded with a statement that could have been written by one of our paper pushers it's so formal!" "So let them push paper, it's not my problem" "Kyle shut the Fuck up and listen to me! This is important" Sophia yelled at him. It came out of nowhere and the whole club seemed to stop for a second. The music started up again and she continued "I'm sorry but this is important" Slightly less annoyed but still frustrated she added "It's all important and I can't be explaining everything twice do you understand?" "Yes" Kyle said so sheepishly Sophia almost didn't hear him. "Good" She seemed to have calmed down and carried on "the Dragon's response admitted that all agents are part of a "pattern" of one shape or another but in most cases it isn't necessary to interfere directly. They can adjust the model in small ways without the agent ever knowing" Kyle nodded "It went on to say that while your pattern was due to be "adjusted" it could have be done without your knowledge.They acknowledge that the Dragon in question acted without permission and are launching a full investigation" Kyle sat in silence. "Kyle?" "Do you mean to say that there was no need for any of this?" He asked quietly. "It gets worse I'm afraid" "Worse?"

"The Council was happy with the response but they got to thinking. How was an Agent so easily manipulated? How did the Illuminati databases get infiltrated not once but twice without being detected and how could one agent cause so much damage? They have launched an investigation of their own and now the factions are closing ranks." Kyle looked blankly at her. "Let them investigate. I really don't care. I'm going to find and kill that Fucking Dragon!" "Kyle, concentrate" Sophia snapped "The factions are now doing their own investigations so they can tidy up loose ends before The Council finds them. You are a loose end" "I'm a loose end? But they've got nothing on me? Kyle mumbled, bemused. "Kyle the faction is looking for what made you vulnerable, they're going to look at all your connections. Friends, acquaintances, other agencies" She emphasised the last word. "You don't mean groups like Sanctuary" It slowly dawned on Kyle what Sophia was talking about. "I do. Temple Hall may see them as useful scapegoat. You need to take action as quickly as possible" Kyle looked concerned. "I don't know what to do. I don't think Sophia, I kill things" For the first time since they'd met up Sophia looked at him with a fondness in her eyes. "Don't worry Kyle" She said with a smile "With the connections you've made I think you'll be fine. I'll be running as much interference as possible up at Temple Hall but what's important is that the Sanctuary knows about what is about to happen, they can prepare if they know what's coming" Kyle nodded. "I don't like this. Stupid Dragon has caused more trouble then he's worth!" "Kyle, leave the Dragon out of this! There's no time. You need to concentrate on making sure that Sanctuary knows about the threat that faces them, there's no time to worry about getting revenge" For a moment Kyle wondered why Sofia seemed to be in such a rush. This didn't sound like the person he knew. But he quickly reassured himself. The situation was urgent and needed action straight away. He nodded and got up to leave. "Kyle, please be careful. Temple Hall wants to wrap this up at any cost!" He nodded and made his way toward the exit. He wasn't the smartest guy in Agartha but he knew that he needed to get to a Sanctuary safe-house as quickly as possible. Auroris Sep 3 2014, 08:35 PM Auroris looked at the text he had just recieved. He thought for a moment, then sent a short message.

''Kyle, we need to talk. Face to face. Sanctuary, Rome. 5 minutes ago. A''

Kyle Sep 4 2014, 09:39 AM
Kyle had just reached Agartha and was in the process of deciding where to go when he got the message from Auroris. He sighed. At least he knew where he was going but somehow he didn't look forward to having to explain things. How exactly was he going to explain things? He wondered as he made his was to a Rome portal. Rome was not as easy to navigate as the television led you to believe. For hours after emerging from the Agartha Portal kyle had wondered around trying to find his way to the Sanctuary base. It wasn't like he could ask for directions and his phone was being unhelpful directing him into a river! Eventually he arrived at a door that looked like every other on the street. He looked around and knocked on it. After a while an elderly male voice over an intercom said "we've been expecting you Mr. Hudson. Please come in" and the door opened to reveal a set of stairs leading downwards. "That's it? No ID, no tests? No passwords?" Kyle asked "We have taken precautions, precautions that we can't divulge, but I assure you it is safe" Kyle shrugged and walked down the stairs to a grand entrance hall. "If you'd just wait here a moment Mr. Hudson" "Do I have a choice?" "Not really, no. I'll be back shortly" "Were you here to begin with? I haven't actually seen you yet!" Kyle yelled impatiently at the emptiness. Stupid old man, he thought to himself, must have got too old to actually greet people at the door so they've given him a microphone and some buttons to press! The walk around Rome and the weight of the information he had wasn't making Kyle's wait any easier.

Auroris Sep 4 2014, 12:45 PM
After several minutes, the man returned and guided Kyle to a room deep within the Sanctuary. It was a comfortable office, and Auroris was sat in one of a pair of chairs by a fire. He motioned Kyle to come in and take a seat. ''Sorry about the wait. The Guardians can be a little over-zealous about security sometimes, especially since Zimbardo decided to entertain himself with our facilities. Drink?''

Kyle Sep 4 2014, 07:08 PM
Kyle walked over to the chair but didn't sit down. Instead he leaned on the back of it. Facing away from the fire and Auroris. He was too agitated to sit still.

"I'm good thanks. But can we skip the small talk? I know that I'm bringing a lot of trouble to Sanctaury and I'm sorry" He'd said it. Not that he felt much better about it but at least it was out in the open.

Auroris Sep 5 2014, 11:12 AM
''As you wish. Three factions, and as usual, only the Templar are being problematic.'' ''The Illuminati cleaned house on this a long time ago, as I told you before. We are simply enjoying the show.'' The Dragon are busy trying to catch your friend so that they can pretend he never existed. Auroris moved to a more comfortable position, and allowed a smile onto his face. ''The Templar though, they were already pissed at you, and are taking the opportunity to do some house cleaning. They are going to be coming down on you hard, in case you hadn't already worked that out. '' I think you know me personally well enough to know that I won't lose any sleep if they decide to lock you in a hole for the rest of your life. Sanctuary needs to be protected though. The factions have never really liked the way we split the loyalties of their agents, but they have never had any grounds to move against us.'' '' He sat and thought for a moment, before turning to Kyle. ''You have that friend in Temple Hall, don't you. Sophia. How much is she able to feed you about what is going on inside what passes for leadership there?''

Kyle Sep 5 2014, 05:19 PM
Kyle muttered something under his breath but remembered who he was dealing with.

"Sophia is the one who warned me. They've really had it in for her since the whole twitter thing". He began pacing backward and forward. He didn't like this. "They don't tell her much, but like you that doesn't mean she doesn't find out"

He suddenly stopped pacing and turned to Auroris. "

What are you thinking? It better not get her into trouble!"

Auroris Sep 5 2014, 09:51 PM
''You two should just sleep with each other and get it over with. Auroris gave an evil sort of smile. I don't need to force either of you to do anything. She will help you becuase she cares about you and because she is significantly more intelligent that almost all Templar. You will help protect Sanctuary becuase you have friends here and you feel a moral obligation. When I decide to call in the favours you owe me for the information on your parents, you will know about it, I assure you. ''

He looked at Kyle where he was stood by the chair. All we really need is for her to keep us, through you, informed of what is going on. The Templar are basically dinosaurs when it comes to anything more recent than fire, so she shouldn't have much trouble getting what is needed.

He watched Kyle, observing how he reacted.

Kyle Sep 6 2014, 12:49 AM
"I, she, we don't..." Kyle was momentarily lost for words. He eventually turned around angrily and said "I don't see her like that. I just owe her a lot". They sat in silence for a while. "It hadn't even crossed my mind about the favour..." Kyle slumped in the chair dejected. "As long as she doesn't get into trouble. I've given her enough hassle as it is" Kyle appeared to perk up as he had a thought. "Can't I just kill something? It's so much easier that way..."

Auroris <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 6 2014, 03:35 AM
Auroris shrugged at the denial. He moved to mix himself a True Oblivion, then sat down and took a sip, before saying:

''The only people you could kill that would help this situation for either you or for Sanctuary would be the Templar Inquisitors. That is very likely to get you buried, and you probably won't be dead when it happens. Is that really what you want to do?''

Kyle <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 6 2014, 01:21 PM
<p class="MsoNormal">"I guess you have a point" Kyle muttered. This wasn't going the way he had expected. "I'm probably going to ask a stupid question but how much do you want Sofia to know?"

<p class="MsoNormal">"She'll help regardless but should I tell her we're using her or let her figure it out for herself" he said bitterly.

Auroris <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 6 2014, 01:38 PM
''It doesn't really matter to me, Kyle. As you say, she will help us either way. You're the one she likes. You decide. The important thing is to protect Sanctuary. ''

Auroris continued to drink, watching as Kyle tried to control his emotions. He was never really sure whether Kyle admired him, or hated him.

Kyle <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 6 2014, 02:52 PM
<p class="MsoNormal">Kyle continued to sit sulking like a school boy. Eventually he stood up. "I'll tell her. It's better she knows now and understands then finds out later and ends up hating Sanctuary or worse me!" He made his way toward the door before turning to Auroris and saying "I guess we're done here?" Kyle desperately wanted this meeting to be over. He hated not being in control. It wasn't like he hadn't brought it on himef though but that didn't make it any easier.

Auroris <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 6 2014, 03:33 PM
Auroris nodded. ''Let me know what turns up, or if there is something I can assist with. The Guardian will show you the way out.''

Kyle <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 6 2014, 04:51 PM
Kyle visibly appeared to relax.

"You'll be one of the first to know, although you're usually at least a step ahead of me" he smiled and said "most people are though. Anyway I've got a call to make. I'd better be going."

Auroris <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 6 2014, 05:20 PM
''Excellent. I'll be standing on my own contacts at Temple Hall. Between us, I expect we can derail this before it builds up any relevent speed''

Kyle <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 9 2014, 09:38 AM
<p class="MsoNormal">Two days had passed since that meeting. Kyle had been putting off getting in touch with Sophia but after all the noise on Twitter yesterday he didn't really have a choice now. He reached for his phone and began to type a message but before he'd completed it Sophia had sent one to him. "Kyle, sorry for yesterday. I hope we didn't upset you. Do you want to grab a drink at the Horned God and talk about the meeting the other day? RecordKeeper" Well that made life a lot easier. He quickly replied "Don't worry about it. I'll be there in a bit. Kle" as he set off toward the Agartha portal he began to worry about what he was going to say and how Sophia was going to take the news.

Auroris <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 9 2014, 10:29 AM
<p class="MsoNormal">Auroris watched the exchange between the two flash across his computer. He smiled, and opened up a message to Jimmy. ''Possible threat to Sanctuary. I'm dealing with it.'' He sent the message, and decided to review arrangements for the upcoming event in New York. Everything was in place, but he liked to review such things regularly.

Sophia <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 9 2014, 11:24 AM
<p class="MsoNormal">Sophia was sat by herself in the garden of the Horned God. She wasn't overly fond of the place but the garden area was nice even if it did have that creepy hostess trying to sell her smoulders all the time. She quit years ago for Gaias's sake! She was looking forward to seeing Kyle but at the same time she was quite anxious. She knew they had important business to discuss but she just enjoyed being around him. His naivety was almost refreshing and sweet. She hadn't felt like this since she was a child. Kyle peeked his head around the door to the bar and she waved at him. "Kyle" "Sophia, what are you doing out here?" He asked "I just like it out here. Plus there's always people hanging around the bar inside" She smiled at him. "Can I get you a drink?" "I'll have a larger if you're buying" She chuckled "Kyle a real gentlemen would have offered me a drink" Kyle look embarrassed and tried to say something "Don't worry, I don't mind. The next round's on you" She left him by himself and chided herself for being so cruel to him. It's not like he knows about these things. She returned shortly after with two pints of larger. Kyle looked surprised. "What did you expect? I enjoy a pint just as much as you!" "I learn something new about you everyday Sophia" Sophia smiled. "So lets get business out of the way. I guess the meeting didn't go too well?" Kyle looked at the floor. "Aurois is pissed. He seems to think that the Templar's are the only ones who are a threat" "Well he does sort of have a point" Kyle looked surprised "The Illuminati will be looking in-house for the leak, assuming they are actually doing anything" Kyle looked at her "What did he say?" "He said they sorted this a long time ago and are just sitting back and enjoying the show" Sophia sat for a second and thought "Well he'd hardly tell us if they were running around like headless chickens, but whatever they are doing they aren't a risk to Sanctuary" Kyle nodded "Gaia knows what the Dragon are doing, I often wonder if even they know but again they aren't a threat. Really the only people who are any kind of threat are Sanctuary are us. But I get the impression there's more isn't there?" Kyle nodded. "He doesn't think its a major threat. It can be dealt with as long as we know what we're facing" Sophia was already ahead of Kyle but she didn't let on. It had obviously weighing on him so heavily. "He wants you to feed us information" "I suspected as much, I would have happily supplied information but the look on your face suggests that wasn't all though" Kyle was sat with a face like wet weekend. When it came to hiding emotions he wasn't very good. "He said you'll do it because you have feelings for me. He said we should just fuck and have done with it" He went bright red like a school kid who knew he'd said something he shouldn't have. Sophia also went bright red but it wasn't embarrassment it was anger. How dare Auroris say such things. Pushing someone like Kyle would only make him more likely to panic and run. Didn't the fool know anything about emotions. She regained her composure and said "I would have done it without any questions but now it seems Auroris and I will have to have words." Kyle looked concerned. "Don't worry, you won't get into trouble. He'll get what he wants but not before I remind him that you do not talk about a lady like that!" For a brief second an evil grin flickered across Sopiha's normally innocent face until she remembered who she was talking to. Kyle looked concerned. "What are you going to do?" He asked. "I'm just going to have a word that's all" she said. "Do you have a contact number for him?" "No, I've always got messages from random numbers" Kyle looked confused "I've always wondered how he keeps track" "Computers. Well that will give me something to do with my lunch break" She downed the rest of her pint in what she realised was a very unladylike way and stood up to leave. "You're going already?" Kyle asked "I'm afraid so. I have work to do." She smiled at him and said "next time I promise our meeting won't be all work" She smiled and walked away. It killed her to leave Kyle like this but she needed to get this straightened out sooner rather then later.

Sophia <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 9 2014, 07:37 PM
<p class="MsoNormal">Sophia had spent all day at Temple Hall going through mission reports. Occasionally there were some that were worth noting but usually they were the usual "I've just killed an elder god please forward Pax". Honestly it's like they wanted an award or something. She let her hair down and sat down on her couch. She made herself comfortable and grabbed her laptop. "Right Auroris" she said to the screen "I'll show you how a real lady operates". She began typing and quickly opened another screen. Before she knew it the room had gone dark. "Damn it Auroris, your a tricky bastard. Just when I think I've found a lead you disappear" She returned to the twitter page where she could see his avatar beaming at her. "I'm going to get you. I want more the a series of @replies!" By now the room was pitch black apart from the glow of the laptop. She was so engrossed in the hunt that time didn't seem important. Luckily she didn't have to wait too much longer. Finally she had found what she was looking for. She picked up her phone and sent a message. "Don't you know how to treat a woman? I would have given you the information freely. But not only do you try to use me you use those I care for. I am not amused. RecordKeeper" She hesitated about signing it but she figured that he'd know who it was anyway. Plus it was the handle she used for most things. Now she just had to sit back and wait. She couldn't imagine it would take long. How many people contacted Auroris on his private mobile when they didn't have the number... <h2 class="MsoNormal">Auroris <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 9 2014, 08:59 PM <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;"> <p class="MsoNormal">Auroris looked at the message and smiled. He wrote out a message in response, before writing a small virus. The virus would trigger on Sofia's phone a minute after the message arrived, drawing a massive burst of power from the battery, shorting out all the circuitry in the phone, destroying it. He checked the message, and sent it. ''Very impressive, miss Sophia. You may well be the only Templar with any intelligence at all. Don't take it personally by the way. I use anyone I need to, regardless of their connection to you. As for you being a woman, I'm a strong believer in treating everyone equally, regardless of the outcome of random chance chromosomal selection. Your co-operation in this is, however, appreciated. '' Once it had sent, he dismantled the phone, split the SIM and shorted the whole lot, before carefully setting the remains on fire. He smiled to himself, alone in his office. Your move, miss Sophia.

Sophia <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 11 2014, 11:19 AM
<p class="MsoNormal">Sophia's phone buzzed. She glanced over at it and wasn't surprised to see it was Auroris. She picked it up and read the message. After a little while she swore under breath. He really didn't get it did he? This wasn't just about using people for information. It wasn't even about her being a woman. It was about emotions. Despite Kyle's attempts to be cool and calm he was just a kid when it came to his emotions. Anyone who had met him could see that. It was why he got angry at the drop of a hat. The teasing on twitter and attempts by Auroris to use Sophia because of her connection to Kyle might seem like just another day at the office but she could see it was pushing Kyle further and further away from her. That was the last thing she needed. He had to reach his own conclusions about his feelings not feel pushed into it. She began to compose a reply explaining just that to him when suddenly her phone froze and then died. She knew technology well enough to know this wasn't some simple fault this was a deliberate virus. This time she swore out loud and threw the phone to the ground. How could she have been so stupid? Using her own phone? She should have anticipated something like this from that slippery bastard but she'd been so angry at the time she didn't think that far ahead. She went to the laptop and opened up twitter. "Seems I don't have a phone thanks to @AurorisInBlue and it looks like he still didn't get the message! #notamused" normally she wouldn't use hashtags but she was angry. She also DMd Kyle, "I need to talk to Auroris. In person. Can I have the Sanctuary address in Rome?" Moments later Kyle replied "I can't. You know that I'm supposed to keep that info secret" "Fine. I'll find another way to speak to him" She sat for sometime trying to figure out how best to approach this. Finally she opted for the direct approach. She opened Twitter and DMd Auroris. "We need to meet in person. I can't afford to replace my tech each time we chat!" Now she just had to wait. Maybe the combination of a DM & mentioning him in tweets might get his attention.

Auroris <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 11 2014, 11:49 AM
<p class="MsoNormal">Auroris read the message. He considered for a moment, before deciding. Time to meet this Sophia in person.

<p class="MsoNormal">''@Sofia_The_Red Oh you were very eloquent, miss Sophia. Tell @klethetemplar to give you the address of the London Sanctuary. ''

<p class="MsoNormal">He sat back, and started planning out the meeting, down to every twist and turn. <h2 class="MsoNormal">Sophia <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 12 2014, 07:27 PM <p class="MsoNormal">Kyle and Sophia walked toward the London headquarters. Kyle hadn't been comfortable with her going to meet Auroris alone. They had exchanged quite heated DMs about. Eventually she came up with a compromise. Kyle could show her where the Headquarters was and wait for her to come out after the meeting. To be honest he could probably go in and enjoy the hospitality while he waited but she wasn't 100% sure she wasn't walking into a trap so having Kyle outside at least gave her a little leeway. "I don't like it Sophia" Kyle said as they walked down a street that seemed just like all the others they had walked down today "Why would he want to see you?" "It was me who fired the warning shots Kyle and I wanted to talk to him" she looked at the concern on his face "He won't do anything" She said this mostly to reassure herself. "I'd still feel better if I was there" Kyle said "We've been over this Kyle" Sophia said quietly "I need to talk to him privately, besides I need you out here in case something goes wrong" a look of concern passed over Kyle's face "which it wont!" "We're here" Kyle said and pointed to a building that looked like all the others on the block. Sophia smiled. Somehow the normality of the building seemed to make it that little bit more intimidating. Although she couldn't see any obvious security cameras she was sure that Auroris knew they were there. "I might be a while. Don't panic if I'm not out straight away. You'll know if there's any problems" She winked at him and smiled. Then walked toward the building Kyle had indicated. She knocked on the door and a elderly voice out of an intercom said "Yes" "It's Sophia Rose, I have a meeting with Auroris" There was a silence and she waited. Eventually the voice replied "He has been waiting for you, please come in" The door opened up to revel an elderly woman in a black dress. "This way please" She gestured toward a large hallway which obviously served as a waiting room. "I'll let him know you're here" The lady disappeared off and Sophia was left by herself wondering if this meeting was actually such a good idea.

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Auroris <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 12 2014, 07:53 PM

<p class="MsoNormal">''Hello, Miss Rose. I trust you are well.'' Auroris quietly entered the room behind her, unannounced. <h2 class="MsoNormal">Sophia <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 12 2014, 08:21 PM Sophia didn't even flinch. She wasn't going to give him the pleasure of seeing how much she was surprised by his sudden appearance.

"Hello Auroris. Nice to finally meet you"

Auroris <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 12 2014, 09:29 PM
''I have a new phone for you. You almost failed that test, you know. You allowed your previous phone to be destroyed, which almost led me to dismiss you as an asset alltogether, but the fact that you were able to find me was enough to save you. And in such a short amount of time, too. I concede, that was most impressive. ''

Auroris smiled, as he handed her a new phone, the latest model.

''Anyway, what did you want to talk about? At a guess, Kyle. You don't like the fact that he is an asset to me.''

Sophia <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 12 2014, 09:56 PM
<p class="MsoNormal">Sophia took the phone. "Thank you. I have to admit I learned a valuable lesson, don't underestimate anyone" She looked at Auroris. Not for the first time she wondered how he managed to have so much control. "You're correct that I want to talk about Kyle. But it's not as cut and dry as you seem to think" Sophia smiled a little "You know I care for him, but he doesn't. He doesn't know how he feels. And that's were we have a problem. Pushing him isn't helping either of us." She stood up and asked "is there anything to drink in this place?"

Auroris <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 12 2014, 10:11 PM
Auroris indicated a cupboard to the side, which opened to a variety of drinks.

''You think I push him towards feelings he is not ready to face yet, but he was not even thinking about the idea before. That is not much better. The idea is out in the open now. You have a lot more control over him than you realise. He will do anything that you want, eventually. I might be manipulating his actions, but you are the one controlling his emotions. And lets face it, you had no real idea how to broach the idea with him.''

Sophia <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 12 2014, 10:36 PM
<p class="MsoNormal">Sophia walked over to the cabinet and mixed a screwdriver. She took a sip and sighed. "That is precisely my point. I know I can make him do what I like. I do not want to." She looked Auroris directly in the eye. "His feelings for me wouldn't be real if I manipulate them." She took another sip. "As for broaching the idea. It is something that I want to do in my own time and when he is ready not before." Sophia sighed and swished the glass back and forth watching the ice in the glass. "Maybe there is a better way of looking at things. Pushing Kyle makes him increasingly unreliable as a resource. I also become less co-oprotive the more Kyle's emotions are toyed with. Ergo leaving his emotions to thier own devices means he will be more stable and I will be more co-oprotive".

Auroris <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 12 2014, 10:47 PM
''So you wish me to be completely business-like in all my interactions with him? Where would the fun be in that. ''

''In any case, I made my point to him, and through him, to you. Provided you can keep him focused on what needs to be done, there is no significant need to interfere any longer. ''

''Now, on to you. I think you already realise that if this was just about Kyle, then you would never have got in here.''

Sophia <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 12 2014, 10:58 PM
"Then we should be fine" Sophia smiled.

"I figured that that wasn't going to be the only thing we were going discuss" she sat back down "I'm all ears"

Auroris <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 12 2014, 11:08 PM
Auroris smiled. ''I'm not looking for much at the moment, beyond what you are already providing to us regarding Templar actions against Sanctuary. You possess significantly more intelligence than any Templar either of us care to name, however, and you have the talent to match, along with significant access, legitimate or otherwise, to what the red cross call a computer system. At some point, once the Templar's foolish campaign has been neutralised, I may well have need of that.''

Sophia <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 13 2014, 07:47 AM
Sophia sat and thought for a moment. It made sense, information was his stock in trade after all so the easier he could access it the better it would be for him. Not that he couldn't hack his way in but any script kiddie could do that. Managing to get the info from inside Temple Hall directly would be much more rewarding and save him the hassle of sifting through unnwanted data to get at the bit he actually needed.

She smiled at him. "My access is completely legitimate, although what I do with it may not be" She finished her drink "As I said from the start. I have no problems running interference. It gives me time to pass on valuable info to those who will act. You only needed to ask"

Auroris <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 13 2014, 12:43 PM
Auroris smiled. Everything had gone as he expected.

''Good. Then we have an agreement.''

Sophia <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 13 2014, 06:39 PM
<p class="MsoNormal">"For now" Sophia sat there. She had an uncomfortable feeling that the wool had been pulled over her eyes but for the life of her she couldn't figure out how. "Something doesn't sit right. You have your spies in Temple Hall and Kyle isn't going to cause any trouble. You knew I would be willing to aid you so why go through all this?" She finished her drink. "I wonder..." She stood up and made her way toward the door. She didn't honestly expect an answer.

Auroris <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 13 2014, 08:30 PM
<p class="MsoNormal">Auroris watched her go. He said nothing as she left. She was much cleverer than your average Templar, but then, given her relatively low rank within their organisation, she would have to be for him to have any interest in using her. She knew that she was missing something, and that she was being manipulated in a way that she couldn't see. But it mattered little. He would get what he wanted, without having to blackmail or threaten her. He moved to the cameras covering the exit, and re-counted the 5 Templar agents watching the front door. She was trapped now. Even if she did want to back out, he only had to drop a word in the right ear, and the Inquisitors would get to work. They had the evidence of their agents, and they knew about her connection to Kyle from his investigation. She was trapped in his network of assets. Everything had gone exactly as predicted.

Kyle <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 13 2014, 10:59 PM
<p class="MsoNormal">Kyle stood up as soon as he saw the front door open. It seemed like ages since Sophia had gone inside. He knew that she could handle herself, he still had the aches to prove it, but it was Auroris he didn't trust. Sophia made her way towards him and smiled. "Are you ok?" Kyle asked her as soon as she was in ear shot. Sophia nodded and pulled out a brand new mobile phone from one of her pockets and said. "It went well. I even got this" She waved the phone at him. Kyle was impressed. Auroris didn't usually hand out gifts. "So what did he want to talk about? Kyle asked. He knew it was a long shot but he had to try. "You know I can't tell. But we managed to set the record straight on a few things" Kyle looked at her with a bemused expression. "So a chat and everyone's friends?" "I would rather have Auroris around then some of the alternatives." She grinned. "How about you buy me a coffee? You do still owe me a drink after all." Kyle smiled. "If you like. Lead the way"

Sophia <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 13 2014, 11:10 PM
<p class="MsoNormal">Sophia sat at home with the mobile phone laying on the worktop staring at her. Auroris really had gone all out with the replacement and if it had a gadget of gimmick you could garuntee it was somewhere inside the handset. And that was partly what was bothering her. Someone of Auroris's clout didn't get to where he was without being a bit underhanded. This may look like a replacement mobile phone but what was to say that it wasn't transmitting information straight back to Auroris himself? She picked it up and dismantled it. It hadn't been noticably tampered with but then again he probably knew she would be suspicious. What to do? She reached a decision and booted up the phone. She was unsurprised to find that it already contained a back-up of her previous phones data. Well that answered that question. And it made the next step that much more easier. She sent a message to Kyle it simply read "Need to talk. Very important. HG, ASAP. RecordKeeper"

Kyle <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 16 2014, 11:12 AM
<p class="MsoNormal">Kyle had been sat in the courtyard of The Horned God for a while. He was beginning to get annoyed. Where was Sophia? It was usually him who was late! Just as he was about to get up to go to the bar for another drink he saw her coming toward him with two pints in her hands. She smiled at him and sat down next to him. Kyle looked at her confused and began to ask her what was up before she interrupted him and loudly said "Kyle it's so good to see you again." She hugged him and whispered in his ear "Just play along for now I'll explain in a moment" "It's good to see you again too Sophia" He replied unsure of what what was going on "Let me show you something. I think you'll like it" Sophia said. She put her hand under the table and rubbed at a small paper cut on her finger. She mumbled something and for a brief moment a flash of red surrounded them. Anyone looking would have just assumed it was the way the sun was coming into the courtyard but it was actually a blood barrier. "What the.." "Calm down and keep pretending to enjoy yourslef." She warned him with a smile on her face "I said I'd explain everything and I will" Kyle tried his best to follow her instructions but this didn't feel right. This wasn't the Sophia he knew. It seemed Sophia could also read those thoughts going through his mind and moved to turned to face him "Ok this is going to take a while but bear with me" "Ok" kyle said. It wasn't like he could go anywhere. "I guess the first thing you're wondering is what the hell I'm using Blood Magic for?" "It did cross my mind" "If you work at Temple Hall and have "gifts from Gaia", and most people who work there do, you're expected to be able to use them even if they aren't part of your day to day job. I guess Temple Hall wants to be ready for all eventuallities." "That sort of makes sense, no point in having people around with superpowers if they're useless when the time comes!" Kyle said "Dick would be proud!" Sophia sighed "Anyway, I've found it easier to work in blood. The amount of paper cuts I get means nobody would bat an eye and I can easily carry a small book in my pocket" Kyle looked suprised "Don't you need those huge massive books strapped to your back?" he asked "Well it depends. If you're fighting the forces of darkness then big is always better but for what I have in mind a small pocket book should suffice" She took a sip of her drink and smiled. "Anyway after training I wondered if there wasn't a more practical application to these shilds? It's not like I'm going to need them for healing much. So I worked on creating one that keeps sound in." Kyle looked blankly at her "I don't get it, why would you want to do that?" He asked "Because I want to listen to music at the office but I'm not aloud to use headphones" Kyle looked at her, "You're serious aren't you" "Deadly. I still haven't perfected it for the office because every time someone hands me a new batch of papers it breaks the spell but it should work fine here. Nobody can hear us but they can see us which is why we need to pretend to be having fun and be so close. The spell only covers a small space" "I understand" Kyle replied. She must really be worried if she was going to such extremes. <h2 class="MsoNormal">Kyle <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 16 2014, 12:37 PM <p class="MsoNormal">"Auroris must be going to some extremes if he's got you creating blood barriers" Kyle said. "It's not Auroris that concerns me now it's Temple Hall" Kyle looked shocked "Why would they be a problem for you? I mean me I understand but you?" Sophia sighed, he was sweet but sometimes he just didn't see the bigger picture. "Temple Hall is cleaning house, they're looking a you in particular and what made you venerable to the Dragon." Kyle began say something but she interrupted him before he got the chance "One thing at a time. We know they're looking at any links with outside agencies and that includes Sanctuary." Kyle nodded. "So why are you worried?" "Don't forget they aren't overly happy with me for the way I handled your case. They wanted you there in person and they wanted me to get you there. Instead I got them information from an Illuminati agent that justified your actions and then allowed you to go visit your old carers with terminal consequences." Kyle hung his head " All over a social media platform for all the world to see. It wasn't private like previous disciplinary cases have been". "I'm sorry about that. I really should have come back sooner" Kyle said "I'm glad you didn't" Sophia replied "To be honest they needed a kick up the arse and we didn't know the Dragon would do what he did!" She smiled and continued "Anyway, Temple Hall sees me as a link to you. They'll be looking at me to see how I'm helping you, especially if they think Sanctuary is getting information from inside Temple Hall" "Doesn't that worry you? Having to constantly watch your back?" Kyle asked her. What had he got her into? "Not really, sure they know I meet you on a regular basis and we chat on Twitter but that's about the extent of it. And I mean to keep it that way!"

"None of this is sounding good Sophia. Why don't you just leave while you've still got a chance?" Kyle asked "I'm in too deep now, between Sanctuary and Temple Hall running would just look bad" She smiled at him "Besides where would that leave you?" "Probably confused, although I'm pretty confused as it is" "Don't worry. I'm not going anywhere. Temple Hall will do it's investigations, we need to decide what they'll discover...." "I don't get it." She smiled at him again and not for the first time wondered what it was she saw in him "Temple Hall is going to investigate Sanctuary. The way they do it will cause nothing but trouble. However if we were to place useful information for them to find that would satisfy them and move the investigation away from Sanctuary then everyone would be happy" "Useful information?" Kyle thought for a second, "You mean information about Sanctuary? I'm not sure Auroris would like that!" "Kyle I'm not talking about giving Temple Hall the keys to the kingdom. Hell I'm not even talking about giving them the address, although I suspect they know about the London base. I'm talking about a file or series of files that we prepare that will satisfy Temple Hall that Sanctuary wasn't involved so they can move the investigation on or close it completly!"

Kyle sat there thinking to himself. On one hand he liked the idea of the investigation moving away from Sanctuary and him. But would Temple Hall fall for something as simple as faked documents? He said as such to Sophia. "I don't think the issue is would they fall for faked documents, I'm fairly confident they would as long as they discovered them. It's just a case of making sure they find them. But how..." "I don't like this Sophia. What if it all goes wrong? Why can't we just tell them the truth?" "And do you think the truth would satisfy them? Even if Sanctuary had absolutely nothing to do with the Dragon and you're going AWOL Temple Hall barley tolerates Sanctuary as it is. This is just the kind of thing they need to come down on them like a ton of bricks." Kyle looked shocked at the sudden outburst. Auroris had really gotten to Sophia. She seemed more paranoid then she used to and she didn't seem as relaxed. "I'm, I'm sorry" He stammered "I just didn't want to see anything happen to you" Sophia seemed to calm down "That's sweet Kyle" She finished up her drink "I'm sure that this plan will work but I need to do a bit of fine tuning." Kyle looked at her with a worried look on his face "Don't worry I won't do anything without running it past you first, if you need me call this number" She handed him a piece of paper. "That's not you're number" "I know, leave a message with the person who answers and I'll make sure to get back to you. I may be being overly cautious but I'd rather be safe until this has all blown over" Sophia stood up and reached for Kyle's hand "I'm sorry about all this. If I had done my job properly this wouldn't be happening" Kyle took her hand and she hugged him. "Take care" Before he could say anything Sophia had gone and he was left alone just as confused as when the meeting had started.

Auroris <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 16 2014, 05:30 PM
Auroris thought through the list of assets he had within Temple Hall. Which ones could he use to divert the Templar investigation into Sanctuary, and where should he send them.

Sophia <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 17 2014, 10:10 AM
<p class="MsoNormal">Sophia sat at home surrounded by a scraps of paper. Damn it she knew she shouldn't let Auroris get to her but something about him just made her want to prove him wrong. She'd get this done without him and he wouldn't know what hit him!

She threw another sheet of paper onto the pile. It wasn't a question of when Temple Hall turned up more a case of what they found. Despite reassuring Kyle it turned out that Faking documents wasn't as easy as it appeared.

She needed to make sure that the information contained in them wasn't too useless but also that it didn't give away anything of value. It's main purpose was to divert attention not to make them ask more questions. It was a fine line to tread and the more she tried the more she realised that she was going to have to get some kind of help from inside Sanctuary.

If only she knew what they were looking for she could make sure they found it, or at least something that satisfied them without actually giving them any answers. She leaned back on her chair and wondered to herself. Who would know the answers to a question like that? Suddenly it struck her. Her old friend Joshua. She had known him for ages but they hadn't spoken since he'd chosen work over her. Maybe it was time to see how he was doing?

She looked picked up an old phone. Not the one that Auroris had given her. She'd be damned if she was going to let information slip through her fingers that easily. This phone was so old that it barley received text messages and didn't even know what GPS stood for. For now it was safe. She called that last number she had for Joshua and just hoped he didn't take phone security as seriously as she did.

After a few rings someone picked up. "Hello?" A gruff male voice said. Sophia relaxed. That was Joshua, lets hope he he still had some feelings for her. "Hi Joshua?" She asked in her sweetest voice "This is Sophia" "Oh" He sounded surprised but not in a good way. "I wondered when I'd hear from you" What did he mean by that? "That's a nice way to greet an old friend Joshua." She tried to ignore the comment and pressed on. "How are things?" "Lets not beat around the bush Sophia, you haven't changed. I recognise that tone. What do you want?" He asked her impatiently "Well that's just rude." She laughed. Somebody had spoken to him and she had a fairly good idea who! "But you are right. I do want something and I suspect only you can help. Kyle Hudson's case. Are you on it" She asked "Not directly" Joshua replied "Why?" "I need a little information, for old times sake" "You've got a nerve Sophia" Snarled Joshua "Yes I do. But I also have morals. I know that Temple Hall is going to try to whitewash this whole affair and it'll be easier to blame Kyle or a third party. I'd rather see the people who actually caused all the problems in the first place be brought to justice" Joshua grumbled something under his breath "You know I'm right." Sophia said "What do you need?" Joshua asked begrudgingly "I just need to know what it is that Temple Hall is looking for. The questions they may ask and the answers they want to find, you know the drill" "Nothing big then?" Joshua snarled. "I'll make sure the information gets put to good use. Temple Hall will get the answers they are looking for and everyone will be happy." "Have you thought about what happens to me if I get caught?" Joshua asked her "Yes, but you wont because I know you. You're smart, cunning and you know how to use you brawn when it's needed. Not that it should be. Above all I know that you don't want to see a whitewash either" He grumbled. "Good. Get the info to me as soon as possible. Leave it in the place we used to meet for dates." Another grumble. "And for the love of Gaia use pen and paper not a PC. I'd rather keep this info between us for now." "Fine. Anything else you want?" "No. And Joshua" Sophia allowed a softness to enter into her voice "Thank you. I really do appreciate this" He mumbled something and hung up.

For a moment there was a pang of sadness. She hated using people but this was necessary to ensure that many people were protected. She sighed and returned to the documents, she had a lot of work ahead.

Auroris <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 17 2014, 10:30 AM
Auroris listened to the playback and smiled. She might be intelligent, but she was still a Templar. Eventually she would realise that the microphone in the phone he had given her could be turned on remotely, but he wouldn't spoil that surprise for her just yet.

Jimmy <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 18 2014, 08:07 AM
<p class="MsoNormal">Jimmy smiled as he walked into his office. The trip had taken longer than expected, but it seems like all Sanctuary locations are secure again. He took out his phone and texted Auroris. "I'm back. Any progress?" Then he checked his agenda.

<p class="MsoNormal">Meeting with the Keepers at 21:30. <h2 class="MsoNormal">Sophia <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 18 2014, 08:47 AM <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;"> <p class="MsoNormal">Sophia picked up the files from the spot where she'd told Joshua to leave them. He had left a sort note which read "Don't contact me again. This is all I can provide" The files seemed unopened but it was difficult to say for certain. She wouldn't put it past Auroris to have someone tailing her or some other big brother style surveillance. Still she had what she needed and returned home to put the finishing touches to the files.

Now it was a case of making sure that those that were questioned were able to properly briefed. That would take someone inside Sanctuary. Unfortunately she would have to speak to Auroris for this one. Kyle didn't know enough about the organisation and it didn't look like the investigation would get much further then the ground floor if she had done this right. She picked up the phone Auroris had given her and texted

"Files prepared. I have a list of Sanctuary staff who will be questioned, if they provide the info in these files then it shouldn't go any further. RecordKeeper"

Auroris <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 18 2014, 10:23 AM
<p class="MsoNormal">Auroris looked at the messages on his phone, before replying to them both, Jimmy first.

''Hello Jimmy. Welcome back. Everything is proceeding as expected. My assets have not deviated from their expected behaviour. I trust things went well with your work and that Munchy, the girls and I can move back to New York soon?''

He swapped over to the other message, from Sophia.

''Tonight. Alone. You know where. Bring the files.''

He paused for a moment, before smiling and sending another message to Jimmy.

''We promised the girls that you would have a full backlog of presents for them. Each. I'm sure you wouldn't want to let them down.''

Jimmy <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 18 2014, 11:20 AM
Jimmy looks at his messages and smiles.

''I am glad to hear that. The construction is almost complete and New York should be functional again soon. I will also ask Evelyne if she can send a message to Santa Claus if he can come early this year. Not making any promisses just yet.''

Auroris <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 18 2014, 11:25 AM
''You might want to tell her that they will probably start hunting him down with fireballs and thunderbolts in a few years time if he's not nice. They are growing up just perfectly.''

Sophia <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 18 2014, 07:52 PM
<p class="MsoNormal">Sophia stood waiting for Auroris. She'd been waiting for ages. Didn't he know that it was rude to keep a lady waitng?

Maybe that was the point though. She looked around to see if she could see anything unusual. Nothing seemed unusual. Then she noticed the CCTV cameras. Damn it. Knowing him he'd sent her out on some wild goose chase and she'd get a text any moment. Her phone vibrated. No surprise there was a message.

"Sophia, I really need your help. I'm in deep. Call soon. Kyle"

Seriously? Of all the times he could want something. He didn't even have the sense to use the number she told him to. She fired off a short reply.

"I'm busy right now. I'll call you when I'm free" she hit send, it could always wait another day. Now she just had to wait to see what Auroris had planned. She watched the phone expectantly.

== Stranger <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 18 2014, 08:53 PM <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">  == A door opens across the street from Sophia, and a stranger walks over to her.

''You are the one who calls herself RecordKeeper? I am instructed to take some files from you for delivery to him.''

Sophia <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 18 2014, 09:06 PM
<p class="MsoNormal">"I may be" Sophia said "Sod it, it's late and I'm tired. I have better things to do then hang around parks all night waiting for strangers" she looked at the stranger. They'd gone out of their way to be as indistinguishable as possible.

"I guess Auroris sent you?" The stranger was silent "oh for goodness sake fine." She pulled out the file and handed it over. "This isn't the last he's heard just make sure he knows" she said as she stormed off.

It had been a long wait and being met by a silent stranger and pestered by Kyle had done nothing to calm her down. She went to the nearest bar. It was going to be a long night one way or the other!

Auroris <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 18 2014, 11:23 PM
<p class="MsoNormal">Auroris looked through the files that Sophia had created. She had done well, in creating them so quickly, to such high quality. He would have to mention that to her. He thumbed out a message to her on his phone, before setting out a message to Jimmy. He smiled, noting that he was not on the list, despite knowing that he was their best source of information. Still running scared.

He wrote out the message to Jimmy, checked it over, then sent it.

''Attached list of Sanctuary assets expected to be taken for questioning by TH. They will need briefing beforehand on their responses, aslo attached. Several assests fall under your jurisdiction. Please make the arrangements.''

Jimmy <span style="color:rgb(204,204,204);font-family:Tahoma,Arial,'BitstreamVeraSans',Verdana,sans-serif;font-size:11.1422595977783px;line-height:normal;">Sep 18 2014, 11:57 PM
A smile appeared on Jimmy's face when he read the message. He paused for a second but then he reponded to Auroris' message.

''Good work. I knew I could count on you. I will make sure that they get all the information they need.''