Alice Newcomb: She shows up alone, climbing out of a red Mustang, and pulling an out of order canvas over the meter.

Alice Newcomb: She looks carefully around, eyeing the hotel across the street.

Alice Newcomb: d10: per + alert: 7,7,2,9,7,

Alice Newcomb: ((typo rolling the dice I dropped))

Alice Newcomb: d10: per + alert: 6,3,4,1,3,4,4,

Alice Newcomb: (Oh hell! *L*)

Alice Newcomb: Well, she certainly wasn't followed. So she heads inside.

Alice Newcomb -> Ishaq ibn-Thoth: ((*poke*poke* You sure you're ready?))

Ishaq ibn-Thoth: The Sherry-Netherland Central Park Hotel is one of the nicest hotels in New York City...the kind that makes five-star sound cheap. Overlooking Central Park's main entrance, the Grand Army Plaza, rooms here go for $500 for cheap all the way up to over $1,000 a night. Makes one wonder how much the penthouse suite that the Primus is staying in costs. The lobby that Alice steps into features classical friezes rescued from the Cornelius Vanderbilt mansion, vaulted ceilings, ornate mirrors, crystal chandeliers, hand-loomed French carpets and antique furnishings.

Alice Newcomb: Hmm, nice place. She steps into the elevator and heads up, foregoing the ritual of having the desk call ahead first, since she doesn't know what name he might have registered under.

Alice Newcomb: And if she meets no opposition to reaching the top floor, she'll knock.

Ishaq ibn-Thoth: She does not have any difficulty getting to the elevator. The man at the elevator lets her in, and she heads up the the penthouse. When the elevator door opens, she finds two men sitting outside the door in the hallway...hands folded behind their backs, wearing suits. They look her way as she steps out, watching her closely.

Alice Newcomb: Okay, security. Understandable given the circumstances. She walks over to the men. "Hi, I'm Alice Newcomb. I believe I'm expected?"

Ishaq ibn-Thoth: They look her over a moment, and nods. One of them turns, blocking sight of the door as he moves to open it. ((Per+Awareness))

Alice Newcomb: d10: : 4,2,7,3,9,3,4,3,

Ishaq ibn-Thoth: Alice has a sense of heavy Correspondance and Time magic over the room, for one. And she feels the bodyguard do something, too...Forces related.

Ishaq ibn-Thoth: He opens the door and steps aside for her. "You may enter, Practicus. The Primus is waiting for you."

Alice Newcomb: (sorry browser went fakalaka)

Ishaq ibn-Thoth: ((NP))

Alice Newcomb: Gets that tingly itchy sensation of magic too close to her and rolls her lips. Nervous? Naaa. Primus..prime..primary... highest authority? "Thank you," she says softly, stepping inside.

Ishaq ibn-Thoth: The inside of the penthouse is, in a word, opulent. God knows how much it costs to stay here...but it's easy to see where the money goes. There's a separate living and kicthen area from the bedroom, and it's all in the highest quality. Sitting on the couch, reading a large tome, is the only person in the area that Alice can see. He looks to be in his late 50's, Arabic, in an immaculate black suit with purple tie. He looks up as she comes in, and stands, setting the tome aside.

Alice Newcomb: Okay, best manners Alice. I will never again complain about that year of finishing school Mom forced me to attend. "Good morning, Primus." A hint of inquiry in her tone, assuming he is the Primus and not an assistant or underling. "I'm Alice Newcomb." And although it's been a while, she does manage a fairly correct curtsie.

Ishaq ibn-Thoth: He watches her a moment, before he nods. "Practicus Newcombe." It's the same voice who spoke to her over the phone. He gestures to a chair nearby. "Please, have a seat."

Alice Newcomb: "Yes sir," voice almost a whisper, as she unbuttons her coat, but leaves it on since no one has offered to take it, and settles into the chair.

Ishaq ibn-Thoth: He takes a seat and looks in her direction, sharp brown eyes observing her. "Tell me about yourself, Practicus, and your experiences with the Order here in New York City."

Alice Newcomb: Mittens stuffed into her coat pocket and... well, she's as ready as she's likely to get for an interrogation.

Alice Newcomb: About herself?! That's a broad topic. Does he have a lie detector? Don't even think about lying, Alice. Best to just leave out the iffy stuff. "Well, I'm a native New Yorker. I awoke several months ago and the Order sort of.. collected me. I was first assigned to Lawrence (insert his order name here); and then later Ishacus took over as my pater, and then Durst (order name). I'm proficient in all the arts at a rudimental level."

Ishaq ibn-Thoth: ((Gaah, sorry. BRB...RL issue has come up. 5 min, max.))

Alice Newcomb: ((kk))

Ishaq ibn-Thoth: He's dead still as he listens, watching the young Hermetic as she speaks. "I see. A Tytalus, a Flambeau, and a Xaos...an interesting combination. Please, discuss your relationships with each of your Paters, and a general overview what you have learned from them to date."

Alice Newcomb: "Lawrence reminded me of my Dad. Protective but not in an overbearing way. He taught me fencing and history. He seemed more focused on my physical skills than my arcane skills. Lucius is the only one of the three didn't specifically request me. He felt as though the Deacon had thrust me upon him. He tried to get me to quit, so he wouldn't have the responsibility. But I learned more of the arcane from him than from the others. Even when he wasn't teaching, it was easy to learn just from being around him. Durst for quite some time was always insisting to me I should ask Kelton to assign me to him. He felt my talents would be wasted as a Flambeau. He... he taught me things behind their backs, so that even before he demanded I be given over to him, I was already, in a way, becoming his student."

Ishaq ibn-Thoth: "So he was instructing you while you were already Sabina's student?" He frowns a little. "What kinds of things did Adept Whitright instruct you in?"

Alice Newcomb: Nods. "He was. He taught me the Principia Discordia and offered to teach me any arcane skills I wished to learn. He was disappointed when I wanted to improve my Ars Essentia. But at the time it seemed like everyone in Flambeau could toss a fireball except me."

Ishaq ibn-Thoth: "I see. And where did he rather see you apply your arcane skills?"

Alice Newcomb: "He was never really specific about that. He seemed to want me to fully embrace Eris, the goddess of chaos, discord and confusion. I think he was more interested in focusing how I applied my talents rather than what talents I applied." Crinkles her nose and tilts her head. "Does that make sense?"

Ishaq ibn-Thoth: "He was attempting to bring you into House Xaos, away from House Flambeau. And, to clarify, this attempt to change the way you were learning the Arts was occurring while Adept Sabina was still your Pater?"

Alice Newcomb: "Yes, sir," she says clearly, careful not to mumble even though she rather would. Likely she's going to get in trouble for this. It seemed harmless at the time.

Ishaq ibn-Thoth: He nods briefly. "When, Practicus, were you last in the Covenant, and what were the circumstances surrounding your absence from it?"

Alice Newcomb: "About six weeks ago, then again last week at what was left of it. I was out of town because my grandmother fell ill. My family went upstate to be with her during her last few weeks of life. I returned shortly after she passed away."

Ishaq ibn-Thoth: The man's face softens just slightly...nearly imperceptibly. "Condolences. What day did you arrive back in New York City?"

Alice Newcomb: "Monday, December 12th."

Ishaq ibn-Thoth: "The day after the Covenant's destruction." An eyebrow quirks. "Did you have any contact with the Covenant during this time of absence, either with your Pater or otherwise?"

Alice Newcomb: "Yes, a few days before I returned I got a voice mail from Deacon Kelton. It was just three words. Alice, be careful."

Ishaq ibn-Thoth: A moment's consideration, and a nod. "Thank you, Practicus. Your candor has been quite helpful."

Alice Newcomb: She slides out of the chair, taking that as a dismissal. "Sir?"

Ishaq ibn-Thoth: He raises a brow as she stands. "Yes?"

Alice Newcomb: "Am I..." Frowning slightly as though she's not sure what she wants to say. "I don't really know what I should be doing now that almost everyone is gone."

Ishaq ibn-Thoth: He pauses, considering the girl's words for a moment. "Are you aware of the current situation? Who has survived, who as not, and what their status is?"

Alice Newcomb: "I know about the list, that neither Durst or I wasn't on it, that the union may be involved, and that the three you mentioned to me on the phone survived."

Alice Newcomb: ((..WAS on it..))

Ishaq ibn-Thoth: He nods. "Adept Whitright has also survived. It is believed he was in some way responsible for the attack, whether intentional or acccidental, and is currently being sought or being held by the other Chantries in the city. The Union is most definitely involved."

Alice Newcomb: "The others are laying pretty low. Is there something I can do to help besides sit around and wait to see if the Union decides to sweep up the pieces they missed?"

Alice Newcomb: "...or...am I under suspicion as well, as Adept Whitright's apprentice?"

Ishaq ibn-Thoth: He's quiet for a long moment, considering the question. "For now, Practicus, maintain contact with me regularly. Every day, so that I know you are well. As soon as I make contact with the remaining members of the Covenant, I will have them make contact with you. Your training must continue...we need all the individuals we can get here in New York. In the meantime, attempt to make contact with the other Chantries. I need to speak with them, and learn what I can of your Pater's fate."

Ishaq ibn-Thoth: "No." He shakes his head. "I think it is safe to say that his actions were alone." There is a moment, though, before he looks back to her. "What do you know of his wife?"

Alice Newcomb: Yes! Something to do! "Will Adept Whitright remain, officially, my pater for the time being?"

Alice Newcomb: Blinks. "He has a wife?"

Alice Newcomb: Slight frown. "He didn't behave like a married man."

Ishaq ibn-Thoth: "No." He shakes his head. "Adept Whitright's status as Pater has been suspended until his Tribunal is over. You will be assigned a temporary Pater, to be determined by me once I have spoken with all the members of the Covenant."

Alice Newcomb: "He liked one of my friends and was always trying to get in her pants. I had no idea he was married. He even threatened to propose to me once, bemoaning our age difference. I thought it was all a joke, but... could there be something wrong with his mind?"

Ishaq ibn-Thoth: "Which friend?"

Alice Newcomb: "Sir, she's an unaffiliated mage. Do you know the origins of the list?"

Ishaq ibn-Thoth: "No." He shakes his head. "I am not entirely apprised of the situation yet."

Alice Newcomb: "Keeping in mind, that this is strictly hearsay. It was passed to this woman over an open chat, via computer, by Durst. The woman and the person who told me this are both unaffiliated magi, but I consider them friends, and the information is probably reliable. However sir, giving you their names without their specific consent would be considered an unforgivable breach of faith. Would you like me to ask them to contact you?" Tone really hopeful. Clearly she doesn't want to name them, but she also sees how important it is that she does. A tight corner.

Ishaq ibn-Thoth: He listens to her words, his expression impassive, then nods. "Please do. I wish to learn everything I can about this situation."

Alice Newcomb: "Thank you for not asking me to break their trust, sir."

Ishaq ibn-Thoth: "I do this only because Adept Whitright has, guilty or not, surely inflicted horrendous damage upon our reputation, Practicus. Had this not been the current situation, I would not have been quite so agreeable to compromise."

Alice Newcomb: "He has, we're currently viewed as ... a dangerous security problem."

Ishaq ibn-Thoth: "Not surprising." He sighs a little. "I do have one more question, Practicus. Dolores Tuplin, Abbey Randelle, and Dragana Lindonar. Your impressions of them, please."

Alice Newcomb: "I've never met Dolores. Abbey...I don't know her well, but she strikes me as very defensive and cold. She once cursed both me and an adept from another tradition for a harmless mistake. We were at a carnival and, because she's an albino, thought she was a carnie. We weren't being impolite or derogatory when we asked what show she was in... but she didn't take it well. I wrecked my motorcycle and could have been seriously injured because of it. I usually avoid her. Dragana sort of talks down to everyone, as though she was their mother. She refers to everyone as 'child'. I've only spoken to her a couple times. I don't know any of them very well."

Ishaq ibn-Thoth: He nods a little, his mind processing the woman's opinions. "Where are you currently living, Practicus?"

Alice Newcomb: "1421 West Third Street, apartment 310. I have an unawakened roommate."

Ishaq ibn-Thoth: "Will this roommate question it if you stay elsewhere for a period of time?"

Alice Newcomb: "He might... since I hired him to protect me after I came back and found everyone dead or missing and the chantry reduced to charcoal. But since technically he's under my employ, he'd probably accept it."

Ishaq ibn-Thoth: "Protect you." He frowns a little. "What do you know about him?"

Alice Newcomb: "Okay... understand that I don't know a whole lot of people, and didn't know what had happened. He's... an ex-con. I couldn't really afford a professional service, and he was strapped for cash. So I offered him room and board if he would keep an eye on things, and escort me places when I needed it."

Ishaq ibn-Thoth: He nods a little. "You did what you could to keep yourself safe, being disconnected from the Covenant. Resourceful. Are you sure he is safe?"

Alice Newcomb: "Not really, but he seems to be taking the job seriously. Wants me to get a big attack dog. He's kind of scary, but then... that was the idea. I think he's glad to be in better surroundings and will do the job."

Ishaq ibn-Thoth: A frown lights his face. "I see. Have you performed any kind of scans on him?"

Alice Newcomb: "No, I didn't want to freak him out. Do you think I should?"

Ishaq ibn-Thoth: "I think you should attempt to discern if he has any kind of abnormalities. There is always the possibility he is an agent, watching you."

Alice Newcomb: "I mean... the last person I checked that way turned out to be a mage and she went bizarro on me, ranting about the list and how I was gonna be next, and the fates had sung to her."

Alice Newcomb: "If he is a union agent, won't he know it if I scan him? Honestly, it really seems unlikey that he would be. I tagged him as an ex-con a long time ago, eavesdropping in a restaurant," she admits. "A little random for something planned."

Ishaq ibn-Thoth: "Ahh." He nods a little bit. "Then, perhaps it is not what I fear. Remember, though...not all of the Union's agents are Awakened. Many of them, in fact, are not. Still, though. Be watchful."

Alice Newcomb: "I could do some little things around him, and see if he detects them. I really just didn't want him to think I was some new age, incense waving, crystal gazing geek." She tries so hard to seem normal, but something always seems to come up. "I've never felt him do anything. I'm pretty sensitive to that sort of stuff."

Ishaq ibn-Thoth: "Of course." He nods. "Merely be wary. Is there any further insight you feel you can offer about the situation here?"

Alice Newcomb: "I've told you pretty much all I know." Furrows her brow. "If it turns out Durst is a spy... it probably means the Union knows about me, even if I'm not on the list. Maybe that could be useful."

Ishaq ibn-Thoth: "It could very well be," he says with a nod. "There is time to discuss that later, however. For now, continue as you are...report in daily. Report all abnormalities of your day, and I will find you a Pater soon."

Alice Newcomb: "Yes sir. Good day, sir." She heads for the door.

Ishaq ibn-Thoth: "Good day, Practicus. Oh, and as a last note," he calls out. "I have brought someone with me from my last stop. I will be giving him your contact information, so he can start getting acquainted with those of us in the city."

Alice Newcomb: Nods her agreement before heading out. Obviously the Primus doesn't need her permission, but it was kewl he offered her the respect of letting her know in advance.

Alice Newcomb -> Ishaq ibn-Thoth: ((By the way, I just noticed the site announcement that says sheets now have XP listed on them. FYI, Alice's XP since her creation date to the week ending 12/25, is 11. None has been spent since creation.))

Ishaq ibn-Thoth -> Alice Newcomb: ((Gotcha.))