Bermuda Holiday Session 1

Princess Guard - The New Era 2016/01/12 	 Charm Titan Ghost Cecila Caleb Griffin Wolf Harlequin 24

Undermoon Embassy
Atop the rocky cliff near the end of the bridge stands the tiny "fairy tale" castle that serves as the Undermoon embassy. It's no larger than a large house, and its great front gate (with drawbridge to cross a decorative moat) is only the size of a normal door. Its slender towers are topped with graceful spires from which fly pennants of many colours and designs, but chiefly of purple and silver. Over the main gate hangs a rectangular flag of the same colour. That's the outside. As soon as one passes through the gate it's another story - the castle is vast, the walls tall, the spires tower above the courtyard! Various buildings of the same graceful architectural style are found among the gardens of exotic flora, and the place is busy with staff, both human and fae.

In the Princess Guard Common Room
Ghost contacts all available Princess Guard members and asks them to attend a meeting in the team common room at the Embassy. Meanwhile Jennifer is contacting all the characters who have been on prior holiday trips but are not in the PG team.

Cecila was around for the last trip so she sorta knows what's going on already and is ready for another trip

Wolf 's room is pretty easy to spot -- it's the only one with the "dog door" -- but he's usually to be found out and about, exploring and meeting new friends. Today is no exception, and he is the first to arrive in the common room, his expressive and pointy ears tracking the progress of each new person as they arrive. His shaggy tail wags in happy greeting to those he recognizes (which is almost everyone).

Harlequin Gates to the Embassy but, for once, outside of the front gates. As he steps through the Gate, a young boy who looks to be about 12 or so, follows him and looks around with wide eyed wonder that the kid tries to hide. Harlequin holds out a hand to boy, and after a moment, the kid takes it and Harlequin heads into the embassy with him.

At the guard's questions, he introduces the boy as his ward, Leonid. The Mage then takes Leonid with him to the conference room.

Caleb also violates expectations by entering the embassy through the front door without setting off any alarms. He's not even late! Much. He waves to everyone and ruffles the top of Wolf's head.

Titan finishes tying his hair back into a ponytail as he enters the room. He keeps quiet for the moment, not wanting to disrupt any discussion.

Ghost welcomes everyone as they enter. A serving girl offers drinks and snacks to everyone. Johnathan (Titan) gets a hug and a quick kiss if he allows it on his arrival. Then Ghost dings her wineglass with a fork for attention. "Good afternoon, everyone, and thank you for coming. It seems," she nods to a corner where Jennifer is seated, "that once again it's that time of year when the children from that special British school are going on holiday. Without further ado I'll hand over to Lady Jennifer Markham-Lothven."

Cecila totally munches on some food while waiting for the discussion to start.

Caleb is eclectically selecting an assortment of snacks that a more traditional palate would likely consider ill-matched. It's hard to say whether he's enjoying the food or the occasional look of horror he receives more, but either way he's having a fine time.

Jennifer stands and goes to the center of the room. "Hello, everyone. As Ghost has informed you, a group of children from Lord Markham's School for Talented Children are about to embark on another school holiday. For the previous two years you of the Princess guard have travelled with them as a protective detail. And for the last two years the children have found enough trouble that your presence was more than fully justified."

The boy with Harlequin looks about 12 or 13. Those who were on the last trip to Iceland with the Markham kids would recognize him as a slightly older and definitely in better health version of the child slave the team rescued from that Russian undead sorcerer the team encountered there.

As Harlequin sits and listens, Leonid gets some food and a drink before coming back to perch by the mage.

Caleb chuckles. Then laughs outright. Then starts coughing. Then takes a glass of cider. Then chuckles again. Then subsides.

Jennifer smiles, "What's so funny, Caleb?" she asks. No irony. An honest question.

Harlequin turns his head to look over at Caleb then his attention turns back to Jennifer. Hidden beneath his mask is a grin.

Caleb says, "Hm? Oh, just agreeing with you that the kids are talented that way."

Jennifer nods.

Titan remains quiet, just listening for the time being.

"This year," Jennifer says, "as in previous years, the children have been forbidden to use any meta abilities. The authorities have asked that you also refrain from employing meta abilities if possible. As you will recall one of the goals of these holidays are to get the children used to blending into normal society."

Caleb frowns, but holds his peace and listens.

Sasha turns to Leonid and says softly, "So, no using your powers to sneak into any kitchen for snacks, Leonid. Just normal stealth. Spasiba?"

Leonid nods while suppressing a grin.

Jennifer comments, "It's a possibility that this year two of the children may be at higher risk than in previous years. Mark and Patrica have been adopted by Anthony Quinn and Suzume Doi. Which could make them potential targets for kidnap and ransom attempts."

Caleb sits up and attends more seriously at that. "Any particular kidnappers we're worried about, besides the usual suspects?"

Jennifer shrugs, "No names, Caleb. But there has been some 'chatter' intercepted by GCHQ that could relate to such an attempt. If anything else comes to light you'll be the first to get informed."

Titan nods. "Are we going to use some kind of holo-disguise thing again?"

Caleb nods

Cecila smiles a bit "My bet would be all the kidnappers... so yeah the usual suspects" she jokes to Caleb "So where we going this time?"

Jennifer nods. "Yes. The same disguises. The children know your identities and, as Sukaban said last year, they should know to come to you with any 'special' problems. Their form teacher, Mr. Kirk, will be with them as their official mentor."

Caleb nods. He wasn't around last year, but he's read up on some of the more entertaining moments.

Jennifer turns to Cecila, "I suspect the answer to that is not one you'll be overjoyed about. This year they are booked aboard a ten day cruise aboard the new latest and greatest luxury ocean liner, the P&O Fae Princess sailing on its maiden voyage."

"The cruise includes stops at the Bahamas, Bermuda, and Haiti." Jennifer says.

Caleb pulls out his PDA and does some idle searching while listening to Jenn.

Titan raises a brow, "Curious name for the ship."

Sasha looks over at Leonid, "It seems that I shall have to get you some formal wear for the cruise, little brother."

Leonid looks as thrilled at this idea as only a teenage boy can. He covers it masterfully by sipping his drink.

... The Fae Princess. Built by the Wolf and Harland shipyard in Ireland. 1024ft long, displacement of 200,000 tons. In other words the same size as the largest aircraft carrier on the high seas. 1600 passengers and 800 crew. ..

Caleb looks briefly impressed by his display. "I've been in towns smaller than that."

"The owning company hired Fae designers for much of the decor, Johnathan. It seems from what I was told that the exotic sells in that market." Ghost interjects.

Cecila sighs some "Well given a choice I'd rather be on a boat than on a plane" she admits "At least the destinations might be worth the mode of travel"

Titan nods to Ghost, "Makes sense. And I'm sure the uniqueness is a selling point."

Jennifer looks around, "At this point I'm going to invite questions. And after that I'll ask if you are willing to do it."

Sasha turns his gaze toward the ceiling as he muses, "Well, a cruise ship is nicely contained in any case. Rules out mass land attacks." He adds after a beat, "Of course, opens the possibility of, oh, pirates, sea monsters, ghost ships, or ghost pirates riding sea monsters while being aided by dirigibles from another world. We /are/ going to be sailing at some point in the Bermuda Triangle with any luck." His tone is extremely dry.

Titan shrugs, "I don't really have any questions, personally. Anyone else?"

Caleb nods agreement. "Yeah, reinforcing the hull might be worth considering... though in a pinch, me and Harlequin can manage an exodus pretty quickly." He thinks about that for a second. "Well, for the kids, I mean. The other two thousand people, I, um..." he trails off, looking suddenly fiercely embarrassed. "Yeah, reinforcing the hull might be worth considering."

Sasha looks over at Jennifer. "Do you mid if I bring Leonid along, Ms Markham? His birthday is coming up and he has met some of the other children. Or so I assume."

Cecila smirks at Sasha's comments "You forgot about Kraken being unleashed too" she points out "And too bad they cant reinforce it with concrete"

"Also," Caleb continues, with the air of someone trying to forget what he just said, "I'm assuming nobody cares if I jaunt off the boat from time to time as long as I'm discreet about it, right? Been a while since I maintained a secret identity but I think I remember how it's done."

Jennifer smiles, "Not at all, Sasha. The British authorities are, well, very grateful for your efforts in past years and won't quibble at anything short of outrageous. In fact your tickets will include the liner's full facilities. Everything except for purchases made in the shops on the Promenade. That includes all food and drinks, entrainment, etc.."

Charm pipes up. "What should I be expecting? I know about the school of course but haven't had these particular.. duties before."

It's Ghost who answers Charm's question, "Take your cue from Johnathan, Charm. I would say just enjoy the holiday, and I hope you all get a chance to do that... but from previous experiences, expect absolutely anything."

Jennifer asks, "Are there any other questions?"

"Any chance of hurricanes this trip?" Harlequin asks

Titan shrugs and nods to Charm, "I agree with Ghost. Enjoy yourself, but just...be ready for something to happen. Because something will likely happen."

Charm nods.

Jennifer tells Harlequin, "None are forecast. And weather forecasting is pretty accurate these days. So if you do encounter bad weather, it's probably not natural."

Charm says, "You need weather-workers, so you can be sure of the forecast!"

Wolf twitches his whiskers and licks the edge of his nose thoughtfully, deciding to ask Ocean about this idea once we're done here.

Caleb nods. "Anyway, yeah, I'm in. I'll even try to set a good example and stuff."

Jennifer waits a few moments longer and then asks, "Are you willing to take part?"

Titan nods, "I'm willing to go."

Charm says, "I am."

Sasha nods slightly. "I can work the weather if needed. I modify the weather around my home all the time. One need only be nice to the right spirits after all." The mage looks over at Jennifer. "Of course."

Caleb nods again.

Wolf gets up, pads over to where the "going" people are, and curls up among them, clearly indicating he's "on board" with the plan.

[To Sasha] Charm says, "If the spirits are trustworthy."

Caleb grins. "I suspect that's part of what makes them the right spirits."

Jennifer puts down on a table the holo-belt disguises, all Mana proofed by Ghost, the false document packages. "Not everyone has been on previous trips so I have briefing sheets for the children you'll be protecting." She hands out sheets to everyone, including one in braille for Cecila.

Briefing Sheet for the Lord Markham's School Pupils.
Anne Maria Phillips and Maria Anne Phillips - a pair of identical red-headed girls about eleven - they are the daughters of the British Minister of Defense (this is a position in the British Government roughly equal to that of the Secretary of Defense) - they can fly, are strong, and very tough.

Graham Sparks - a cheerful boy about eleven with unruly blond hair sticking out in all directions - the son of Edwin Sparks aka Electron, a British superhero. - Graham can fly, create lightning bolts and is a skilled computer hacker.

Peter Thornson - a studious slim boy about thirteen wearing glasses with light brown hair - he is the son of Alistair Thornson aka Illusionist, a British mentalist superhero - Peter is a capable mentalist with some telekinetic abilities as well.

Mark Quinn and Patrica Doi - a dark brown haired brother and sister of about eleven with a strong family resemblance between them - they are supposedly wolfguard children, fourth generation, taken from wolfguard earlier than the Twins generation was so they don't have the same degree of combat training, however being fourth generation they are stronger and faster than the Markham Twins were at a comparable age.

Jennifer says, "The liner will be leaving from Miami at 9am this weekend."

Charm looks at the false document packet. . o O ( Just what I need - a fourth ID. )

Caleb actually gives some thought to how to word this question before he opens his mouth. "So, um... of course, any trouble these kids might have gotten into in the last year is pretty much their own business and I'm the _last_ person to give them any flak for it," he starts, smirking a private joke in Jenn's direction, "but if there's anything that would help us make sensible plans if we knew it... well, let's just say I'd like to know about the information security around those records, to make sure nobody else finds out about it, shall we?"

Jennifer tells Caleb, "As I understand it, security is as tight as can be managed. But mostly it depends on nobody knowing about the children. After last year, when the children revealed their abilities to help after an earthquake, any determined person could probably find out a lot."

Miami Docks, Departure Terminal.
Sunday morning starts chilly but dry with clear skies. The Liner is moored stern first to an extended pier in the Miami docks. There are bands playing, colorful blunting hung up by the mile. The pier is crowded with arriving passengers and people here to say goodbye to those leaving. Crew from the liner's Purser's department are dealing with mountains of luggage.

Charm eyes the ship evaluatively. The Fae Princess had better live up to its name.

There's a walkway from the pier to the entry deck of the liner. A pair of crew are checking tickets as passengers board and calling on Stewards to guide the arrivals to their quarters.

Caleb walks from the rented car that drops him off at the dock to the boarding ramp, getting in line with the other passengers. He hasn't done this in, well, years, and it feels strange, but that's the civilian ID game, and a large part of why he gave up trying to maintain one upon his return to Earth. He's wearing a tailored suit quite a bit more boring than anything in his actual wardrobe. Come to that, the holographic face he's wearing kind of lacks character, as well.

Leonid tugs on Harlequin's hand and says in Russian, "The woman over there, the one wearing a blue coat and a knitted hat. She's picking pockets, uh.. Steven." Leonid takes a moment to remember the name Harlequin used in Iceland.

The crew checking tickets are working efficiently but the sheer number of arrivals... it's already obvious the ship is not going to sail on time.

'Steven' glances over at the woman picking pockets, noting her appearance, before returning his attention to Leonid. "Should we call security do you think, Leonid?" he murmurs in Russian. "Or deal with it ourselves?"

Titan is dressed in a pretty mundane 'business casual' manner, wearing a polo shirt and slacks. He heads up the ramp to get through the check-in process.

Leonid says, in Russian, "Maybe she doesn't have a choice? Like I didn't. If we deal with it you can decide what to do about her, Steven."

For a moment anyone looking up toward the bridge walkway might think they have seen Princess Stephanie up there. But a second glance shows the person to be a human wearing a Disney TV version of a fae princesses' dress.

Sasha murmurs to Leonid. "Alright, you approach from one side, I'll approach from the other. Go!" He lets go of Leonid's hand and makes his way, as carefully as he can, toward the pickpocket.

Leonid works his way around to the other side of the woman pickpocket.

Titan does notice the 'Princess' up in the direction of the bridge. He takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. He says quietly to himself, "It's going to be a long week, isn't it?"

The woman pickpocket looks about 16/17 and there are no perceptible mystical anomalies around or on her.

Cecila is familiar with the briefing materials having dealt with the same kids last year. That said her disguise is already known by the kids although this time it seems her own issues seem to help another of the newer members since it seems like Wolf is able to pass himself off as a service dog assuming he wanted to.

'Steven' slides up to the young woman as he murmurs softly to her, "Greetings, miss," with a slight Russian accent. "Please stop dipping for a moment. And do not run. We will all just get tired if you do."

Not being prone to sleeping in, or really sleeping at all, Griffin has decided to take a bit of time off patrolling and living off the land (as opposed to that nestegg of his). So with that, he popped out to see his girlfriend and say his goodbyes. He's interested to see just how much the world has changed since he left it. He figures, worst case scenario he'll get called home and have a couple of hours of running on the open sea.

He's picked this cruise because conveniently, the last place he visited in 2015 was the Bahamas. So he figures he'll have a good yardstick to measure the change brought by the decades he missed.

He's more or less oblivious as the Princess Guard disembarks and already begins solving crimes.

Griffin on the other hand is wearing the complete 'Tourist Action Set', complete with his face in viewfinder of his personal device.

The young woman sags and turns to face Steven. She doesn't attempt to run. Her story, to someone attuned to the ways of the street, is in her slack face and dull eyes. She's undoubtedly addicted to something. Probably 'H'.

"Please give me the items you have taken, miss," Steven murmurs as he holds out his hands toward her. "And, what it is you are hooked on?"

The woman hands over a couple of PDAs to Steven. It doesn't look to him as if there's anything else hidden on her.

She adds listlessly, "H. Heroin."

Steven glances at the line then says, "Let us walk over to those pillars there. We can talk privately for a moment." He give Leonid a jerk of his head in that direction.

The woman walks over in the direction indicated and Leonid follows.

Back at the boarding walkway a pair of arrivals are making their way on board after passing through the ticket check. Someone who's seen them before might well recognise the distinctive figures of Ronin and Ursine.

Caleb is much more amused by that than seems entirely justified. .oO( Heads up, folks... a couple of metahuman mercs on the ramp. I doubt they're a threat to the kids though... Ronin seemed pretty clear about not hurting kids, last time we ran into him. I'll keep an eye on 'em though. )Oo.

He does just that, doing his best not to be obvious about it.

Titan looks around and spots Ronin and Ursine, recognizing them from the prior run-in. "Huh." .oO( Well, they won't be here for a typical cruise. They'll have been hired to be here for some reason. )Oo.

Caleb grins. .oO( What, you don't think they're on a vacation? )Oo.

Viewed remotely by Caleb, Ronin and Ursine seem to know exactly where they are going. And it's not the economy cabin they have booked. It's in the upper A deck apartments area.

'Steven' moves over to a slightly more secluded area of the cruise ship terminal. "Now then," he says as he hands Leonid the PDAs and then reaches out a hand to rest on the young girl's shoulder. "How long have you been on H? And are you stealing for yourself or because someone told you to?"

It seems that for once, 'Steven' is going the direct route rather than a more twisty one.

The woman tells Steven, "About six months. I'm stealing to afford the H. I ran out of money. My dealer said I could get money by stealing."

Titan says over the link, .oO( Just keep an eye on them, for the time being. )Oo.

Caleb .oO( Yup, on it. Remote for now, they're up in the stylish apartments where I'll raise eyebrows even with this boring holo-costume on. )Oo.

As Caleb remotely watches, Ronin and Ursine get to one of the premium cabins. Ronin picks the lock and they enter. There's luggage in there. Ronin opens cases and several are stuffed with five hundred doller bills. Ronin slaps Ursine on the shoulder and after a short conversation closes the cases. They leave the cabin, locking the door after them.

"And do you have someone, somewhere to go, if you no longer needed the H?" As 'Steven' asks this, the mage gathers invisible strands of magick together, wrapping them about the hand he has on the girl.

The woman nods hesitantly, "My friend. But I need it. I need the H. And she won't put me up while I'm using."

Caleb sends .oO( So _that's_ interesting. They broke into cabin A16, opened some luggage, found a couple of cases stuffed with HUGE amounts of cash... then left it all untouched, locked everything behind them and left. Still watching them. )Oo.

Charm boards, in the guise of a slightly awkward woman in a long skirt struggling to carry her easel with her while keeping her broad hat on her head.

The group of children board, all looking hugely excited.

In the crowd the kids don't spot any of you whom they know.

Charm gets a bit flustered, or seemingly, as the excited children rush past her.

Cecila is sure to board with Wolf, who for the trip is disguised as her service dog. She smiles a bit and uses the communicators to chat with him ~So I guess this is better than riding with the luggage huh?~

A green light suffuses 'Steven' hand and begins to sink into the girl's shoulder. "Well, I can break it's hold on your body, miss, but you, with your friend's help will have to break its hold on your mind." The soft green light is coupled with a gentle breeze that smells of freshly turned earth, the scents of growing plants, and a hint of musk. "Just remain calm. Leonid, keep an eye out, yes?"

Leonid nods and fades from sight before moving out of the secluded area to keep watch.

The woman stares at Steven. "What... what are you doing?" she asks. But she remains calm because, whatever Steven is doing, it feels good.

The crew-person who checks Cecila's ticket bends to stroke Wolf's fur, "Beautiful dog, Miss." she says, and then calls over a Steward, "Help this guest to her quarters." she tells the Steward.

Titan keeps an eye out for the kids arriving as well, but heads to his room to drop off his bags.

Most of the passengers have now boarded. There are just a few stragglers including Steven and Leonid.

Wolf narrates to C over the Link while they wait, describing everything in the air or water that's not touching the earth's surface.

Charm goes in search of her cabin to drop off her things, too, casting a critical eye over the ship all the way.

To Charm's second sight the ship appears well built and sturdy. The Fae themed decor is quite well done for human craftsmanship. There even a few hints of glamour in spots, indicative of the efforts of the Fae employed by the owning company.

Cecila smiles and nods "Yes he is" she replies back to the crew and continues the mental conversation with Wolf ~ It's kinda annoying having to pander to the identities they gave us but we got a cover to maintain ~

Wolf shrugs eloquently with all four shoulders in a "you get used to it" sorta way.

The accommodation and passenger areas of the cruise liner are the very height of human luxury on the A deck, and perfectly acceptable on the B deck where the team's cabins are.

Charm is pleasantly surprised. Though less so with her cabin: without a lot of glamour one can't get close to the comfort of a fae bedchamber.

Wolf wags and smiles toothily at the crewmember, gently *noses* their hand, if offered, in polite greetings. He seems happy to meet new people and friendly by nature.

Caleb finds his cabin and focuses his remote perception on Ronin and co, listening as well as watching.

The mage lets the soothing green light suffuse the girl's body then slowly lets it fade. "I have repaired the damage, the physical portion of your addiction." He lightly touches the young woman on her forehead. "But, you will still crave it here. You need counseling, miss. Go to your friend. Get cleaned up in all ways, yes?"

"This will help you on your way," 'Steven' adds as he palms money into her hand.

The crew-person lets Wolf sniff her hand and bends to scritch behind Wolf's furry ears. "I'd like a dog like this myself. But on board is no place to keep a dog. If you need anything please come and see me. Assistant Purser May Berry."

The woman stutters her thanks to Steven, quite overwhelmed..

Wolf closes his eyes and leans happily back into the scritching. He politely and calmly awaits the escort sent for them.

Charm, once she has dumped most of her things, makes her way up onto deck with her easel and paints. Her general plan is to spend the voyage as the somewhat eccentric artist, which gives her a good reason to be observing everyone all the time. Also, to practice her painting, which she hasn't had much time for of late.

When Caleb listens in he hears Ronin laughing, "That's our guy all right. We could take him off ship now. But this is a ship. He's not going anywhere. So let's enjoy a couple of days cruising, and take him when the ship gets to the Bahamas."

A steward comes to escort Ceclia and Wolf to a cabin on B deck.

Caleb does a bit of hacking via his PDA to find out who is renting that cabin. He doesn't expect that information to be terribly secure, but takes care not to leave any digital footprints.

Cecila smiles some at May "Alright... and yeah I suppose having a dog on board would cause some problems but he's got a whole lot more training as a service dog than most get. Plus I couldn't really leave him behind when I'm going to strange places" she confesses

Caleb hears Ursine's rumbling voice grunt a "yes." Ursine doesn't seem much of a conversationalist.

The crew-person tells Ceclia, "I'm at sea ten months of the year. I figure it wouldn't be fair for the dog."

Caleb relays the conversation he's overhearing over the link. .oO( Sounds like they aren't going to cause trouble in the short term, at least. )Oo.

With Caleb's IT skills it doesn't take long for him to discover the initial identity for the cabin's occupant turns out to be false. Pushing a bit harder Caleb discovers his real name is Martin Best. And he is wanted for stealing $10 million dollars from the bank he worked at.'

'Steven' looks over at Leonid. "Let us go 'find' those PDAs in the bathroom, Leonid." He looks over at the young woman. "Should you need help, call the Harrisburg Clinic in Colonial Bay, miss. Leave a message for Steven Ambramovich and a way to contact you. Be well."

He then takes Leonid by the shoulder and makes his way toward the bathroom.

Cecila nods "Yeah... I suppose it's not too bad as a guest since the cruise is only 10 days and some days will be spent on land"

Caleb adds .oO( Huh. And it looks like their target is a bank robber. I will _never_ understand why people still steal actual paper money. But they might actually be on a legit law-enforcement type mission here. )Oo.

The crew-person nods to Cecila and then the Steward guides Ceclia to her cabin. Steven and Leonid's plan goes off without a hitch, and a mere thirty-seven minutes late the liner casts off and starts the cruise.

Wolf scrunches up his nose and nods firmly in agreement with Cecila.

'Steven' ruffles Leonid's hair as they enter their cabin. "Good eye, little brother," he says in English. "Good eye."