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Klaire:
Klaire had driven by Al's a few times, but never stopped. After invitation/appointment, she actually took the exit to get there. Rook was left behind at home with a puzzle ball full of treats so he didn't bother the workers, and Klaire was dressed...surprisingly casually for herself. A hoodie (one of Ylva's) and sweatpants, she felt nice.
Phyx:
As was often the case, an appointment at Al’s meant evening or later; both to accommodate those with a more nocturnal state of being and due to the fact that in general business slowed considerably. Despite that the pumps and convenience store were still open, so as not to make a lie of the name, and was clean, well lit and staffed, the employees warn and friendly, knowledgeable and efficient, and if one had an eye for such things, individuals who were trained in and prepared for combat. Each also wore a small pin somewhere on their person, the chimera symbol of the Armory, visible if someone knew what to look for.
When Klaire arrived and pulled in, she was greeted by staff who clearly were aware of the appointment and were prepared to facilitate it. The garage doors had been left open so the investigator could pull in, making the visit a bit more private and safe from the various forces arrayed against them.
Klaire:
Klaire was not one for combat, but was a tad wary, noting the symbol she had seen at Maddy's board a few times. She was polite but a bit succinct, making her way to the garage, glad for the privacy.
"Phyx? Are you here?"
Phyx:
Phyx was indeed here, waiting for his appointment as he so often did. Which is to say he was relaxing at one of the workbenches in the garage, one of many that lined the walls of the space, though one corner was taken up by an immense, squat furnace that dominated the space and pumped out warm, pleasant heat on an evening in early March.
Like Klaire, but more usual for himself, Phyx was wearing a pair of clean, slightly mended jeans, work boots in a winklepicker style, and a button down t-shirt with the Al’s logo on it. He was also operating a somewhat complex apparatus made up of flask, beakers, tubes and other chemistry kit, though the only chemistry that seemed to be going on was the brewing of coffee. Late? Maybe. Necessary? For Phyx, absolutely.
As Klaire entered the garage doors closed, giving them the privacy that afforded. He raised a hand at the question, standing to his feet in a fluid motion. “Yepper pepper. Here and ready. How ya doin? Want a cup of coffee? Really nice stuff, grind the beans myself.” Smiling, he offered out a hand. “It’s been a long while. How are you doing? How’s Rook? Both recovered from what happened ok?”
Klaire:
She looks around the space, appraising but not judging.
"Coffee sounds wonderful, yes please. Home ground coffee especially."
She steps inside.
"Has it really been since the explosion? I guess things have gotten quite busy. I'm glad you are okay Phyx."
"Rook is doing well, I healed him and then Sirius healed me later. I'm...deeply sorry I chose the risky move when our lives were on the line."
Phyx:
The garage was large and pleasantly warm, the smell of fresh coffee noticeable above the soft, well cleaned away scents of oil and grease and machinery. While the door into the convenience section of Al’s was closed, it was a clean sheet of glass, though evidently sound proof from the inaudible movements of staff on the other side. Each workbench was clearly marked and neatly organized, tools hanging in rows on the walls, and each space wiped clean. Above the furnace there was a sturdy looking wooden staircase that led upstairs, the only other exit visible.
With a nod and a grin Phyx gave a thumbs up and went to start fiddling with the complex chicanery that made up his coffee making process. Two mugs were produced and set under a drip system that slowly began filling both mugs. “Superb. Always time for coffee. When we move to location two for our chat it’s not exactly like you can’t get something to drink, but this is where I keep all the really good coffee stuff. There’s sweeteners and milk and non-diary creamers and whatnot at the mini-fridge there.” He gestured towards a glass fronted fridge that did indeed contain all manner of options, the ones without a need to be cold set nearly on top.
Once Klaire was fully inside and the doors closed it was like the world outside had simply vanished. At least in terms of noise. He nodded at the news and smiled.
“Souper news. Been worried about you, but haven’t had the time to check in. Getting a lot of work in lately, busy like you said.” Grin broadening he slapped just chest with one hand and chuckled. “Oh yeah I’m fit as a fiddle. Fox and a really nice lady named Polly helped heal me up, sorta probably how that person helped you. I don’t think I’ve met a Sirius though. Like the Dog Star I assume?”
At her apology Phyx shook his head. “You don’t have to apologize and you didn’t do anything wrong. In the end, you’re the one who got us out not me. We had like ten seconds to try and figure something out and (more)
Phyx:
“Frankly it was probably the best play in a bad situation. Doesn’t matter that it didn’t work, it was a play worth making. Hell, if I’d have been able to contain the blast or had been thinking faster I might have done something different as well. Didn’t even occur to me to just grab the damn thing, boost myself and just jump up through the building and as high up as possible. Just because something doesn’t work like I’d hope doesn’t mean it was the wrong play. It just means the execution needs work. And it’s not like we knew before hand the bloody things have a self destruct. Or that they’d be willing to engage it underneath a residence Empty or not that is deeefinitelh the wrong play. Trying to figure out a way to use that to our advantage. I think I have some ideas.” He waggled his eyebrows before handing the sizable mug of coffee over to Klaire. “I’m just glad you’re both ok, and still going strong. Not that I doubted you would.”
After adulterating his own coffee and waiting for Klaire to add what she preferred, he gestured with his free hand to walk over to the wall by the furnace with hims. “Let’s move on to where we can actually talk in total privacy. Though you should know that the staff here are all in my personal employee and also can act as security, and a few other jobs besides. So if you every need to get here for help and I’m not in some reason, you can talk to them and they’ll help. Though depending on what you think after I do my spiel, you might end up getting to know them. They can all be trusted completely. Though I’ll get into the particulars in a minute or two. How are you these days with being underground or claustrophobia? Or elevators? It’s not a long trip but I don’t want to put you in a bad spot if there’s anything that you need an alternative to.”
Klaire:
She smiled as she got the coffee, some cream but no sugar, she looked a bit taken aback.
"I had forgotten how energetic you were. I have been worried about you too. Sirius is Shadow Name of a good friend of mine." A pause as she looks around. "Polly's fiance actually. One of the Awakened."
She takes a deep breath.
"Yes, thats fair. It was far from an ideal situation, and there was only so much we could have done. I am glad we are all out alive. And currently injury-free, I hope?"
She walks over to the furnace, confused.
"I'm glad your staff are dependable? I am fine with elevators, and do not have claustrophobia. Why would that matter?"
Phyx:
Phyx just grinned. “Yeah, I’m running on all cylinders at the moment. And entirely unharmed yeah. Aside from work it’s been sort of quiet. Makin new friends though.” He nodded to Klaire’s explanation. “I think she mentioned him last time we talked. Sounded like a real standup dude.”
Phyx’s grin broadened as Klaire walked over, eyebrows waggling again. “Because we’re about to get in one, and go down.” His fingers touched a part of the wall and it slid away, revealing an elevator door that dinged open to reveal a cylindrical carriage. “The Ars Armory is here. It’s just below us.” He got into the elevator and gesture for Klaire to join him. “Safe as houses, and won’t take long.”
Klaire:
"He very much is. Helped me join the Ladder when I wanted to change. I'm very glad you are feeling so well."
Her eyebrows raised as the elevator is revealed, stepping in with him.
"That is quite impressive, indeed. I would love to see the Armory."
Phyx:
“Sue Perb. I think I’d like to meet the man myself. He runs a club or something right? Or is that someone else?”
Once Klaire boarded the elevator the door slid closed, the space plush and comfortable with seating and space for mobility devices. He smiled broadly at Klaire. “Well thank you. Took some time but were really up and running now. Got some staff in, and a lot of folks working here to help out. Even got a new infirmary in, but I’ll save it for the tour.”
Once it had reached it’s destination the elevator doors opened to reveal a large, well lit, open area full of tools, equipment, machinery and stations for a seemingly vast array of needs, from science and computing to weapon and armor making and repair. One wall was lined with numerous shelves and chests, the only thing that wasn’t neat and tidy and covered in all manner of different items. Above the space a simple sign labeled it “Occult Needs”. As Phyx led Klaire back to the far side of the space, corridors leading to “Automotive” and “Infirmary” split off from the central space, which ended with a kitchenette and adjacent lounge, the latter holding a plinth for taking measurements, complimented by a rack of tools and necessities of the same.
“The Ars Armory. This is what it looks like.” He gestured towards the lounge area where couches and chairs waited, clearly quite comfortable and cozy. “Built this place out myself in the beginning, Sonics make light work of digging and shaping. Civilians don’t know were down here, and the not-supernatural people who work for me double as security. This place is a safe house, if you ever need one, or an extra I guess. Now that you’ve been here could you just port’ in? If so and you need to, feel free. I can even designate a particular spot to make sure is clear for people who can come in that way.”
Klaire:
"The Green Room. A Cafe and Music Studio. It's a wonderful place that I highly recommend visiting."
She takes a seat on the elevator, smiling, and eventually getting up when the elevator arrives, eyebrows raising in surprise and amazement.
"Oh wow. This is...a lot of space indeed. Occult Needs may be something I'm interested in checking out, but I'm afraid besides taking other's injuries onto myself, I am no good at medicine, and have no mind for technical projects."
She pauses now and again to look at the various bits and bobs here.
"How far underground is it here? The...issue with my teleportation is it causes some wear and tear on whatever I'm moving, including people. I can manage about 8 miles without more than mild discomfort, Rook about 5. So while I could teleport myself here, I'd already need to be relatively close."
Canary:
Some machinery noises from the “Automotive” room stop a few moments after the pair arrive in the armory, and about a minute after that Canary emerges from the hallway with a bottle of water. She notices the two arrivals one after the other. “Hey boss. Oh! And hey Klaire, welcome to the Armory! Don’t mind me, I was just working on my ride.” She flashes a grin and goes to sit on a nearby chair.
Phyx:
Phyx snapped his fingers. "Yeah! That's the one. Polly said I should stop by sometime, I've really been meaning to. I'd love to play again sometime, been a while. And he sounds like a solid dude I wouldn't mind knowing." He nodded at that, grinning at Klaire as she looked around. "Yeah, we've managed to turn this place into a real serious space in not a lot of time, it's been awesome possum. And feel free to give things a glance over. It's mostly stuff for either protecting from something, or to kill something. Like spirits and stuff."
He smiled at Klaire. "But you're a really great investigator right? Know how to hunt down information, find people, that kind of thing? You could use plenty of this stuff in helping with that. And having just an extra pair of hands around can always make a difference. But it's not exactly about the Armory that we're speaking." To her question, he thought for a minute. "Bout sixty or so feet down. Deep enough that we're basically invisible to the surface, but not so far down that you can't climb out an emergency exit if need be. We're not too far outside the city either, but at the same time, if you needed to do a rescue and have a place to port the hostage or something, that could help as well."
As Canary came out of the Automotive section Phyx grinned and raised his coffee cup in salute to her. "Hey there Canary. How's the tweaking going? I swear every time I look at that thing I'm just waiting for it to shoot up on rockets and fly into space. You're work is some kind of impressive." When Canary took a seat, he gave her a nod and looked to the both of them. "Good timing if I'm being honest. Invited Klaire down here to talk about some stuff, but I can give you the elevator pitch as well." He took a long drink of coffee, did a few seconds of deep breathing, and nodded to himself.
"Right. So. Right now we're in the Ars Armory and as we've so recently discussed, this place is pretty darn spiffy. Lots of tricks, plenty of capacity, from here we can do loads like it's nothing. But we're literally underground and kind of have to keep it that way. If people know the Ars Armory exists it might lead to a lot of people poking around, or making demands, and that stuff we can't compromise on. Of all the stuff we can do here, relatively more of it is safe for public consumption, but what isn't super, duper, double dutch not for public consumption. I don't need to pull a John Henry Irons to realize that letting mass driver technology on the street corner."
"So to cover what the Armory can't, I'm putting something new together. Something we've got a lot of fellow support for. A more public face of things. I put all this together." He gestured around to the space they were in. "So I could take my next step. Which is this. Publicly this is part of a company I have set up to pursue a lot of social, medical and technological improvements for everyone to benefit from. Somewhat more quietly, it'll also be the headquarters of the founding chapter of this group. The Beacon Street Irregulars. We strive and study and push ourselves to be the best we can be for the sake of everyone, find ways to combat all the wrongs in the world in ways that extend far beyond just popping someone in the snot locker. I'd frankly like to ask the both of you to be a part of it. I want you onside for this stuff, I think we can do gangbusters. I can help you with resources and funding, give you access to personnel and teach you all the tricks and weird stuff I know. Which is a metric butt ton, let me tell you."
Klaire:
She waves to Canary, a small smile on her face.
"Hello again, glad to confirm you do in fact work here, that will make things...way easier in the future. No more awkward stares."
Then she focused on Phyx, weighing in on occasion.
"Thats the hope...to help others. I'm glad this is an option if I need it, but there may not be much heads up, due to how many things can go wrong in an investigation. I also...try to not explain too much of the occult to them, a simple 'you were drugged' works sometimes. They already have enough to work through as is."
She taps her fingers but stays silent during the elevator pitch, neutral as she listens, but on occasion more pondering.
"What exactly are you planning on...a vigilante group?"
Canary:
Canary takes a drink from a very large bottle of water, intrigued by the exchange.
Phyx:
A brow rose at the 'awkward stares' comment, grinning slightly. "I gather there was some circling around for a bit there? Yeah, Canary's been working here for a good bit, been a major help."
He nodded in understanding at the explanation. "Seems like a pretty good policy all told. And not something I have a ton of practice in." There was a shake of his head. "Not really, no. At least that's not the general point. It's not so much about stopping some random criminals or something, but about tackling society's bigger issues. Plenty of stuff is probably done in the dark, but a lot of is just building up resources to try and make a real difference. Teaching what I know about the Occult, and anything else, and learning from others when their expertise comes into play. It's about trying to find the means to take it to the Seers and the enemy in a lot of different ways, while making something everyone around us can benefit from."
Klaire:
She nods slowly, listening along.
"Is this intended to be Sleepwalker only, then? It does interest me, I will admit. A chance to make a difference."
Phyx:
Phyx shook his head again. “It’s gonna be pretty open policy. If people want to join and we find that they’ll bring something in, then they can learn as much as they can, or turn to some other pursuits with support from the whole. We back each other up when someone needs help, and fill in the spaces others need when we can. All of us together, from across the breadth of all the folks we might find, can produce a force on the whole that can stand and fight on every level.”
Klaire:
She takes a moment to consider, looking to Canary for how she was taking it, but still answering.
"Sharing knowledge, finding specializations, dealing with issues as we can...this does interest me, but I have two things that stick out to me."
A gesture broadly.
"How do you want this to interact with the Consilium or other groups like the Freehold? I'm Deputy Sentinel so have duties, my focus should be there first."
And a gesture to herself.
"And why offer to me? What are you hoping I contribute?"
Canary:
Canary seemed focused on what the two were saying but didn’t weigh in herself, not yet at least. She didn’t look surprised at the suggestions Phyx was making, though.
Phyx:
Phyx raised a brow as he listened, nodding as Klaire shared her two concerns. He blinked somewhat at the first question, looking a good deal more prepared to answer the second. "To be honest, I didn't think they'd interfere much with each other at all. I'm sure we can all get together and work out a whole bunch of projects we can split up and take care of, but this is more about us supporting each other so that the individual stuff we do is supported by the whole, and we can go all move in our own bailiwick with that additional oomph behind us."
He gestured to Canary. "For instance, our mutual friend is a much better driver than I am, AND a much better mechanic. And better with a computer too. Whereas I am much more the pointy end of the stick, field agent kind of thing, and I support myself in that with the engineering and gizmos and tricks. Canary can teach me all about those things and help back me up when I need it. I in turn can teach everything I know about being a sneaky, extremely dangerous son of a bitch." He grinned and waggled his eyebrows. "But also tricks and meditation techniques to calm and inure the mind to fear and influence, Or teach folks how to make best use of their various talents. Between the two of us, we've got a lot of bases covered. Add in Lifeline and we've got even more covered. Aurelio too now."
He gestured to Klaire. "You said it yourself. You're a Deputy Sentinel. You're the best investigator I'm aware of, and you're many and varied talents are all extremely impressive. Without talking out of turn when it's not my place, even if I've only seen a portion of what you can really do, that portion is enough to know that you possess a great many capabilities that I myself, and perhaps a fair few others, do not. Capabilities that, even without any sort of supernatural shenanigans, remain extremely valuable. For instance, I'm trying to get a solid effort going to damage the Seers and the robo cop stuff in very real, very obnoxious ways that can wrap them up in red tape and nonsense for ages. I have my own means of getting information, but I bet you can manage even more. And between the three of us, the four of us, the five of us etc... eventually there's very little between all of us that we won't be able to pull off. Or do something about. I believe that as surely as I believe that the sun'll come up."
Klaire:
She nods slowly.
"I see. I am very much interested in joining then. If you want a full run down of my magical capabilities at any point, I can give them to you. I am glad you see me as such a capable investigator."
Canary:
Canary nods as well. "Count me in too, of course."
Phyx:
Phyx grinned, eyes lighting up like 100 watt bulbs. Both thumbs went up and he stood. “Stupendous. Amazing. Fantabulous. Let’s rock and roll.”
He clapped his hands together, the sound reverberating far more than was natural, the vibration a physical presence for a moment. “Then I’m happy to have you both on board. We’ll have to have a big meeting soon among all of us, maybe do some more recruiting. But as of now, you’re both on board.” He nodded to Klaire. “If you want to give a rundown that might not be a bad idea. At least a general understanding of what all folks can do will help. But no rush.”
He gave Canary a nod and smiled. “Glad to have you with us too. I think we can get some pretty incredible stuff done. Now we just need to get you two properly kitted up. Should think about a sobriquet as well. Shadownames work fine, but I find differentiator helps. Me anyway.”
Klaire:
Klaire nods.
"Psyche works fine for me I think. I'm already struggling with one personality, attempting two, and would collapse with a third."
A pause and an eyebrow raised.
"Right now or later?"
Canary:
“I’ll figure something out for a name, I’m sure. I’ve been mulling on a Shadow Name for a bit, this shouldn’t be much different.”
Phyx:
Phyx nodded to Klaire. “Sounds good, sounds good. And oof. Though I understand that feeling. I guess I’ve been juggling so many for so long now I don’t think about it. But then I’m also weirdly good at compartmentalizing.” He grinned at that, then blinked.
“Right now or later for the gear stuff you mean?” He shrugged. “Either is good, though if you’ve got time now to hang around we can get all the measurements and stuff done toot sweet. Look into whatever protective or defensive gear you might benefit from. Or something like a vehicle or any tech you might want. Also Rook. You know we can make stuff for him without having to compromise his mobility or health, right?”
To Canary Phyx gave a thumbs up. “Oh for sure. And it’s not exactly necessary, but it doesn’t hurt to have a way to refer to ourselves without compromising certain security measures and all that. As to a Shadowname, I’ve already decided on mine I think.” He nodded again. “Drumheller.”
He snapped his fingers. “Oh. Canary’s met and worked with her before., but I should probably make sure to introduce everyone to the staff and also my personal back up.” He looked to Klaire. “You haven’t met Hypatia or AUGUR yet, have you?”
Klaire:
"More so my abilities. Know I am...not much of a fighter if I can help it. I tend to not wear any kind of armor as I find it makes me more approachable. Same with Rook. It is far harder to tell someone to be calm when you, yourself are ready for war."
A nod. "Drumheller, interesting. I'll keep that in mind in the future."
A pause to consider the people she knows. "No, I don't believe I have."
Phyx:
Phyx tipped his head. “Fair dinkum. Though I’ll say that the stuff I have in mind doesn’t actually look like armor. Just clothes. No one can tell, but in a pinch it can save your life. I remember that you prefer to stay out of combat, which is all good and not a wrong answer by any stretch. But in a tight spot it might save your bacon.” He chuckled. “I admit Rook is a little harder, but does he ever wear a lead harness? Could be used to carry a lot of handy stuff that’s still light, few other tricks to help him stay safe. Though too be fair plenty of it could just as easily go in a collar. I dunno if animals can be possessed or claimed by spirits, but I wouldn’t want that for him. He’s a good doggo.”
He nodded. “Yeah, Drumheller. Sounding the drums of Revolution and change and on occasion war.”
At that he nodded, grinning broadly as he stood up and cracked his knuckles. “Well then you’re in for a treat. She’s a gem.”
The immense computer screen that filled one section of the wall in the armory came to life, revealing the Ars Armory logo, and the AUGUR title appeared. “AUGUR is the communications network and database we maintain down here. Special tricks aside it can keep us in contact, feed information to everyone, coordinate and organize our efforts, and take in commissions, run automated equipment and act as support and back up. All that’s made possible now thanks to Hypatia.”
And as summoned a soft( blue glow suffused the giant screen before coalescing into the form of a floating, four-armed, blue skinned woman of regal, serene demeanor. Floating down from it the spirit descended to join the three, coming to hover relaxedly behind Phyx. She brought her hands together and nodded to Klaire and Canary. “And this is she. A spirit of technology and information. Lesja brought us together, very kindly. We make a hell of a team, and now it’s growing bigger.”
The AI spirit smiled at Phyx before looking to the out her two. “He is even more glad you’ve both agreed than he lets on. It is a pleasure to meet you Klaire. I appreciate what you have done for my charge in the past.” She gesture with one hand to Phyx. “I look forward to working with you both further in the future. I have already had the fortune to witness some of the expertise and skill of Ms. Quill, and I am sure you will likewise impress.”
With a somewhat flat expression after being called out, Phyx just snorted. He looked back to Klaire. “I thought that might be the other thing you meant. That’s up to you, really. I certainly have the time and inclination to listen, but I dunno if you want to do it now or later. If you’d like to lay your cards on the table now, I’ve got no problem doing the same, but I generally let people come to that decision when they’re ready, if they are.”
Klaire:
"I see your point. I'll take you up on that offer then, as a just in case. But to answer your question, absolutely they can. Exorcisms are useful, and I know how to do them."
She pauses and looks at both the computer and then the spirit, eyebrows raising.
"Hello there Hypatia. And AUGUR. It is nice to meet you both. And of course, I consider Phyx a good friend, and I am just glad we are both alive from that ordeal. It seems many of the Sleepwalkers have found familiars recently."
A nod. "Possibly later. There has already been a lot of information given today, and I feel like that may be too much."
Phyx:
Phyx grinned. “Glad to hear. I get the reticence and your reasoning, don’t get me wrong. Just let me know what kind of style and cut you want it. Probably something that can be worn a few different ways. It’ll give you full body coverage either way, save for the head.” He conked his noggin, then nodded again. “Yeah that’s what I figured. And you’re not wrong there. Damn handy to be able to do that. I’ve got the means of it myself. But at the very least I can make sure that everyone I work with, Rook included, is fully protected from that risk. Pretty easy for me to bless an amulet or item and give it to someone to wear. Or dogs.”
With the introductions done, Hypatia floated to relax and listen to the conversation, while Phyx nodded. “Yeah seems to be that way. Though to be fair I only knew it was possible because Lifeline bonded with one.” He nodded and chuckled. “There has been plenty yeah. There’s no rush. Sometime this month should try to get folks together, but for now this’ll do.”
Klaire:
"I would very much appreciate Rook being more protected. He typically sticks right by me to protect me in dangerous situations, but him being hurt is...not anything I ever want. Next time I can, I'll at least get him something, and possibly something for myself."
A confused look.
"Lifeline? I don't believe I've met a Lifeline yet. But yes, please reach out to me for that meeting. I'll make time as I can."
Phyx:
Phyx nodded and smiled. “I’d imagine that is the worst case scenario yeah. I can whip up something for the both of you.” He twirled a finger in an encompassing gesture. “And for everyone else of course. Doesn’t have to look like anything special. Just something you wear every day. But it’ll keep anything from getting into your head and taking over.”
He paused, then tipped his head in an acknowledgement. “Fair cop. Soteria. Lifeline is an old nickname from way back to when, when we first met on the job.”
Klaire:
"Soteria. Okay. Then yes, I met Wildcard the last time we met."
A look around the space and at the Spirit, before turning back to Phyx.
"Is there anything else you need from me at the moment for the group, or is just verbal interest enough for now?"
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