Los Angeles: Blood Moon - ❌🍕🟩ch9-business-only

Chapter 9 Location: LA streets Players: Dylan, Natasha @!Yr Hyennaes (Tash/Kris/Agnes) @David as Dylan Sean ST: no need Previous scenes: #❌💀🟩сh8-cracked-reflection #❌🍕🟩ch9-shrouded-sky

As soon as the evening hit, Natasha was checking the news, let her workers check all that's needed. Typical business routine. Going through messages and calls she noticed a new number she got yesterday from her fellow movie director. Well, let's hit it. She pressed the green button and listened for an answer.

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The phone answers quickly. You hear the sounds of grunts of exertion, and occasional shouts of triumph in the background. "You've reached Dylan, what can i provide for you this evening?"

The voice he heard sounded somewhat familiar with a light Russian accent. - Mister Sean. Glad to hear you. I got your number from a friend of mine and I was told you are the one who deals with 'night shift workers'. So I thought it would be a good thing to contact you and maybe talk in person. I am pretty sure we could find something useful for us both. That sounded promising and self-confident. And then Dylan could recognise the voice of Diva Las Vegas Blogger, Natasha Kirov.

11:25

In certain circles she was also known as an information broker.

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There a long pause. "No it couldnt be.. no fucking way.." You hear him shout something with his hand over the phone, and the background noises stop. "Is this... Natasha? I mean 'Diva Las Vegas'?" He sounds excited and you xan hear him walking quickly down a echoing hallway.

She chuckled. - Right. Glad you know me, that will make things much easier, I guess. I had to move to Los Angeles, - was it because of her embrace? - So I am really interested in messing into the things going on in the city. I hope you could enlighten me a little.

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Dylan pauses a moment then. "Yes I would love to meet the Queen of Las Vegas, my sir... my dad.. lives there. I know a great little restaurant, where can i pick you up?" Said with authority, the fan boy restrained.

- I don't know the city that good, so I trust you in picking a nice restaurant I guess...

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"Only the best for a celebrity." He gets the appropriate information of where to pick her up before rushing to get suitably impressive attire and vehicle.

12:35

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12:36

Dylan pays extra to rent the Lamborghini to match his suit, and rolls up to where she is staying in style.

Natasha was not looking as everyone used to see her. Nevertheless she was just waiting till some kind of car will appear "on the horizon". Instead of used blonde russian girl there was a brunette that came close to the car. Pretty confusing but her expensive clothes and the voice as soon as she spoke were a hundred percent match. - I guess you're waiting for me, - she smiled, - good evening.

12:58

The girl was dressed all in white as usually she did in her average look. Official style it is.

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Dylan is quick to hop out and get the door. "Is that Dior? It's very fetching... I'm Dylan Sean" he will say with a toothy smile.

The girl nodded politely, making a nice official smile and getting to the car. - Nice to meet you. The curious was she didn't take any boduyguards with her as she usually did. But hey, who could have recognise her with this looks?

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Dylan gets back in and takes a longer route, a chance to play with the expensive toy, and show off a little, taking the highway to really show off the speed of the car. "So, what brings you to LA Diva? "

- Several things actually. One of which is that Sabbat is taking Las Vegas as a hurricane. No big sense of staying there. Los Angeles is a good spot to move, I think.

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Nodding as he down shifts swerving through traffic smoothly. "Well things here may not be a lot better, we recently had a shovel party and things seem to be ramping up. The rabble isn't much help, these petty anarchs think they can just pretend they are outside of the game." He looks over and grins. "Do you have a place to stay? What's your plans, if you don't mind me asking?"

- Yeah, of course I do have a place, - she nodded, - and for the plans... Nothing extraordinary. Needed to start somewhere. Meet the 'night club', see who is in charge of things, you know. And probably work things out, find my niche here.

"The place doesnt even have a Elysium, up until recently it didn't have a harpy either." He says the last part with a measure of pride. "Im working on getting things a little higher class, but other than our illustrious prince, there isnt much to work with."

The information was definitely curious. She enjoyed the ride and was all engaged in the political stuff f LA, she felt literally like fish in water. - That's already a good asset. Congratulations. So for how long have you been a Harpy and what happened with the previous one? Also what kind of cooperation are you looking for?

"Long enough.. " then he will smile sheepishly "alright, a few nights.. but im already getting a feel for the kindred of the city, and the prince. " He will pull off onto the boulevard heading toward the Roof Top, a expensive well reviewed new reaeraunt with a excellent view. "I think the social scene here is pretty abysmal, from what i can tell the Elysium was fire bombed by anarchs not too long ago."

That made her raise her brows in a surprise. - Wow, do you know who exactly did that? And Can you revise a bit about the cooperation thing. I might be interested.

"I'm not quite sure yet, the tremere think it was sabbat. But Lacroix is sure it was anarchs. Ive been looking into it. But the anarchs are on the savage side, rebel daddy issues.. " He was commenting that without elysium there isnt a proper kindred social scene. Implying that maybe if a place was provided it could be good.

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"If your going to be moving out here, maybe i could use a hand getting the city to a proper civility... im still trying to find the right spot to see if i can get declared elysium, i have a hotel in mind, but thats going to be a work in progress."

She smiled accurately. - You suppose we are the ones who can do it? Just the two of us? - The latter sounded like irony, but she knew she is trying him out, seeing the possibilities for herself as well, - what about the Prince? What's he doing? She looked left and right noticing some specific city views. - I already moved, - she mentioned, - and frankly speaking even in Las Vegas Camarilla was somewhat broken. And now we know where it led. Actually aren't you afraid your Elysium will be burnt same as the others? Maybe it's just not the time for this kind of social investment? Maybe better it is to find out and remove the threat first.

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"I know i can do it. If you want to help.... I mean if i like your blog, theres got to be atleast one rat out there with a poster of you on his bunk wall. While i enjoy people, i like useful people. You feel me?" He gives her a direct look at that. "As far as elysium is concerned, with out society the camarilla is just a bunch of solitary predators, the society is the glue, mutual protection, mutual success, mutual entertainment. If someone doesnt make the kindred here want to pretend to be together, we might as well hand it over to the fucking sabbat." (edited)

Tash grinned and chuckled. - I know what you mean. I understand. How about you help me then? I have one very important project in mind, but can not talk about it right now. What I can tell is I have millions of people under my influence. I do have a good network and, - she grinned even wider, - I do know rats who would hang my poster on the wall. She was talking about that with the great complacency. She did that. Herself. So why not enjoy? - The thing is I don't want my... Face... In a wide sense of course... I don't want it for underground. People need a good leader, kindred... need a good leader. I don't tell your Prince I'd bad, no. I'm sure he does everything he can in his own way. I just want THAT kind of respect. And if the outlay is worth the asset I'm absolutely ready to support it in all possible matters.

Dylan passes the resturaunt circling the block. "You want something of substance, i understand that, i grew up with very little, we made do but there wasnt any substance.. just subsitance. Now i have a little something, and i want to make it a lasting something... you feel me?" He stops at a light and turns in the seat. "Respect is earned though, anything else is just blowing smoke." He puts a hand firmly on her knee, not a come on but a show of who is in charge. "I have big plans in this town, you can earn that respect and come with me, or you can do your own thing, and earn respect on your own. " He will give her a smile then breaking the momentary tension. "Do you eat? The view at this place is great.. you can see my hotel from there." He says with a chuckle

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- Do you really think that what I already have is not substantial? - It was and sounded more like rhetorical question. For her it pretty much was. - I understand what you're trying to say. And I am not going to just go to random people and ask them to respect me of course. I am just sharing some of my goals as you do. And I really respect and value that it is me. Here, now. I know my worth and I will show it when the times come. She smiled softly when he put a hand on her knee. She will let the man to be a man. And she'll do what she needs after, as any smart woman would. Smile turned into grin. Oh she understood every his move as her own. But now she's new. She needs any kind of base she can get. Especially from people like him. She didn't answer the most important question. The deal needs a little details. - Yes, I do. Do you? What... what clan are you? - It would be obvious, but she needed to know for sure.

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He gives her a grin. "The clan of kings my dear." He pulls up to the valet parking and opens the door for her before tossing the keys to the valet.

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Offering her a hand he will take it slowly, drawing out the public exposure, even if no one recognizes her.

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The resturaunt is on the top floor of a older apartment building. A rooftop space with a view of the city and pleasant display of the hollywood sign in the distance. "This place is pretty new, all the critics say its the it place right now."

Natasha's hand was warm, she used help and went to the place having even more questions. But first things first. She tried to remove the paranoia of the thing she can just fell of this fucking roof. That would be a big waste. Dylan could feel tension in her hand as long as they got higher. Finally she took a place at the table and would make an invisible sigh. - It looks marvellous. Thank you for inviting.

"I'm pleased you would join me. Its not every day i get to meet a real influencer. " When he tell the girl his reservation she quickly takes them to a table closest to the rail with a view of the hollywood hills. He will get her chair and order the wine, a expensive vintage. "You mentioned a task you needed to do, is there something i can do to help?" He will ask as he takes his seat.

The girl was glad for how he evening is going. Natasha smiled. - I don't know et. Maybe. First I'd like to know the Prince A little better, actually. Do you know him? Can you tell what do you think?

"I.. will admit i dont know him well. He seems very, results oriented.. a noble endeavor." He will shift his silverware a little then straighten them again. "I learned in life that the gears of power are ran by very important gears. So ive been working with his servant.... were you born to wealth?"

Natasha smiled proudly. - Not at all. My family was of an average working bees. I was always looking for something else for some reason. Just learnt my lesson you can not own that's not yours cause it can break your bones one day. Literally. And... I started my own thing. That if to make it really a short story, -she chuckled, - why?

He smiles. "I've found self made people tend to have a better perspective is all. My parents clung to the bottom rung of the middle class, not that you understand these things when your a child."

- Well yeah. Anyway. I'd like to know local camarilla a bit more. Didn't have a chance to meet anyone yet so there I go - you're one of the first. And I have a little hope you tell me anything about what's going on.

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"That sounds like an excuse for a party.." (edited)

- O-ho-ho no, I am sick of parties for the closest time. Honestly. The last one ended up an explosion in LV Elysium. Just recently. I like loud news bout sometimes it's best to look from the side with camera in hand, you know?

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"You want to meet the city, would you rather find them all individually or have them all come to you."

She looked a little lost. - I am not sure I am ready for this, Dylan. May I call you Dylan? - She made a pause, - but I do understand where you're going to. You want a meeting at your hotel so everyone knows it, knows you are of an ambition. What's the plan? - She caught up fast. Just the same type of thinking, no more.

He will grin a little. "While a gala at the Olympus does sound enticing, I think a smaller more intimate get together os in order... i know a club that i can rent, it has great security, and if i start on the owner i can form... a lasting relationship that would give me access to the place without reatriction." He strokes his beard as he leans back considering the logistics of the thing. The server comes and takes orders. He orders the beef, rare,

Tash thought some time. - So-o is Olympus your place? Do you own it of some sort? Do you have shareholders? Because I have a better idea. Just finished with similar in Las Vegas actually.

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"I own it, well i own a very good buisness loan on it. People will bend over backwards to throw money at urban renewal these days i set up a nonprofit to finance the whole thing."

- I could invest in it if it is worth. Well, of you're interested. I don't just ask because I am a business plan machine in my mind, - she smiled and showed to her temple with a finger a few times, - And I do have ready clientelle for any kind of business... if we come to a good agreement.

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"The Olympus... is a bit of a passion project, i doubt it will ever be particularly profitable again." He fidgets with his fork idlely. "How ever i am in the buisness of deals and favors. Comes with the title." He will say with a grin

- It is just a property you fit for some proper people to do whatever needed in there. In LA I bet it will be not that difficult with the right papers moved, people attracted and a good renovation, - she raised her brow to know if she is missing something here.

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"Yes" he will reply a little colder. "Im sure it could be." The food arrives and Dylan goes through a routine where he move sthe food around, cuts up the meat and occassionally brings the fork to his lips. If someone were not watching him directly the whole time nothing would seem out of sorts.

Natasha felt the change and tensed a little bit trying to show it: - You're not happy with that option? She looked at him and following etiquette never even looked too long into her plate. One second glance to know where to place the knife.

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"The Olympus is.. sacred.. if you wish to to donate to the fund, of course we can make a agreement, I would consider it a debt. If i find the proposal worth it...." He will look her in the eyes at that, the question of what she wished to deal for on the air.

- All is simple. I have money to invest, I have millions of people who listen to every my word and I could make any business work. At least give it a good start. She narrowed her eyes, - But if you're not ready to discuss it just now - that's fine. The last part could be interpreted differently. Did she mean she's thinking he is a coward in business, or she admitted she's not a vampire to talk over such things...

"If i was interested in money, i would not have dumped so much into a mouldering old hotel miss Kirov." The name comes out just a tad snappy, but he continues in more honied tones. "While I appriciate the concern, if you just wish to invest your money and vast appeal in something, i can make you richer in the markets, or point you in the direction of lucrative deals... however i do not think thats what your interested in.... maybe your intrests lie more in preservation?" He will hold out a hand wrist exposed a twinkle in his eye, before moving it to straighten his napkin. (edited)

She licked her lips briefly trying not to think of blood issues. She got to a more frank points and she really had the gut to say that. Trade it. - Oh, - she waived her hand, - you can never be too wealthy or be too ambitious. It is gust about the right ways to reach the goals, isn't it? I am... Looking for something more. Just a light hint on her own goals. As a KIndred. - I know you can help me, and I can promise to help taking the best care of your hotel gem. Or even not touching it t all.

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He will smile a bit seeing he hit closer to the target. "I have no doubt you can be of great value to me, and I always reward value."

She was not yet sure is it a hidden threat to her or an opportunity. But she liked it. Something inside liked the danger sensation. - As we're narrowing to it - what can I do right now to get your presence at the Prince's? I need a recommendation and you might be the one of..., - she specially didn't mention the only as she was not sure, - those giving good ones to me. So, how can I be of assistance?

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"Of course, i would be happy to facilitate a meeting. Though I have found him.. less than sympathetic to.. servants." While he doesnt look ashamed, you can tell he is a little apologetic at calling you that.

- I would say many are, - she kind of accepted that, but wanted to show she's not that simple. Except of all the mortal glory. And added more quiet and brief just the thoughts. - Many tend to underestimate some 'simply mortal' individuals so much, - she grinned, not revising, - So I'd tell just leave it to me, let the capricious Prince be my headache, - the smile got much milder, - so what it it I can do right now for you, mister Sean? She became... pliable.

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He will smile. "Nothing at all my dear, have your meal, and then after i will probide you... a proper meal. "

"Oh you really think I don't belong to anyone?", - she thought. Nevertheless it was the small price for a little favor, and seemed a very nice one. Natasha smiled. - What is your clan weakness? If I may ask...

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He will smile indulgent. "High standards. Now tell me your most exploitable and embarassing feature.."

It took her long thinking. Not like she was a psycho who thought she's flawless, but she knew how to use every her imperfection. - Maybe I'm too flexible sometimes, - she have the first thing that could fit here.

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He laughs not thinking she would answer literally. "Im sure your impressively flexible, miss Kirov. We will find out how much so as we get to a understanding." The rest of the dinner is spent in small talk, las vegas, stocks bonds, and the intricacies of social media influence. Dylan gets a box to take home his 'left overs' and escorts Natasha to the car.

Well there it is - little dangerous game. Kill or be killed. Take or be taken. Now one on one left with Ventrue seemed more dangerous. It was not the first time she did something like that and every time it was pretty scary... and exciting at the same time until it crossed the line and she pressed the button to call Adam. While Dylan was sitting and not looking at her she pulled Adam's number just in case she'd need to press one danger button. Even if she's dead He'll have the way to find and make his vengeance. - Of course, - she comforted herself on a seat.

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Dylan takes her back to where he picked her up, oblivious to any potential danger. Though he stops in the parking lot near by instead of going directly to the door to drop her off. "I will facillitate a meeting with LacCoix soon. Where are you staying? " He will ask as he brings his wrist to his mouth and the sudden smell of vitae fills the car.

- What do you plan to tell him? - Kirov was more then interested to know that, - Hollywood hills. Currently there. Could there be less obvious place? Fortunately she didn't look like herself. As soon as she smelled the blood she gulped nervously and it was way noticeable her eyes started to shine with "that" hunger. Probably she forgot to mention that weak spot of hers.

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He will offer his wrist. "Nothing you need to worry about. So tell me how it is that you come to LA without your... master? Are things truly so dangerous in Las Vegas?"

It was hard to speak, but she held good, letting the Ventrue know the strong will is still there. - Sabbat took over the city. He was a sheriff, but now Camarilla lost one of her most loyal members, - and she even didn't lie. Adam left Camarilla after they almost literally ran away to LA. Natasha took Dylan's hand close to a gesture to kiss and leaned to the wound.

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He lets her take a BP. "I see.. well then. Have a good evening Miss Kirov." He will say once she has taken the blood. "I shall be in contact."

Pretty unobviously she licked her lips and nodded. - It was nice to know you mister Sean, - she smiled a little and made her way home.

As soon as she is gone Dylan calls his sire. While not close, his sire did go back to Las Vegas.

There were several rings before the final answer. - Ye? - The voice seemed familiar.

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"Hey... its me... is.. everything ok? "

- Hey, Dylan. Ye, why do you ask?

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"Just heard things might have gone down the drain there. Thought maybe i would check up on you."

- Ye, I'm good, thanks for asking. I'm actually in San Francisco now, things went shitty in LV, even in ' side, so I have decided not to mess with that... How are you doin'?

"Good, I was named Harpy. Though given the low class kindred here, it might not be that much of a compliment. I also met a ghoul, Natasha Kirov. Have you heard of her?"

- Whoa, you doin' good there I see? Feel damn proud you're making career in the Ivory tower. Don't get too involved though, it is still full of shit till the very damn top, - he chuckled. - Didn't hear about the 'ghoul' but... Is that the 'Diva Las Vegas' chick you're talking about? - He was not sure...

"Yes, she has quite the following, said her.. dom.. was out of the picture. You know anything about that?"

- I have no fucking idea, but if someone got that girl on a hook, well, lucky bastard.

"Yeah, shes got alot of value. Well i hope things are going ok in sanfran"

- Me too, not bad here yet. Hope to settle.

[end scene]

Dylan meets Diva Las Vegas, Natasha Kirov. Influencer, and pop idol. They discuss her plans and ambitions, including seemingly her ambition to be embraced. She wanted to meet Lacroix and Dylan said he would broker the meeting. He intends to bond her to him before he goes forward with any major deals with her. But he doesnt know her domitor is still alive, so it should be interestong once he figures that out. He fed her a blood before parting, and called his sire to see if his sire was in good health (since LV is over run) and to see if he knew anything about the ghoul or her master.

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