September 12, 2005 – 20:00 (Montreal Time)
"I followed the instructions given by the Core Elders at today's meeting. Yesterday, before the announcement, they registered each district as some type of organization. The district headquarters isn't a personal purchase, it's what you'd call a business expense. I signed everything as a representative of D.VIII."
"Smart, but that doesn't tell me what name you used. Even as a representative, you still have to spell out a name."
"I considered using Coralis Golmar, an obsolete name, but one of the mayor counsellors I met yesterday was there, which I think got her excited, so I kind of had to use Blue Thunder as a spelled-out name representing D.VIII."
"Which is even better, I think. The place is crumbling down, they desperately wanted to pass it to someone serious about investing in it, and they don't want to see it turned into condos. We promised them that we don't care for condos. On public records, the place has been sold to an organization called D.VIII, the name of the person who signed the deed is irrelevant," said Sebastian.
"If the mayor and his entourage believe her to be a super secret agent, knowing what she is reported to have done, do you think they will blab about the name written on the deed?" said Erik.
"Worst-case scenario, someone will set it on fire, and we will buy another one, or rebuild it," said Henry.
"I guess you're right," said Frank, laughing.
Coralis, still holding her phone, refilled her drink before calling Veronica.
"Beloved sister of mine, I'm hearing all kinds of rumours coming from where you're at, do they hold any truth?"
Coralis heard a commotion in the background and frowned, wondering if she was in trouble.
"Blue! Please tell me the rumours are true!" said Hendrick.
"Were you fighting over the speakerphone button?"
"Something like that. Before you called, we were flipping a coin to determine which one of us gets to call you to confirm," said Veronica.
"Just for that, I'll put you two on speaker, so you'll have an audience too. How about you tell me first which rumour I need to confirm? You know damn well I don't pay attention to rumours," said Coralis as she pressed on the speakerphone button.
"Hi Veronica!" said Erik and Henry.
"Ooh, the posse is there! I think that answers the question," said Veronica.
"Does it? I'm still hearing all kinds of rumours about her," said Frank.
"Fair point. I spoke to Tracy a lot over the past few days, don't ask me why. She told me over the weekend about the CMMA reform and about some elders contacting Borizo seeking their support. They gave our clan leader there a potential name, and she said he asked you if you trusted him before answering them," said Hendrick.
"Yes, Borizo called me about that. Emery is fine, he can be trusted."
"Emery? The Emery we met the night the Vase of Blue Sky saga took wings?" said Hendrick.
"Yes, that Emery."
"Glad to hear that, but it is not the part we want you to confirm. We also spoke to Jasm and Cruz today. They said that Khan has been told you'd be the High Mage of their district," said Hendrick.
"Yeah, that one is true, and I was calling you about that."
"Naturally, Khan told them they'd support it if it's true, glad to hear it is the case," said Hendrick.
"I've had three elders showing up at my apartment yesterday morning, and let's just say that no wasn't an option they gave me."
"Which means it wasn't just the wolves wanting Blue on board, but the vampires too," said Sebastian.
"What can I say, she's the only witch they trust. Can't speak for those outside of our territory, but our vampires in northeastern North America? They'll support the CMMA reform if Blue does. Same goes for my family, for the clans we have on your side of the border. The two fays I also heard about, are they decent?" said Hendrick.
"If you accepted it, it means you supported it. Knowing you, even if no wasn't an option, you would have made it an option if you were against it," said Veronica.
"I don't know Roz and Ligyo much, but they're decent. I supported the reform based on how it was presented to me, and to Borizo when they asked me if they should support it, but I didn't want the position for myself. That being said, based on the demographic of my district, I was recommended to hire two vampires to act as liaisons between the clans that are based within my borders. I was calling you for recommendations."
"Do you remember the night you called Veronica about Logan and Yizo following you, and you wanted to check their story?"
"Yes, I remember well. The night I surrendered my life to Frank."
"Blue, down here, it's chaos, and honestly, I can't blame my vampires for wanting to relocate to one of our clans across the country border where it may be safer. Cruz told me that if the rumour were true, that you were indeed the sub-elder of the district where his friends lived, he and Jasm would seek to relocate there just to be out of AEEA-land," said Hendrick.
"Meaning they would need to look for a job up there. Now, if we tell them you're hiring, what do you think they'll tell us? If you want trustable vampires working for you, we will send them to you before the sun rises," said Veronica.
"I have called for a meeting in my living room… that will start in 20 minutes. If they happen to be in the area as we speak, can they head to my place like right now?"
Coralis ended her call a few minutes later.
"It's like what Yalor said, your influence reaches far beyond the sports field. Did you just get two vampire liaisons sent to you by Chicago vampire royalties?" said Panjik.
"Panjik! I didn't hear you coming! And yes, they are sending us two trustable vampire liaisons."
"Always so humble," said Panjik, accepting a glass of whiskey from Frank.
"Girl, I am barely wrapping my head around how well acquainted you are with King Nicolas, I did not need more reasons to believe I chose the right district to dodge Tobly," said Sonylla while Erik, Henry and Gus introduced themselves to Panjik, and Frank gave drinks to Chiwa and Derek.
"I know you two well. We may not have met in person yet, but I do remember the day you called Blue about your flat being broken into by people searching for something in her belongings, and I do enjoy watching flyball. Sonylla refers to you as Blue's posse, are you the same posse who gave her the Sri Lanka's jail details?"
"Yes sir, we are them," said Erik, shaking his hand.
"Then I think Blue couldn't have picked better as Head Security."
"See, Sonylla? It's like what Beta Sebastian said. It's all about flyball," said Chiwa.
"Okay, I get it, I need to start following that damn sport."
"Bro, I think you need to get used to being called beta," said Gus to Sebastian as the doorbell rang.
"Meh! I figured this much last night. Don't you worry Sonylla, Blue did get you a non-flyball background recruit today for your team," said Sebastian.
"Do I know him? or her?" said Sonylla as Frank opened the door. "MATASIA??"