Skipping Pleasantries [Jillian, Dante, Gabe]

[Vaughn Logan]

The Sewers were dank, musty, and reeked of fecal matter. They continued to walk through silently. Their feet trudging in the shin deep waters in the round maze of tunnels. Vaughn held a motion tracker in his hand that sent out a sonar wave. The only problem however, was all of the misc. entry points and crevices. Anything at any moment could sneak up behind them. Sonar worked great, but there were still some flaws. Hopefully he would at least know when an attack would happen, rather than at the last moment.

It was dark, besides the motion tracker and a flashlight the Lt. gracefully carried. The Lt. was behind the other two, Jillian stood in the middle, and Vaughn led the way. He decided not to carry a map, but instead did his best to memorize the way. But a map of the sewer system only shows so much. But he figured as long as he stayed along the main pipeline he would be in good shape. He wore his black brimmed hat, his long dark trench coat, green-tinted cargo shorts with a thick black belt, a dark grey turtle neck with a leather vest over it, and a scarf that hung under his trench coat with tall black combat boots. He dressed warm, and with the cold air of the sewer blowing him in the face he was glad he did. His automatic crossbow hung on his back, his two .45 colt revolvers sheathed in their holsters on his belt, and two spinning tojo blades.

They were all quiet. Vaughn didn't mind, it gave him time to think. Plus he didn't really want to hear whatever Jillian had to spew from her mouth, probably something negative no doubt. Finally they reached a metal door. There were two torches parallel the door. Vaughn lifted a hand for the other two to stop, and walked towards the door. He walked up the ceramic steps. There was much dirt build-up in front of the door with traces of large wolf-like footprints. Vaughn looked back to the two, and then banged on the door. Moments later a slit in the door opened, and Vaughn gazed at, what appeared to be human, eyes. The figure said nothing, and just about shut the slit before Vaughn spoke up. "I'm here to see Viktor. He told me to give this to the doorman, I assume that's you", Vaughn said as he slid an envelope through the slit. The figure took the envelope angrily. Vaughn waited patiently, and the door metal door opened, revealing a high-lit facility.

Vaughn waved for the others to follow, and they walked through the facility. The door man pointed in the right direction, and Vaughn gave a nod. "So much for living like beasts, eh Jillian?"

They walked past kitchens, bedrooms, and other things of the sort. It was an underground compound that looked like a bomb shelter for humans. It had high-tech too. Not surprising considering the Lycans own, and are apart of Electronic Arc Industries. They have a lot of high-tech military equipment at their disposal. Much of the equipment looked like the equipment at the Hunters Compound. They passed through another area where a bunch of cows were being fed and taken care of by Lycans in their regular human forms. "Still think they are monsters Jillian? Because I see people misunderstood by society trying to live out their lives."

It wasn't until many flights of metallic steps later that they reached the main audience hall in which a larger figure at the end stood. Vaughn had no doubt in his mind it was Viktor. He was expecting a more sit-down meeting, but standing seemed more friendly and less formal. "I shouldn't have to remind you, but please, both of you, don't try to say anything stupid."

They walked up closer to Viktor, and Vaughn bowed his head respectfully. "Viktor I presume?" He said in a calm and friendly voice, "My name is Vaughn Logan, Commander of the Hunters. Behind me is Lieutenant Danticus Stark, and Jillian Moore. I have to say I'm impressed by this facility." Vaughn wanted to present himself as friendly and negotiable, not an enemy. Because he knew the Alpha was not his enemy. At least not right now. Not unless he attacks.

A chandelier hung from the middle of the room, Lycans in human form walked along balconies on the sides. It was their own little city down here. The walls and flooring were made out of a metal substance. It wasn't hard to determine this place was built for the sole purpose of housing the Lycans. Vaughn doubt that they happened to just stumble upon it in the sewers one day. It did wonder how they haven't been found out by construction workers or something. Perhaps they were too far out in the sewage system to be detected. It was very likely considering how far they walked to get here. Vaughn didn't want to look at his watch and appear rude to Viktor, but he estimated it must have taken them at least two hours of walking in order to reach their compound.
A faint sound of music played above, Vaughn couldn’t tell what the music was, but it was orchestrated and slow paced. The sounds of people talking and mingling echoed through the metallic hallways. There was no real sign of hostility, or anything to suggest that the Lycans were ruthless killers. At least not yet.

Vaughn looked over at Viktor, who looked well dressed. Vaughn knew it was an honor and privilege to be let into the Lycan compound. It was a privilege that most if not all humans do not get. He knew he had to be respectful, but alert at the same time. He knew Viktor could easily snap his neck at any given second. But Vaughn was not afraid. He kept his breathing under control, and his heart beat was normal. As leader of the Hunters he felt it his responsibility to hold meetings with the other faction leaders. Besides, they aren’t technically in a war at the moment, despite what some members of the Hunters might believe. Vaughn peered over at Jillian, and then the Lt. before looking back to Viktor, waiting what he might say. Perhaps he would offer them a tour, he thought to himself with a faint smirk that he hid away.

He hoped this would go well. He’d hate for more unneeded casualties on the Compound’s commemorative plaque.

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Words: 1089

[Jillian Moore]

The sewers again. Jillian had hated them then, and she still hated them now. There was nothing good about them. Except maybe being able to kill Lycans. She had been taken on the mission, as was expected after her lash out on Memorial Island. It seemed that Vaughn (she had finally figured out his name) thought that he would change her mind. Jillian doubted that. Unlike most, she never looked past the facts. Emotion clouded good thinking.

She was wearing a leather jacket, jeans, tennis shoes, and had her brass knuckles coated in silver. They were tucked away of course. One could never be too safe with animals. And if they were half the humans that Vaughn believed them to be, they would understand the need to protect oneself. After all, as a human, Jillian was at a disadvantage compared to the Lycans. 

The sewers were surprisingly cold today. She didn't know what was better. Cold and shitty sewers, or warm and shitty sewers. But from her last visit, she figured that she wouldn't need to wear special shoes. They walked on the sides most of the time anyway. 

The Lycan base was filled with the beasts. Though they were all human at this point, from what she could see, she was still incredibly unnerved by the amount that existed. She locked eyes with an elderly looking man. As she did so, Vaughn asked if she still thought of them as beasts. "Yes," she replied quietly. She walked past the man and found herself thinking of how pleased she was to know exactly where the Lycans were hiding. 

Vaughn seemed to be so at home in these fucking sewers. Jillian could have sworn that he had been here before. She didn't know anything about Vaughn. Maybe he was a fucking Lycan in disguise. She made a mental note to give him a good silver punch to the gut. At the appropriate time of course. The thought brought the seeming friendly smile she needed to her face. Vaughn would be proud of her, pretending to like these fucking dogs. 

Jillian couldn't help but notice that there were women here too. Not that they would help a human if something happened. But it was a small and false condolence. The trip through the sewers had scarcely happened. Stuck between two men, walking through the sewers alone. It was a recipe for disaster. She kicked herself now for not bringing her full set of weapons. This was a peace mission however, she doubted the Lycans would appreciate Hunters with weapons in their home. So she had come strikingly unarmed between two men. No one knew about that though. She focused her hyper active and paranoid mind on the task at hand. Pretending like she wasn't secretly plotting to murder all of the Lycans here. 

[Dante Stark]

Dante was pissed that they had to take this trip to the Lycan compound all because some hunters couldn't keep their mouths shut. If that wasn't bad enough he'd had to walk through the cities shit and piss just to even reach their compound, Dante was feeling slightly depressed over the fact he'd assumed they was lost. He'd made sure to bring his trusty pistol in case things had gone south fast. Danticus had been humming a tune as he'd been stuck at the back and he'd rather not speak his mind as that usually got him into trouble. Dante had heard the group talking and he wanted to interject but he wondered if either of them would tolerate his unusually wisdom less words.

Danticus strode through the sewage until they finally arrived at the Lycan compound.. It was nicer than he'd originally imagined it was far more advanced than savage. Dante walked through the compound surprised by the well living conditions they had been living in he'd like to say it was like home but that'd be lying... And there was the smell of wet dog... He laughed to himself before getting shot a look by Vaughn and he looked down at the floor and snickered to himself before walking behind Jillian.

Dante was hoping this wouldn't consume his whole day as he'd planned on restoring his baby when he got free of the Lycan complex as she'd been having issues with her motor and he needed to change it before he could continue cruising around in style. "Looks like we're going to be having some fun on the bun guys... better get acquainted with the locals and maybe trade stories who knows what we might learn from these people. "

[Viktor Romanov]

Viktor stood in the hall, his personal guard scattered above hidden amongst the civilians. Despite what these so called hunters thought, the majority of Viktor's pack were civilians, innocents even. The current truce, which Viktor had negotiated himself many years ago allowed for his people to live peacefully. It was true enough that they had lost a few brethren due to the relatively recent revelation of human hunters, a new twist on the age old war. Three of these so called hunters stood before him now, Viktor knew he needed to tread carefully he had no need to fear these humans but the fine balance between war and peace was delicate enough that even the slightest nudge from these humans would unleash chaos upon this world, the kind of decimation that none of them could stop.

His eyes quickly shifted between the three of them before he simply bowed his head and began walking toward a door tucked away in the corner of the room. "If you wouldn't mind following me, I'd rather conduct our business in private and your presence has made a few of our younger members rather nervous." Viktor waved up at a young girl who was clinging to her mother's leg holding a patch work doll in her free hand. The image would be typical in a human society but as Viktor and his kind were no more than monsters, least in the eyes of these hunters he was sure it would seem odd to them. Once at the door, he opened it and entered allowing his guests to make their own way. The room itself was significantly smaller than the one the adjoining hall, more intimate, Viktor felt it more appropriate for a sit down meeting. He placed himself on an old style leather chair beside a roaring fire, after all even beasts needed comforts.

Doubts about this meeting ran through his mind, was it a good idea to bring hunters, people whose sole purpose was to kill his kind simply because they didn't understand them into his home. Had he been alone, the thought wouldn't have crossed his mind but the fact was, he had people that relied on him, people who he protected and he had put each and every one of them in danger by agreeing to this meeting. Should he have brought Gia or Eve with him? It wasn't like this commander had came alone and yet here he sat choosing to burden all of the responsibility, of course he told himself he was merely doing what a leader should but in reality he knew better. He was taking unnecessary risks and playing with the safety of those around him, not having those two with him was his own backup plan. Together they would be able to carry on his vision for his people, of course that would only work if they remained united. Viktor realised that despite his immortal nature, he wasn't going to live forever and he certainly wouldn't be the alpha forever. His time was limited, he was certain a young buck would arise from the pack and challenge him and perhaps he would survive that attempt but there would be more.

He pushed all those thoughts to the back of his mind as he poured himself a glass of scotch and moved three glasses across a small wooden table, an offering for his guests. The room held a few comfortable chairs and the floor was draped with a luxurious carpet imported from the middle east. There were a few paintings that he had collected over the years, judged to be lost by the human world. It was just easier that way, dealing with documents and passing them down through fake identities was too tiring and time consuming, best they just slip from memory. He eagerly awaited his guests arrival, allowing himself a sip of his drink before they entered.

[Vaughn Logan]

He too had noticed the little girl on the banisters. It reminded him of a Lycan child he had encountered, but he did not want to bring his mind to those dark places. Truth be told Vaughn respected the Lycans more than the Vampires based solely on personal experiences. When the Vampires took his mother away, it was hard for him to let go; and it still is. It left his father in charge of raising him and his brother. Vaughn knew the scars it left on his brother as well, even if he doesn't want to admit it.

The Alpha told the others there presence was frighting the Lycans who wished to be at peace. Vaughn acknowledged Viktor and nodded his head before turning to face Jillian and Dante. "Let me do the talking. If he offers us a seat or drinks, be courteous and accept it. If you are afraid something is poisoned, wait for me to drink it."

Vaughn turned and walked into the room Viktor had lead them. It was small, but cozy. On the far end was a roaring fireplace. As he walked in Vaughn admired the pictured on the walls, and the other masses of art that Viktor had no doubt collected over the span of his life. "You have a good taste in art", Vaughn said as he moved over to Viktor and sat down, taking his hat off of his head and placing it on his lap.

Viktor was kind enough to offer scotch; even Lycans needed to drink every now and then. Vaughn took the glass with his hands, cupped it for a moment and then took a sip. The rug beneath them had to be vintage of some sort, and imported over seas. It was too high quality, not like the half assed stuff they try to sell you in stores. The rug was hand woven, and undoubtedly expensive.

"First off Viktor I would like to thank you for your hospitality. I honestly didn't know what to expect when you agreed to the meeting." Vaughn took another sip before resting the glass on his lap, holding it firmly in his hands.

He extended a hand outwards to Viktor in hopes of a formal introduction, "As you know I'm Commander Vaughn Logan, the old Commander went AWOL. It's a pleasure to finally meet you." Vaughn gave him a warm smile as he did. After all why would he have a reason to worry? Regardless Vaughn stayed on guard, but he couldn't help but feel relaxed and sociable. He doubt the Alpha would try anything stupid. The Hunters would be storming the sewers in moments; especially if Hobbs had anything to say about it.

The room was dimly lit, and the light from the fire made the room illuminate in a slow, blinking fashion. There was something about this place that was welcoming, and well--It's better furnished than the Compound, that's for damn sure.

"Viktor I honor the truce between Lycan and Hunter, and I do not wish to step on any boundaries to break that truce. That is why I am here, to discuss terms with you. Right now my troops are ordered to track down and eliminate any Lycan or Vampire that are caught murdering innocent people. If at all possibly I advise my men to merely stun or even incapacitate in order to prevent casualties. So I ask you: Would you like the incapacitated Lycans to be brought here for you to punish them accordingly, should they be placed in a holding cell at Hunter HQ, or should they be eliminated?"

Vaughn wanted to know the specifics when dealing with the Lycans. He did not want to start a war that did not need to be started. The Hunters were in a difficult place, especially considering they are the only ones that prevent the civilians of the city from getting hurt. Hopefully Viktor would understand this, and comply with a good answer, and any questions he might have as well.

Before Viktor could answer, Vaughn interjected for a moment and added in, "I do not see Lycans or Vampires as monsters, I see them as misunderstood human beings with exceptional qualities. The only monsters I see are the murderers. I understand Lycans who are newly turned may act irrational because they cannot control their other form, and may kill. That is why I propose incapacitating rather than death. Your thoughts?"

The scotch slid down his throat with ease. Vaughn was used to drinking, he was used to drinking a lot. But instead of chugging the drink down he wished to be polite and savor it slowly, even if his body tempted him to do otherwise. Vaughn turned towards Jillian and the Lt. , he figured someone would say something even though they were told not to. He just hoped Viktor had a sense of humor and wouldn't become upset if one of them decided to say something stupid.

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Words: 834

[Jillian Moore]

Jillian was caught off guard by the child. How strange it was to her, seeing a young beast. It was curious how the young creature stirred her stone heart. She found it increasingly difficult to refer to the girl as a beast as she stared at her. It was infuriating to her. To see that there was something that held the potential to change her feelings on something. Jillian stiffened considerably. It was only when the Alpha stirred that she did the same. He was a rather intimidating figure, and somehow, Jillian found it easier to think of the girl as a beast again.

Lycans were not as human as Vaughn thought them. They were obviously beasts, but these ones seemed to be different. These sewer dwelling Lycans appeared to be different from the Lycans that dwelt above the ground. The differences were akin to the differences between wolves and tamed dogs. These Lycans didn't attack humans, the others did. The others did so because they hungered, such a wolf like quality.

Jillian's body followed the group accordingly, stiffly. She was lost in her thoughts now. The idea that Lycans were little more than beasts with a human side was an entirely new concept to her. There was something calming about the idea. It made the creatures both more predictable and less frightening. If a creature's actions could be predicted, it could be controlled. It was the basics of human dominion over the animal kingdom. Once someone had experienced the animal long enough, they could discern how to act around it.

It was an entirely new idea. It was strange, and dangerous. Jillian couldn't believe she had even thought of it. As she entered the room, her level of surprise increased. The room was furnished far better than the Compound was. It wasn't just furnished for the practicality, but it was artful. Jillian found herself struggling to wrap her mind around this. Not only were the Lycans living in a armored city in the sewers, but they had good taste in household furnishings.

Jillian mentally scowled, but outwardly kept her plastered pleasant smile. The idea was eating at her insides now. Keeping it in check was difficult. She sat down in a provided chair, quickly crossing her legs in a very business-like manner. She leaned in towards the Alpha, her mouth open as she prepared to propose her idea. She sat like that for a moment before glancing back at Vaughn. Her mouth snapped shut and she leaned back in the chair. The grimace that had become commonplace on her face returned and she rested her chin in her hand.

An internal battle ensued. Jillian had to decide whether or not to allow herself to speak on this issue that so tormented her. There would be intense repercussions if the idea backfired. Death. However, the worst that could come of her mentioning it was a good scolding from a grizzled man who had yet to prove himself as her Commander. Jillian wasn't sure she cared what Vaughn had to say back to her after the idea was offered up to the small council that they had taken part in.

It was the other side of the council that Jillian truly worried about. If the Alpha took offense to the idea in any way, everything would go up in smoke. It was imperative that she offered up the proposition in a way that it seemed beneficial to both sides. And, thankfully, Vaughn had set up the scene for it. The idea that the Hunters had come here to make sure that the Lycans were all warm, cozy, and happy with the way things were conducted on the surface.

Jillian stood up, naturally straightening out her clothing afterwards. She took a deep breath in before looking back up at the scene in front of her. Vaughn had already introduced himself to the Alpha, and the Lycan hadn't had a chance to speak yet. Perhaps she should wait. But, she couldn't. This was something that needed time to be mulled over. If it was introduced early on in the meeting, perhaps there would be a way to properly respond to it from both sides.

"Hello," She paused awkwardly as she searched for the right way to address the Lycan. "Sir. My name is Jillian Moore, and I've been a Hunter for a little over a year now. In my time as a Hunter, I have not been able to see any side but my own, fairly biased side. Coming here, as Commander Logan suggested, has opened my eyes to another side that, for a long time, I didn't think existed,"

Jillian's eyes danced between Vaughn and the Alpha for a moment. She knew this was dangerous. She pursed her lips, forcing a nervous smile before continuing. "Now, I won't try to pretend that my feelings have changed drastically... But... They might. Commander Logan has set in place some new rules that a few Hunters, including myself, didn't agree with. Like you, we're just trying to look out for ourselves. So, when he suggested that we only stun or otherwise stop Lycans... A couple of us protested."

"The others didn't get this chance. They'll surely still feel the same way. They haven't had the chance to see that Lycans aren't out to kill us all. But, I believe that we could... Maybe work something out. Perhaps, we could expose the Compound to the humans... here," Jillian waved her arms to show that she meant the Lycan's city like home. "Even one by one. A... representative of sorts. To come here and learn that we are the same up there as... as we are down here. And as one of the most outspoken Hunters... I will be the first to volunteer."

Her ending was poor. Jillian had never been much of a public speaker. As though her speech wasn't bad enough, she had chosen a rather touchy subject. She smiled politely at the Alpha, nodded to Vaughn, and returned to her seat. This was no longer her floor. Now, it was entirely up to the two leaders. What in the world had she gotten herself into?

[Dante Stark]

Dante walked behind Jillian she was slowing down a tad and Dante was able to look around the compound fully seeing a few faces that he'd met previously it dwelled up not remorse feelings.. It made him think he could look these people in the eyes and not be thought of as a killer for once, Dante stopped dead in his tracks and looked around at the various Lycans looking at them like some kind of evil..

He just wanted to shout profanities at them and tell them they all deserved to die.. But he'd wrapped his feelings in a cotton blanket and stood there dull and emotionless.. Dante resumed walking noticing he'd distanced himself between the group and finally stepped into a private room with the other people and assumed a seat closet to the door.

Jillian had babbled on about offering herself up as a representative and that was something that didn't strike Dante the right way.. Sure Jillian could hold her own down here but he'd heard what happens to peace keepers in down spiralling countries.. She would have been torn apart at some point had she decided to stay and this didn't amuse Dante the thought that she'd become a political prisoner of war to the enemy.

"Okay we've all got strong feelings about who wants this done and how this should be done.. But i don't feel we should be throwing ourselves down here just to prevent a war.. I mean if they truly don't want to start a war why are they having a pissing contest as we speak... We need to have each other's backs if we don't want to be caught in this war and i say we all start with a little old honesty.. Give each other information and work on a basis like that...." Dante shot Jillian a look. "And not offering ourselves up as a political presence.. " Dante looked back towards the door he'd said enough for now.