Chapter Two: Webs of Politics

By Richard LeBlanc

In the Warzone - in an abandoned water tower - the kindred known as Calloway began to stir from his slumber. Of all the havens he had had in the many different cities he had been sent too - this one was by no means the most luxurious - but it served its purpose.

He lit a few candles and looked at the rusted metal walls and the odd decoration that made the place feel a little more like home.

"Knock, knock," a familiar voice whispered. He looked over his shoulder and saw Tanya relaxing on his cot. "Not exactly the ritziest place you've had - but a definite step up from that last pit you were in. Get it - up? Tower?" she playfully remarked. Calloway quietly laughed as he shook his head.

"I haven't seen you in a bit. Snake running you ragged?" he asked.

"It has been a while - last time I saw you - you were stuck with that Ventrue waif. She still alive?" she asked curiously.

"More than that - she was promoted to the status of Primogen of her clan," he replied as he walked over and sat down beside her. "But that was a couple of weeks ago," he added.

"Have you been playing the part of the good little snake charmer?' she teased.

"You know I hate being called that," he reminded.

"You let me get away with it," she pointed out.

"Only you," he said with a smirk. "I have been doing my part to keep up appearances. How I loathe politics. Please tell me that Snake has some mission for me other than this paltry game of kiss ass," he requested. She reached over and traced her fingers over his wounded arm. "Business first," he added. She chuckled as she reached between her breasts and pulled out a folded piece of paper.

"I have a feeling that - you won't like this," she said as she placed the document in his hand. He sighed as he reluctantly unfolded it.

"I know that you hate the situation you are in and for that I most humbly apologize. But for reasons - oh - fuck," he muttered as he put the note down and shook his head. He then resumed reading. "But for reasons I can not fully go into - you need to remain and play that game further," he read. As he did - Tanya crawled over and propped her chin on his shoulder. "It has come to my attention that - Clan Tremere is in a state of secret crisis. It was just by chance that I learned of it. With this note is a document," he began as he looked at the second piece of paper. "Give this to the one known as Palaseen. He is the one you will need to speak with," he read out loud.

"What do you have to do?" Tanya asked. Calloway shook his head as he dropped the note he had been given.

"More fucking politics. That is just what I need," he muttered.

"What do you suppose this secret crisis is?" she asked curiously.

"Damned if I know. I haven't heard anything - but then again - I haven't been listening either. I don't like this. I've been here too long," he stated seriously as he slowly got up.

"Are you expecting trouble?' she asked seriously.

"The longer I stay in a place the more trouble I attract. I am currently at odds with the Nosforatu clan. The Malkavians - I still haven't figured out where I stand with them yet. The prince has been checking my history - the harpy - a Setite known as Glare has said that he will openly oppose anything I try to do - or Snake tries to do in the city," he replied offhand.

"Glare - name sounds familiar," she said to herself.

"Apparently he had ties to an agent Snake sent out - one I had to deal with. I'm telling you - this is why I avoid politics. There is no black and white just shades of fucking gray," he muttered.

"The rats - they will always yelp like a beaten dog. It is their lot in life. The Mooks - as a clan - I wouldn't expect a lot of resistance. Unity isn't their strong suit. But the prince and her pet harpy - they could be problematic," she admitted.

"The prince asked what I would do if she issued a bloodhunt on me. The bitch was sending me a message. It took all of my fucking will power and self control to keep from ripping her fucking head off," he remarked.

"Testing your resolve. When she said this - were you alone?" she asked seriously.

"The waif was there," he replied.

"Odd - I would think if a prince was posturing she would at least have a bigger audience," she commented.

"If she had friends with her - I would have attacked her. The bitch did her research. When you go back - I want you to ask Snake what he wants done about this Glare freak. The prince seems arrogant - but a straight shooter. Snakes like Glare make me nervous," he admitted.

"Hard to imagine anything making you nervous," she remarked playfully.

"I'm not stupid. As a mobile target - I have a lot more flexibility. As a stationary one - people have time to load up on ammo and take aim. As we speak - I can almost hear them whispering - taking aim," he stated - shaking his head.

"I see what you mean. You think Glare will have the most ammunition to shoot?" she asked seriously.

"He is a resourceful one. He plays the status game," he replied. She hopped up to her feet and slid her arms around him from behind.

"I wouldn't worry too much about him," she suggested. He smirked and looked over his shoulder at her.

"You wouldn't?" he asked.

"No - you say he plays the status game - well - honey - so long as you are here - so are you. Right now - you have the backing of the Ventrue clan - the nuts - hey they might side with you too - you never know. After this - you may have the Tremere in your camp to boot. By my numbers that would make half of the council - not counting the fur balls," she pointed out.

"I prefer dealing with matters on my own," he replied.

"And when you are on the move - that is an option. I think - you are better at these political games than you let on," she said as she slipped around and stood before him.

"You think it is an act?" he asked with a smirk.

"I think - you purposely set the bar low so that people don't know how - high - you can really jump," she answered.

"Would that it were so," he said - quietly laughing.

"Well - I know you will do great - even if you convince yourself that you won't," she challenged as she skipped away from him and sat herself down on his cot.

"I hope you are right," he stated.

"Trust me honey. You know I'm always right," she teased. He quietly laughed as he made his way over to where she was and sat down beside her.

"You know something," he began as he looked over at her. "Come to think of it - you have been right every time," he remarked. She batted her eyes at him.

"It's a woman thing," she said making him laugh. She then began to slowly undo the strings that kept her top together. "So - are you like - going straight to the conclave - or - would you have time to - entertain an old friend before she runs back home?" she playfully asked. He reached over and pulled her top down over her shoulders completely exposing her neck.

"Oh - I think the conclave can wait a little while," he said with a smile.

"I was hoping you would say that," she admitted as he leaned over and sunk his teeth into her neck. "Mmm - do you have to go tonight?" she asked as he licked his way up to her ear.

"I think - it will depend. We have a lot of catching up to do," he replied. She giggled as a gentle breeze blew out the candles in his haven.

To Be Continued...