It's 2 days later. Nights to be exact. I look out of the window opposite me, staring at the sky outlined before me as I wait for the others to get seated. Report time. Time to see what has happened, how well we did and if our gamble really paid of. I've healed most of the wounds at last, the one on my left arm is still hurting a bit. The scars are red and raw, hurting to the touch. I've got my sleeves rolled back and the trenchcoat off. Still have a few weapons close at hand of course, but I'm pretty certain we're safe here. The ghouls already there, seated on my left as she waits to take notes on all that is said here tonight. The Prince has deigned to join us tonight. He's taken a seat opposite me, just watching the entire thing. He's said he won't say a thing beyond a question or two. Knowing him, he'll likely not say a thing since he wouldn't want to look like he doesn't understand anything. Behind closed doors of course, well that's another matter.

The Tremere, Alex Montgomery comes walking in, carrying a doctors' case with him as he takes a seat. He's dressed in semi-formal clothing tonight, looking pretty pleased with himself. It takes only a moment longer for another Ventrue to file in, the Childer of the ex-Sheriff. Another Gangrel slips in silently, taking a seat near the window quickly and just staying silent as she waits for this to get on with it. A couple of Brujah come in soon afterwards and I nod. Nearly done, the only one's missing are my friends. Janus and Sandra pop in out of existence behind their chairs. Janus is his usual imperceptible self, just taking his seat. Sandy's got the cheeky grin of hers as she takes her seat. I guess she must have convinced Janus to do this. A shimmer of movement and then suddenly Pierre's there, just standing right at the back of this group, next to the wall. I grin slightly. Show-offs.

"Good evening gentleman. It looks like we're all here. Let's get started then." I nod to the secretary before I turn back to the others. "Alright. Hopefully you'll all begin to realise the entire plan. For security reasons we had to keep things tight. I'll begin and I guess the rest of you can pick up as it goes."

"As you all know, I disappeared from this city a number of weeks ago. During that time I had actually entered the city in which we held the operation, doing surveillance. I had also spread through my contacts a call for assistance from those that I trusted. During these two weeks, I would gather the information that you would later set to use. 3 pack havens were located, an estimate on the number of actual Kindred within the city was evolved as well as most importantly, the location of their meetings." "Whilst a tempting target, the number of individuals of greater age and Blood within that building meant that we would not be able to strike at them easily. As such, I decided upon a diversion, one that would perhaps break up the meeting. This however was not the main aim of the plan, instead the diversion would have hopefully helped that along. "

"I hit the first Sabbat base on Tuesday at 10:30 as planned. Whilst it was slower than expected no real problems were encountered. The second attack on the haven went without hitch also, the expected reactions of the individuals occurring. The rest of the night is detailed in the folders set in front of your seats. The results were better than expected but again, not particularly important to the primary objectives."

I can see the looks on their faces now, to be expected I guess. I haven't exactly told them what the main objective is. I don't intend to, not yet. I still don't know these people yet, not well enough to be comfortable. So I'm testing them. I want to see how fast they get it, how fast they pick up on what we were doing. I doubt any of them can as yet, it's still too foggy. Hell, I'd be worried if they could. And out of a job I'd have thought.

"Pierre, could you please go on?"

Pierre nods from his place, taking his time to speak as he stretches his wings slightly, composing his words in his mind. I can see the small smile already playing on Sandras lips as she waits and I know exactly how she feels. This should be fun.

"My Lord Prince. Ladies. Gentleman. As my friend has seemed to forget the introductions, perhaps let me do so. My name is Pierre. As you can tell I am a Gargoyle."

Bingo. Even the Prince has a hard time keeping that poker face of his. Just a moment, just a flicker but I caught it. Then again, I was looking. Most of the others have a harder time keeping it hidden. Sandra's just grinning. Most Gargoyles, well, they're not slow they just aren't eloquent. Pierre here was always quite polite, over the last few decades Sandra's been teaching him how to speak. He still prefers talking simply like me but he only uses it among us these nights. Guess he wants to keep the opponents off balance.

"My role in the plan set forth by our esteemed Sheriff was that of point guard. My orders were to find, locate and remove the war leader of the opposing side. As we knew his visage, it was a small matter of separating the individual from his normal entourage that was the greatest problem. The attack by the Sheriff upon the packs haven created the first of many diversions."

"The attack, as expected created confusion and worry within the ranks of the Kindred situated in their meeting place, a 5 story building. But it would only be on the second attack, the removal of that pack from this mortal coil that would stir matters up. I would conjecture that a packs death, whilst worrying might be attributed to a random attack by the Lupines or other forces. However, two such attacks in so short a space of time spoke of a co-ordinated attack."

"As conjectured, they would have had 3 possible reactions to this. Firstly, they would continue to stay within the apartment, believing themselves hidden and safe behind whatever defences that they might have. Secondly, they would break up the meeting and leave for a fall back position. Thirdly, a number would continue to hold to their current position whilst others were to leave, possibly for a new meeting or possibly to gain further insights. It was unknown at the time their reactions, however it was believed that they would likely move to a safer position."

"Unfortunately, our Sheriff had done too good a job of creating a diversion. Instead of shifting the meeting to continue their discussion or perhaps to more ably handle the problem, the local pack leaders - or those we believed to be the leaders; left the meeting. As such, the local Sabbat leaders and their entourage were still within the buildings defences whilst their lessors had left. A most unsatisfactory situation but one that we were able to take any affirmative action upon at that time."

Yeah. I heard about this. Must be annoying, still there is little we could do. Certainly we might have been able to set off a number of grenades within the area or perhaps even brought them out. It just wasn't worth it. Pierre is too good an asset to let them know about as yet. I nod to the Brujah now, waiting for them to pick up from this.

The Brujah nod, the younger looking gentleman taking to do the talking. Like his clanmate he's dressed in biker gear, all tattered, broken and ready to be discarded pretty soon. He looks tough though not as tough as his friend with the scar. But looks can be deceiving, he's the older and more dangerous of the two.

"Well, we got orders on Monday night to get a couple of our gangs together to go for a wrecking game in another city. So that's what we did, we got a couple of vans and cycles and then headed over on Tuesday. By the time we got there, things were pretty well started already."

"We played light the fire for the rest of the night really, going from place to place and starting up fires in different buildings. We got a bit carried away I guess, lit up a few places we shouldn't have. Don't matter, we did our job and it's a shovelhead city anyhow. More we burn down the better."

Brujah. It's very hard not to sigh.

"We also picked up a few new toys that the boss man said was there, guns and blood containers and even cars. Mostly wrecked the cars later, drove one right into a building. Damn that was fun. Anyhow, me and Lenny, we did what were told to do and we got as many as we could. Course in some we had a bit of a problem with a Sabbie or two, but me and my boys, we put him down with a couple of rounds." The Brujah certainly look quite chuffed about what they did, I don't really mind. As they said, they did their job and they did it quite well. I actually didn't expect them to cause as much damage as they did; they exceeded my expectations on the sheer amount of damage that they could do in one night. Next time, I'll keep it in mind. I nod to him, letting him know that he's said enough before I turn to Janus, waiting for him to go on.

Janus doesn't bother standing up, just sitting where he is as he recounts his part of this. "Well, I got a fellow Nos with me and a ghoul to help on this side of the plan. With the notes in front of me, I started calling up different police departments, politicians, media, bureaucrats, the hospital, fire department, anything really that could get a man out onto the streets that night."

"We'd started shortly before the initial attack, setting up a few of the older weapons depot before going onwards to back up havens. We had been able to ascertain a number of possible Sabbat havens that our dear Sheriff had not learnt of through our own contacts and set the mortal hounds upon them." He stops here and I just know that he is going to do something smart. Oh well, that's Janus for you. Sometimes, I'm not sure why he doesn't take over from me. He seems better at this than me. I say nothing though, just keeping my gaze walking over the others before returning to the man, eyeing him as he sorts through his own notes. He's still ugly, even after all these years and all the things we've been through, he still looks like someone hit him with the ugly stick enough times to break it on his skull. Half of it is, well, enlarged and the other side seems to have found the rather nasty problem of some fungus looking material. The rest of his body, well... let's not go there shall we?

"It would seem by good fate that a member of the Inquisition that my clan knew of had arrived in the city. As such, we were very happy to help the individual with his search for others of our kind. As you know, the Inquisition are a difficult lot to remove as killing one often draws the attention of more hunters."

Nicely done Janus. Very nicely done. Just hope they don't draw him here.

"I believe I've covered the main points within my task as outlined within the plan, that is one of confusion and destruction much like that of the Brujah. Whilst our efforts were hampered during the daytime, so were our opponents."

Of course he'd work it out. I wouldn't have expected any less. And now to go on to the other side of the operation. The real point of it all. I nod to the Ventrue, waiting for him to get on it. He stands up, adjusts his ties before launching into a lecture. I just sit back and continue watching the others.

"As ordered by yourself within the folders I would pick up on Monday night, we had the vans and other surveillance equipment ready for Tuesday night. The journey to the city was without incident and we were able to set up within 20 minutes of our arrival at the predestined location. As such, we were in position to track the phone calls into and out of the targeted building."

"We noted a marked increase in calls after the period we now know that you first created the diversions. Using various devices, we were able to gain a lock upon firstly their cellular phone frequencies and then numbers as well as more concrete data. As I believe the Sheriff would really not care for me to read the listing of said information, I would direct you to the folders before yourself."

"In summary, what we have before us is this. We were able to confirm the destruction of 2 packs, only one survivor being found in the presence of the second pack haven that was hit. The third pack in which the Sheriff lost a total of 3 members, of which another 2 were gravely injured. A number of other Kindred, the numbers were not exact but we believe 2 would face Final Death from his efforts."

"Also, the various explosions as well as near breaches of the Masquerade, committed both by the Sheriff and the Sabbat forced the individuals within said building to begin a cover up of it. As such, we were able to track to some degree over the course of the next few days a number of influences used in this regard. The actions of our Brujah compatriots forced them to divert packs to backup havens as they continued their rampage through the city, destroying what use they might have. Increasing number of phone calls were made as the increasing disturbances within the mortal realm became apparent. We have only recently begun to sort through the information gained, in particular from the phone logs of the company during that night."

I nod to him. That's good enough. I look around, noting that most of them are begining to see what the aim of it was for. But not what good it is doing. The Prince is just seated there, waiting for the next person to talk. I decide to pull it out a bit longer and nod to the Gangrel. She looks at me with a raised eyebrow and speaks from her place at the window.

"I got her to the cities and back, no big problems. She's here alive ain't she?"

Alright. So I deserved that. I turn and meet Sandy's gaze and I can barely stop myself from chuckling as I see the humorous glint in her eyes. Yeah, I can see the same thought reflected in her eyes. I cover it up by nodding to her to go on and I sit back, waiting.

"My job in this operation was to inform them of our operations as well as the after effects. We hoped to pull together a suitable attack after the attack, using the information that we would glean from Mr.Siltens endeavours. A concerted, short lived strike at the influences within that city would help cripple them as well as set the grounds for further operations."

"I would with meet 4 different Princes during the next 2 weeks; 2 were willing to take action as desired, another was hesitant to commit himself to such a course of action until results were proven and the 4th was unfortunately to commit resources to the strike. We do believe however that these resources will be enough and as such, once the data collected has been properly collated, I shall once more journey with the aid of Miss Cox to the cities."

I just nod to her as she finishes, giving me a smile and sitting back down. I smile slightly as she relaxes, arching upwards and giving the men there a good view of those splendid breasts of hers. She's wearing a simple blouse and mini-skirt combination but it looks good on her. As usual. Of course we don't really have that much of a sex drive anymore but it helps to be pretty. I shake that thought of, deciding it's time to tell them the rest of it.

"Alright, I guess you've heard it all. At least all that we did concerning this operation. We'll go on to talk about what we were doing within the city and for you all to fill me in on the details as such later. But first let me explain and fill in whatever gaps there might be. Firstly, we knew that we had an attack coming very, very soon. We also knew that we stood no real chance of holding them off, at least without weakening us to a point where the next Siege would have been lost. As such, we needed to go on the offensive. The overall objective of this operation was to set back the date of their offensive. Or more simply, to buy time."

"The plan was simple. We needed to take out their ability to stage a proper offensive. To do so, we needed information and we needed it fast. Thus, Siltens role was to main the play part that night. Each of our actions, Janus, the Brujah and mine would create increasing chaos which would then force the Sabbat to call upon their influences and resources. We would then track all this, allowing us to continue the offensive, thanks to Miss Montgomerys work."

"It's not believed that we will be able to create any lasting impression upon that city with any action we take however. Whilst we might have the influences to begin the process of strangulation against the Sabbat within that city, we do not have the actual Kindred to firstly, mount an offensive and secondly to populate the city if we were to drive the Sabbat out."

"Of course, if they know we're going to actually launch our attack it's going to be blunted. Which is why Pierre and I were doing our best to take down as many of the Sabbat as possible. It was also partially why I chose to deal with the Nomadic packs and not the settled packs. Unfortunately, as Pierre spoke of, he was not able to gain access to the war-leader. As such, we had to forgo that action and instead hope that they will take my actions as a counter strike against them to blunt their attack before they came into the city. Certainly, the Brujah and my actions would mainly have that effect. Hopefully, they will take Janus and his friends stirring their fingers in the pot as just smoke screen work."

I stop there then, trying to think of what more to say and at last give up. That's all. That's the huge plan. Strike, bluff and a bit of slieght of hand with a lot of hope. If we're lucky, we can get a shot in behind their defences with the strikes at their influence. If we're even luckier, between the lost of 2 packs, the resulting mayhem within the city and influence attack, it'll force them to hold off any real plans for our attack for a while. And if Lady Luck is really shining on us, maybe a few of those packs might decide to launch their own offensive against us without direction. I can hope. Ah hell, it was a good nights work. I sit back, nodding to all of them there before I pull out a cigar, looking to the Prince. He looks back to me, completely bland but he gives me a slight nod. Well, glad he approves. I slice the back of the cigar off and light up with a match, taking a few deep puffs as I watch the rest of them think things through, decide on which questions if any to ask or just flip through the folders. They're a good group and it's nice to have the old team back.

Sandy looks up at the same time as Pierre looks to me and then Janus just nods to all of us. She does the same and Pierre just gives us a little grin of his. I guess we all were thinking the same thing. I pull on the cigar once more, let out a smoke ring and then sit back up. Alright. Back to business.

I'm on the roof again, looking down on Gotham. It's a beautiful place for a city. It's raining tonight, the water drenching and soaking me completely as I stand there, looking over my domain. There are few people out tonight it's that bad. I put a real bruiser on the Sabbat with my actions and they won't like it. Even if the influence attack doesn't do much, I've certainly slowed the actual siege down. I still wish I knew their timetable, I can't launch another attack like mine. It'd be too dangerous and they'd be ready for it. No, I'm on the defensive now. It's a position I dislike playing from.

Over the next few weeks and months I'll be very busy. I doubt I'll have time for myself, to come up here and just look upon the city. I'll have to plan for the attack, rebuild the defences and maybe set up a few traps. I'll have to actually ride the attack out and if we're still alive after that, I'll have to rebuild the defences once more, hopefully with lessons learned. No, little doubt I'll be busy. So I'm up here, looking out over the city, in the rain. A lightning bolt plays across my vision and I feel the thunder roll over my body, shaking it to it's core. The weather suits my mood.

I need time for myself and so I'm taking it now when I can. I have a few names and faces to remember, a few more sins to add to my conscience and a few old ghosts to revisit. A face, a child's face, young, blond and female floats into my minds' eye as it always does. I don't banish it this time, instead letting it stay. Old ghosts and old sins that I need to revisit before I add more to the list.