istic horde before and they knew that Gary's assessment was correct. They were certainly useful but as a sledgehammer, not a scalpel.
Gary continued. "Louis is correct that there is much that could be accomplished if I, and the other Nosferatu were to share information. It is my understanding that Bertram Tung operates from beneath this very building. It might be worthwhile if I began straight away given the close proximity of another significant of the cities information brokers. With Marius's permission of course..."
"Bertram is expecting you." replied Marius, having clearly anticipated this situation. He gestured to Victoria who was nearby. "Please escort Gary to Bertram's suite below this building so he can start work immediately..."
Marius's willingness to allow Gary use of his agent's systems was somehow more worrying than if he had refused. Generosity was not one of his virtues and any charitable act immediately had all who witnessed it attempting to ascertain what he was really up to. Often this was the point. If Marius had one weakness it was the fact that he was often willing to let events spiral out of control, simply to make them more interesting.
Allison Maller, Baron of Anaheim took the lull in conversation as an opportunity to make her own points.
"The kindred of San Francisco now within L.A. must have a base of operations, several in fact seems to be the most likely explanation. Furthermore they must have food sources within easy reach and access to the logistics necessary to transport troops, equipment and weaponry from place to place. The fact that these have been established right under our noses is a disturbing thought. It seems that our recent internal squabbles have blinded us to the wider threats to the Anarchs of this city. Los Angeles is held by many Anarchs as an example of a city that functions without the interference of the Camarilla. The impact upon all Anarchs should it fall is something that is terrifying to contemplate. This is a battle that we cannot afford to take lightly..."
Marius interrupted. "We lack intelligence on the particulars of his operation. We need to hunt down one of Vannevar's teams and interrogate them thoroughly." Many of the Barons were aware of Marius's ghoul Victoria's fearsome reputation in the area of enhanced interrogation. That she could extract what they needed to know was not in doubt though the 'how' was something that was best not thought about to much.
Daniel had helped Allison on several occasions and had a professional relationship with Marius and therefore felt comfortable to interject without worrying to much about potential consequences.
"Allison makes many valid points, as does Marius. But perhaps we need to discover what we can via reconnaissance before we actively provoke an assault with a kidnap of enemy personnel. However should we be able to capture an enemy from the forces in the San Gabriel Mountains then that might be preferable as that conflict is already ongoing. A captive taken there would draw less suspicion and be less likely to tip our hand."
Michael wasn't happy about the idea of a Marius with a free hand to act independently so made an addition to the suggestion. "Perhaps Marius and Nines could join forces in such an endeavour?" There were murmurs of approval from around the table. It seemed that other kindred present were also reticent to have Marius doing as he pleased while the rest of them were bound to a single plan.
Gloria Martinez then bought an early point back to the fore of the debate. "The South Coast will need a leader if they are to assist us with our efforts. Who is next in line with Baron Booth destroyed and Hector missing?" All eyes turned to Harvey Caplan, the Ventrue who ran the docks on Steve's behalf to gain his assessment of the situation.
"My own followers have consolidated back into the docks where I have complete control." He said, matter of factly. "The rest of those who were previously united only via Steve's charisma have began to forge their own empires. No particular individual has the power or resources to gain dominance over the area and so there are now half a dozen groups feuding for whatever turf they think they can maintain."
Michael could see the long term benefits of a weakened South in regards to his own ambitions but these were exceptional circumstances and against Vannevar's invasion they needed the docks to be protected. Michael's thought process was interrupted as the previously quiet Vin made a statement in his usual 'to the point' style.
"Why can't Harvey just do the Baron's job then?" Michael had been planning a more subtle approach to the suggestion but it was out there now. He sat back to observe the Baron's reactions.
"If this council wishes me to take on the role until this situation is resolved then I'm willing to do so." replied Harvey. At this point Baron Fortier voiced what many others had been thinking.
"If he's fulfilling the role of a Baron then he's the Baron. I don't see what is to be gained by declaring the role temporary only to have more debates in the future. If we need to make it formal then let's vote on it right now. All those in support of Harvey becoming Baron of the South Coast raise a hand..." The impatience in Louis's tone was evident to all.
Louis's hand was unsurprisingly the first to be raised, followed by Marius.
Somewhat more surprisingly the third hand was that of Therese Voerman, Baron of Santa Monica. With the support of these three behind him, the rest soon gave their approval too.
"How long do you think it will take you to unite your newly acquired Barony?" said Michael, addressing Baron Caplan directly.
"Forty Eight hours should be enough." was the confident reply. "Some of Steve's people may object but I'm sure they can be persuaded that unity is necessary especially if I have the support of this council."
Vin leaned down and whispered something into Michael's ear. "Harvey is ambitious but according to his right hand man Knowles, a Brujah whose opinion I trust, he has a code of honour of sorts. He'll be a useful ally."
Michael nodded his agreement and then changed the subject to the discussion of the significantly weakened Barony of the Angels. "While the topic is on baronies whose weakness effects the whole, perhaps we should discuss Hank Boyd of the Crypts Sons?"
When no-one objected, He continued. "Hank survived the attack upon his base of operations, but barely, and as you all know is now in torpor. A great deal of Vitae would be required to revive him and heal his extensive wounds but I believe that it's a necessity to get him back into the fight. With all due respect to Deacon, he is not a warleader, and Hank also has the respect of the mortal gang members in a way not easily replicated." Deacon raised no objection and the general consensus in the room was that the idea was sound enough, in theory.
The attention turned to Deacon for his own opinion and it was obvious to Michael, and possibly others, that he wasn't comfortable at all. "The only kindred that Hank has spoken of as ones he trusts are Michael and Gary. I mean no offense to the other Barons present but those are the facts."
"My generation is insufficient to raise Hank." said Gary, but it was difficult to tell if he was being truthful. "So that leaves Michael. But we must bear in mind that the amount of Vitae necessary to revive Hank would certainly leave him, at least in part, blood-bound to the kindred who revived him."
Michael scanned those present to observe their reactions. Daniel who was a skilled profiler was attempting to do the same, Vin was more concerned about any who might object in a more aggressive fashion.
Priss, whose domain was sandwiched between the Crypts Sons and Downtown, was clearly unhappy with the idea, though it was difficult to tell whether this related to the Blood Bond itself or the simple fact of Hank being awakened. Priss and Hank had once been allies but of late their relationship had become distant and somewhat antagonistic. Gloria Martinez and Allison Maller were also quite obviously against the idea. El Hermandad and the Crypts Sons had been feuding for a long time so this was understandable. As allies it was unsurprising that what concerned Gloria, also concerned Allison.
Michael decided to go for broke.
"If this council believes that a blood-bound Hank is somehow more problematic than having a leaderless Crypts Sons and a massive hole in the centre of the city that is un-defendable then that's their decision..."
Once again it was Louis Fortier who broke the deadlock.
"A blood bond isn't some magic switch that instantly commands obedience, and it doesn't last forever either. Hank was a Baron of one of the largest Kindred forces in the city and controlled the largest mortal gang at the same time. He's not some weak willed neonate with no mind of his own." Michael could see that those with objections were weighing up the consequences of disagreeing with Louis.
"Well that's decided then." said Marius. "Now might be a good time for a brief break, I have arranged refreshments..." At a click of his fingers, one of the side doors opened and Leanna entered along with several individuals bearing trays on which were bottles of 'wine' and glasses.
The identities of these individuals raised some concerns with several of those present...
Leanna's primary task in Marius's employ was to manage his herd of blood dolls which she did with a combination of charisma, manipulation, brainwashing and just the correct amount of fear. She had formally been in the employ of a sinister group known as 'The Cir