olive branch

[Israel Cohen] They have an address, found by... was it that new Apprentice Euthanatos? Something like that. Either way, an address they have. Perhaps they all pile into Kage's truck to make the trek out there. Perhaps they are mindful of the environment and suffer through public transportation. Irregardless they arrive, a block or two down the way...

...she doesn't have much going on Magically speaking. Her Resonance is Masked, however; and she did tell them she has a Weaving in effect that will watch their Patterns for signs of Corruption and Lying. Outside of that she has no plans of intimidation or going in weapons bristling. There's the long, slender carved staff she's been using as both guide-cane and foci [at best it simply looks like she's trying to be 'fancy']; she's dressed well [not unusual] and as a ladies style brief case in tow. Formal. Ready. No, not precisely intimidating. She is hoping intimidation will not be the name of the game [if that was the case they should likely have brought Solomon or Basil or any number of others] or that this will erupt into....
...something unpleasant.

"My 'plan' as it were is pretty much to walk up to the front door and ring the bell and try the open and honest approach." There's a hint of dry humour there; a touch of a passing smile. "But I know you're both... more tricksy in nature?" Fondness. Respect. "So, any ideas from either of you?"

[K. Jakes] They took Kage's big badass devil's heart black pick-up truck, and somebody had to sit in the somewhat cramped 'backseat.' That someone was probably the one who isn't the driver and doesn't top five feet. Kage'll park not too far away from the address they were directed to, and across the street. She won't mask her resonance unless Israel insisted [it's a good idea, Kage]. It's a cool day, and rainkissed, and that means she can wear a light coat, something with diminished elegance.

Kage drums her fingertips against the steering wheel, and, after a half-glance at Nathan [amused (a touch of) gravity], says -- "I don't want to play them. I want them to play with us. Nothing says, Hi, we're just here to - hopefully - help, like going to the door and saying as much."

It's true that Kage is subtle, and there are few people in the city who really feel like they always know what page they're on with her. But it's also true that Kage is essentially honest, and direct. All part of valor.

[Red Right Hand] It was one of those days, when the Planets aligned and Nathan's direct specialties came into a place that seemed almost in reach. Almost. Today, he's just resting with his back pressed against his seat and hoping for it to be easy. These things never were though. So when Israel asks if they have an idea, some plans maybe, he twists just enough to look over his seat and to the back where Israel sits.

A wry smile. "I think that works. Best plan we can make is to try and let someone take the lead without many interruptions from us. Don't wanna counter our own comments by accident. Other than that, can't know until we gauge 'em."

He's warned them about his preparations, Israel already knew about it but Kage didn't, and so he explains. The Working he has running, that small window of opportunity it'll give them. He also asks to decide a sign for just that moment, just in case.

---

It isn't long before they've arrived at the street on the address. It's not a bad neighborhood, by far. The odd graffiti here and there, shady kids too. But other than that, it was as clean as one would expect of Lake View. The apartment complex itself stands more than ten stories high and seems to be a relatively new construct.

Then again, the Corporations spent their days knocking down buildings and putting up new ones these days. The sprawling filthy metropolises of the world thrived and become overcrowded by it as history is knocked down, buildings with a past, and replaced with new 'marvels'. Things that'll be outdated ten years from now.

If they survey the building and it's exits, they'll find three of them. The fire escape, the back entrance that leads to and from the pool area, and the frontal entrances. No signs of heavy security either, short of the guard at his desk in the main entrance hall and another guy watching the parking lots. Seems like a quiet, peaceful place.

Six elevators in all too at the very back, with three on each side from the vision left by a corridor that leads down to the back entrance/exit. With the stairs through a door that's two doors down on the right side corner of the corridor.

[Israel Cohen] Ah yes - the backseat. Little more than a jumper seat; little more than something for.. well...
Little people.
Ah, but she sits there well. It helps, of course, that she fits. It helps that she is fully cognizant and accepting of her gossamer-and-softness-and-china-doll build after 28 years. So she sits there with poise, not like a queen - not, that doesn't suit. But understanding of the need. For the most part. There was some trepidation at first. She doesn't like cars in general, see. A flicker of nervousness at first, then swallowed up. Gone. Pushed away.

She did, in fact, gently insist Kage Mask her Resonance. So far as they know they don't have any hint of hers and until matters are settled... might as well keep it that way.

"Mmm, my thoughts exactly. Given what's passed.... I think the olive branch approach is best."

Agreement, then.

Time to pile out of the truck [relief flickers over calm, controlled emotions] and, well, getting her cane out takes some doing - such as having to pat around for it on the floor. She trusts Kage keeps the vehicle clean.
She hopes.

---------------

The building then; Israel has a very basic level of Yechidah Worked; mingled with Chai; enough to nullify her disability, in so much as it provides her far more independence and freedom of motion if it is required. Fine details are still lost on her - expressions, colours, all the myriad of things that bolster and fulfill true sight. At the same time she'll be aware of anything living that tries to sneak up on them. She still uses the cane [staff], though; fluid with years of experience. It serves other purposes.

"4th floor. 406."

Unless one of the others objects, she opts for the stairs; though lord knows the state [and smell] of the stairwell. Then again the elevators are probably not much better. Given Nathan's skillset, he takes point. But the trek upwards is uneventful.

To the door then - they can see the numbers [or what is left of them -- the rest is managed by simple counting], she goes where they lead.

"...I can't make out anything past the hall, here. It's well Shielded." There is no surprise in her voice; they know one of them is a Disciple of Correspondence so they must have expected as much. No surprise, but it would be a lie to say there wasn't a sense of readiness about her.

One of them knocks.

[K. Jakes] Knock. Knock.

That'd be Kage. Her arms folded over her chest. Hands visible, on her upper arms.

[Red Right Hand] Knock-knock goes Kage. It's that small factor that makes Nathan step back and let her take front. He'd spoken of someone taking the lead and a volunteer just appeared. His place is taking in the middle of the formation, in front and to the side of Israel so he can act fast and just inches behind Kage so she has the front now.

---

It takes a few minutes for any real answer to come from the side. Minutes that're no doubt filled with much trepidation, even if the Orphan doesn't sense anything off in the near future. No signs of an ambush being set. Finally, the telltale sign of life, Awakened life.

It's Resonance, and Magic. A sensory effect on the hall, it doesn't feel outright hostile either. Or at least there's nothing to it that makes Nathan give THE SIGN yet. No, it seems like it's just precautions.

Then, another Effect, carrying the voice to their ears and only their ears. It's a gruff voice, a little hoarse, and more than just a little edge to it. "...You have ten seconds to explain yourselves before we shoot. That's courtesy too, for not trying to be subtle. More than you people deserve."

Well, it seems they recognize them at least.

[Israel Cohen] She does have a sense of humour: There's dry humour in her tone when she says, "We come in peace."

Then, "You don't trust us. We don't know if we can trust you. Certain evidence indicates that at the very least you are the enemy of our enemy -- and all that that entails." Her voice is it's usual airy mezzo-soprano. Calm and measured. "In accordance to the old ways of Honourable Hospitality and Guest Rite, we'll bring no violence into your home or towards your person."

[K. Jakes] You'd think a hello like that would make for some tension or at least some fear. You'd think a hello like that would make for at very least a Scooby Doo sort've gulp. Doesn't, though. Kage is poised, right? Just like old times.

"And if this sounds like a bad deal, we can turn around and walk," Kage adds, and that's all. Ten seconds isn't a lot of time. Kage is no Time Mage, but she knows that much. "We're not here to be trouble for you. We're here to show you cards."

[Red Right Hand] If Nathan steps back here, it's to better cover the other two in case things go south. It is a plus that he's not going for the guns yet, though. Instead, when Israel and Kage both say their part, he only has one thing to add, "There have been a lot of misunderstandings, on both sides. We're sorry for that."

---

Meanwhile, they can hear the man snort for a moment at the words. "You all say it like honesty is something that's absolute. Oh no, we're not lying. Clock's ticking, if you're here to show cards. Then I suggest you get to it." It's a good indicator though, that there's a tiny hint of curiosity at this all in his tone, and the fact that they can be pretty sure either these are the slowest 10 seconds of their lives or they've already gone by without gunshots.

[Israel Cohen] "We've eliminated several still marked 'at large' in your Dossier. Including a certain NYCPD Detective who I believe gave you and yours the most trouble. We know where the Highest among them keeps his quarters and plan to strike. If you share this goal and want to be a part of the event; then let us in and we can speak further. After we're both satisfied we aren't gettting played. Again.
If you aren't interested, we'll go."

Simply stated; though more than that isn't likely to be given without ascertaining some 'facts' of their own.

[K. Jakes] "I came to this kind of late," Kage adds. Her hands are still visible, on her upper arms; she's looking at the door. "But it's my understanding that we're going to be engaging something that's been your project for a while. You should have a say." Beat. "I also brought chocolate chip cookies, for what it's worth, as an offering."

[Red Right Hand] Chocolate cookies and murdered NYPD cops. You couldn't ask for better peace offerings. They aren't taken right in and given a tour of the apartment, but one of the two does open it just slightly to get a good look at the trio. Trying to see if they were lying before 'negotiations' might continue.

[Is the cake...er, cookies... a lie?; Perc + Awareness]
Dice Rolled:[ 7 d10 ] 1, 2, 2, 3, 5, 9, 9 (Success x 1 at target 6)

[And then fade to OOC hashing out.]