We arrive after a short ride the extended white Mercedes rolling up to the front. The chauffeur jumping out to open the door. "After you" I say offering to Zaine as we both approach the building.

Zaine steps out of the car lighting a cigarette walking to the doors he then digs threw his pockets pulling out his keys, He opens the door walking in saying to georgio "Welcome to my domain friend, make yourself comfortable while we wait for the prince."

 "Well thank you sir, I appreciate the effort entailed. I am not certain it was required, but appreciated nevertheless. I take it you are versed in the promise of 1528? I know that most of the larger cities seem to be aware of it. I thought that introductions would be pleasant, I do not like not knowing my neighbors. You seem to have a bit of pull here, what may I ask is your particular position within this domain?" as Goergio takes a seat, glancing about the establishment analyzing everything to gain some insight into this particular man's thoughts.

Zaine walks to one of the walls pulling a box of cigars out, "I am the sherrif of sanfield......, would you care for a cigar, these happen to be my favorite that we carry?" He takes a seat in a lounge chair pulling a cigar out for himself and placing the box on the table. "so what brought you to sanfield?"

 "Well, I have been residing here in Sanfield for quite some time. We generally do not try to stick out. We have kept to our affairs and left yours alone. I assume we did not make to much of a disturbance. We had a cousin that disappeared a little time ago, and with a bit of investigating realized the city was probably under some sort of political turmoil. I decided to be an amiable neighbor and introduce ourselves as we will probably be a bit more active in the city proper. We would hate to have any confusion regarding our presence. Mistakes can be very dangerous. Especially if we failed to attempt to introduce ourselves first. Oh and I never quite picked up that habit, one never knows how long it will be in vogue, but I appreciate the offer. You need not worry yourself Zaine, we police our own and prefer it that way."

Zaine smiles "Well seems like a fair deal, as long as we keep things in line, as you seem like you do well, sir." He lights the cigar puffing on it a few times. "Why exactley is it that you never chose to come forward to the prince in the time you have lived here?"

 "Well let us say I maintain a bit more of an independent political view. We have an accord from some time ago, in which everyone agreed to keep out of each others affairs. We do not have the same towards your rival though and I find them particularly distasteful. So I thought it would be a sign of goodwill to extend the olive branch. We have some vested interests in Sanfield and some social interaction and culture are appreciated by my family. We just cannot interfere with your affairs and the same applies to you as well. That way there is no 'accidents' or 'interference'. I am certain your prince shall inform you."

Prince Carter arrives after a few moments. Dropped off by a dark colored Mercedes. His gestappo is close by, just out of view. Carter is wearing a predictable but well tailored suit.

Georgia is almost a pleasant suprise. Carter had half expected another punk anarch to be crawling to be crawling into his domain. At least this Kindred has some class, whoever he may be.

 "Good evening," with a slight nod. "I am Monsignore Goergio Giovanni, Unico Sangue Capo de Sanfield, Childe of Francesco Giovanni, Childe of Alphonso Giovanni, Childe of Concetta Giovanni the confessor to Claudius Giovanni. I have resided here for the span of a few years, dwelling in a small nearby community taking care of our families affairs when it was necessary. Recent events have been problematic for both of our affairs. I share your dislike of certain unhappy neighbors. I thought this would be a good reason for an introduction."

Carter nods in agreement. Allies against the Sabbat are welcome, as sticky as dealings with the Giovanni may become...

'Your timing is impeccable Monsignore Giovanni. My ignorance to your existance implies your family still respects the old agreements. If that is the case then i welcome you to my domain in these turmoulus nights.'

Carter will nod to the sheriff, again thanking him for his discretion in new arrivals.

 "The compact of 1528 is still practiced and obeyed. My family and I shall follow the accord perfectly, I hope you shall do the same. I know that occasionally an overzealous scourge might be confused. I would like to avoid that, ergoes my visit. I have had quite a yearning for some civilized arts and entertainment. Perhaps should you not be opposed, we can appreciate it together. I have no desire to involve any of my family in the political maneuverings in Sanfield. This would be a social event amongst our kind, nothing more. I know you shall not just take my word for this, here is a letter of formal introduction from Francesco my Capo, and your contact should you ever feel I have violated our accord. Occasionally there are tense relations between our groups, but as I can see you are a well mannered gentleman and am certain we shall get along amiably," handing him a formal letter with numerous contact numbers for verification.

 "My family and myself have been working toward an understanding of the miscreants tactics. I fear though we have discerned little. We shall continue with our work, I am certain it shall yield results eventually."

Carter will look over the letter quickly before slipping it into his coat. He seems pleased with the developing arrangement so far. His eyes settle back on Georgio. Calm and calculating.

'How many of your family currently reside within my domain?'

 "There is Allesio, and Natasha Milliner, a cousin. We have a few family agents about, seeing to our vested interests. I guess real family, maybe a thousand. Give or take. We are the backing agents for Gruppo Banco Leonardo, which should definitely bring a new resurgence of business to your town. I have a little community down by the lake, Fattoria De La Nava Somesso. Real nice place, quiet, controlled, just like I like it. Anything I need to know about this city? So I don't ehh how do you say, start off on the wrong foot."

{Continued from 'Lagniappe' in 'The Circuit'}

The ghoul arrives at the closest to the center of town that he could manage, with the small clay pot in hand, as instructed. Peeling the waxen seal away, scanning around to be sure he is not being watched, he pours the viscous liquid out upon the ground while holding his cellphone out in speakerphone-mode. As the last of the foul-smelling ichor slides from the jar and plops down into the puddle with a sickening splash, he says “It’s done” towards the phone. Drexl, on the other end, intones the name of the Prince and promptly hangs up. The ghoul puts his phone away, gets back in his car and returns to D-block whence he came.

The puddle begins to thicken and coalesce, building a strange, chimeric form resembling an amalgamation of its component parts, capable of only the most rudimentary ambulation.  Nearly a foot long and a translucent rust-color, it slithers along in a slug-like manner, though it is alarmingly quick, leaving a sickening mucous-trail in its wake that quickly dries into a chalky substance which will also disappear in but a few short moments, just long enough for someone to follow it on foot, if they so desired. It is single-minded in it’s purpose: find its target by the shortest possible route, a straight line.

Eventually, it will make its way to Zaine’s Parlor, of all places, squeezing itself through a window-pane and falling to the floor with a distinctive, wet, splat, reforming and continuing it’s straight line towards the Prince, his refined Malkavian sensibilities would almost certainly  confer the sensation that he is being watched as the thing slides across the room. When it is but an arm’s length away, it will give off a shrill, pitiful squeal before flipping over and thrashing about momentarily, then dissolving into a steaming pile of liquid once more. To any other observer, there are unmistakable characters in the rapidly dissipating goo, but they appear as utter gibberish.

To the Prince, and the Prince alone, the letters and symbols form a message:
------------------------------
Hail Wise Prince Carter Vanderweyden, I humble myself before thee. I am but a lowly serpent, cursed to crawl upon my belly and eat dust all the days of my life. I seek an audience with thy lordship, that I might formally request your permission to take up residence within the boarders of thy domain. I shall arrive with the next new-moon and submit myself to whatever probing thy infinite wisdom deems fitting that I might plead my case. I shall eagerly await your messenger, my liege. Godspeed, and my your reign be eternal.

~Alhmanic Drexler
---------------------------
The address of The Circuit is also given, within a few moments, the puddle has evaporated completely and the chalk-line indicating the direction it came from quickly follows. When it is completely gone, so too is the sensation of unseen eyes upon him.

Carter suddenly seems distracted. That feeling of being followed and watched is unnerving, he cracks his fingers into fists as the slug enters and disspates...

His eyes will narrow on the message it left behind, and he wont permit Zaine to squash it, as he surely will be wanting to.

'Interesting.'

 "What the fuck was that?" in disgust at the pool of ooze at Carters feet.

Carter will take a step or two away from the ooze when the message dissipates.

'Nothing to be concerned about my good man.' He says to Georgio.

'This domain has been less than quiet as of late. But rather than try and explain everything to you I would like to invite you and your family to our next gathering on the night of the full moon. What better way to avoid stepping on toes than to learn whose toes are there to step upon...'

Strange, Carters shift in demeanor. From buisnesslike to almost excited... all from an oversized slug.

 "That sounds delightful, I appreciate the invitation. Well until then, I must get back to business. It was a pleasure making both of your acquaintances," as he heads over toward the doorway. "We shall be in touch" exiting the building and getting into his car.

When Georgio leaves Carter will turn to Zaine.

'The snakes are coming sheriff, the snakes are coming.'