"Good evening, gentlemen" Tabetha greeted the 5 other Tremere in city, pausing to nod specifically to butt-boy and then the only other female in the room. "And lady, of course; I am glad you could all come on such short notice." It came to her realization that minus Max, there were six of them; Strauss would have made seven. The number seven shows up a lot, she noted. That and the number twelve- both of those are such very powerful numbers with a great many mystical properties...
"As I am sure you aware by now, our Regent and Harpy Maximillian Strauss has been recalled to Vienna. I have been contacted on this matter directly from the Seven, and they have advised that I am to act as Regent until a more suitable replacement can be assigned to our Chantry. In the role of acting Regent, I shall retain my position as Primogen, unless anyone objects, of course."
So far, all were silent. She was following the script that the Founder had laid out for her, and so far it was working perfectly.
"Not an objection, per say," butt boy – Rutger, his name was – spoke up. "More of an inquiry, really; is there any chance that Master Strauss will be returning?"
Tabetha smiled thinly and scanned the others before settling her gaze on Rutger. She took no small amount of pleasure in realizing that all of them shuffled a half step backwards as her gaze passed them by.
"That is a fair question Rutger, and one I would have asked myself if I were your age." This comment felt like she was pushing it a little, but the Founder assured her it would be fine. Rutger was the youngest apprentice in the room; handpicked and groomed by Strauss himself to be embraced by Cassandra. This took place about five years ago. "Normally, when one is recalled in the manner that Maximillian was, it is unlikely he will ever be seen again, I am saddened to have to tell you."
"I don't understand." Rutger said. "Why was he recalled?"
Tabetha offered him a wan smile; the butt-boy was getting to be an annoyance, and his line of questioning was not only starting to get tiresome but could prove problematic before much longer. To deal with this, she didn't really need advice from the Founder; the solution was obvious.
"The Seven did not get into specifics, Rutger." She said icily. "Apparently there were certain...inconsistencies found in regards to his review with the Pontifex. I was advised that Maximillian agreed to return to Vienna in order to prevent the necessity for the Seven to send in an Astor." She opted to leave her statement stand there; the implicit language evidently captured by all in the room. Rutger and Strauss were getting quite close, and the possibility that the former Regent was a traitor would make Rutger a suspect of the same if he pressed any further.
"Are there any more questions?" She asked. "If not, then I have said all I need to for the moment, and I will keep each of you up to date if there are any more developments."
One by one, the Tremere began to file out to go about their affairs. All had departed except for Rutger. He waited until everyone was gone except for Tabetha and himself.
"Actually, acting Regent, I do have one more question." He said. "This is not about any Clan matter; I wouldn't question the wisdom of any decision made by the Seven. My concern is in regards to my Court position. With Master Strauss gone, LA is without a Harpy proper. Do I get promoted, or will my age and lack of experience be an issue?"
That was actually a good question. So far, it would appear that there would be no trouble; but with Therese in Praxis, such things could be unpredictable to say the least. Yes, she accepted Cameron as Seneschal and he was around the same age as the rest of what the Kindred population had taken to calling 'the Super Seven' (there was the number seven again), but she suspected the Ventrue got the position by working some angle. It seemed unlikely that Rutger could have any angle of his own. Once again, Tabetha saw an opportunity here; one she picked out unassisted.
"The very fact you are asking that suggests a modicum of doubt in your own abilities, Rutger." She pointed out. "While I commend your sense of order, this apparent lack of confidence is bothersome. I'll tell you what; I will confer with the Seneschal and Her Highness and recommend you retain your role as assistant Harpy under a new appointee. Will that be suitable?"
After a brief moment of considering his options, Rutger nodded once sharply. He turned to leave.
"I have one more thing, assistant Harpy." She called. Rutger stopped and turned slowly back to face her. "This Chantry has seen enough turmoil in recent nights. Therefore for the low cost of a minor boon I offer to inform the Seven that your apparent closeness with Strauss is purely coincidental; that he was using you as a pawn which was ignorant to his schemes at worst. This will put you under no more scrutiny than any of us."
Rutger produced the small red leather booklet that served as his ledger and scribbled the exchange into his records. No words were needed; his record of it was consent enough. "Am I dismissed, acting Regent?" he asked. Tabetha waved him off. He departed, perhaps a little too eagerly for her taste, but then he was likely terrified.
Well done, Child. I will have use for that very soon.
"Thank you, Master." She said aloud without realizing it.
Now it was a matter of going to Cameron; which in many ways fit in with the Founder's grand plan. He wanted her to increase her influence over the Court; but not to take Praxis. This was a play for power, and true power is not in the seat of authority, but in the voice closest to the ear of the one seated in the throne. She had a pretty good idea whom the Ventrue would recommend offering the Harpy office to. Given the hour, she also had a very good idea where she could find him; Cameron the mighty Seneschal was getting predictable lately. Kindred or not, he was still male, and infatuated with that Toreador tramp dancer. He would probably be at Vesuvius watching her simulate some sex act and call it dancing.
Watch that one, child; there is more to her than you know. I can sense it.
