1/19/2003

11:31 PM

Logfile from Sebastian.

 

                                 Starbuck's                                

---------------------------------==========---------------------------------

The heady aromas of ground coffee permeates the air and seeps through every corner of the room. The counter takes up the entire lower level of the cafe, a line forming past the glass case filled with cakes, cookies, and pastries. The customers list and pay for their orders at the cashier's end while the drinks are prepared at the other. Everything from your basic house blend to venti decaf caramel expresso. The menu at the back depicts just about any imaginable flavor and blend of drinks as well as different roasted beans for home brewing.  In this particular establishment, all the items are to go only, though you can bring them up the winding staircase at the side to the upper lounge.

On the second floor, there are clusters of rather comfortable sofas, loveseats, and armchairs around low coffee tables. They are often filled with people sitting around just chatting quietly over their drinks and treats. In the far corner where there happens to be a trio of single seaters, a cluster of giggling girls seem to be rather engaged in enthusiastic conversation about some anime game while drinking coffee or caramel apple cider and munching on several boxes of chocolates.

Malachai(#306) is here.

 

Just another day in NYC, at least that's what it looks like from the outset. The man up at the counter however is perhaps one of the more colorful looking in this particular neighborhood. On the outskirts of Chinatown, it is rare to see those of mixed asian and european ethnicity as opposed to other sections, but then again, this is a Starbucks and as yuppy-trendy as it can get. Malachai is waiting for his order, some combination that undoubtedly is composed of primarily sugar and caffeine, yet such a normal action might be viewed with curiousity given the rather eclectic choice of clothing he's wearing. He would not seem out of place, or rather he would look more native in the Village or maybe SoHo.

 

Reclining in a plush chair upon the second floor of the establishment is Sebastian. Actually deigning to appear once more in such a place, he is currently involved in a bit of a discussion with one of the many employees here. "No, really..." his voice drawling with that cultured South African accent of his, "I had nothing whatsoever to do with that. Clearly you are mistaken." Head shakes slowly from side to side at the young woman, "Perhaps I can ease your concerns, miss..." A brief flicker of money changing hands and he is nearly cooing at the woman, "But if she should come here again, it will only be as a customer and should naturally be treated with the respect she is do."

 

Malachai retrieves his order and climbs the stairs to the upper floor lounge, one hand with a steaming cup, the other carrying a portfolio bag many artists have been known to use to transport their work. Certainly this young man is colorful enough to be one. Another server in passing asks if he is in need of assistance and he shakes his head, replying in a surprisingly British accent. "No, that will not be necessary." Jade eyes search the lounge, gauging it carefully before he selects the empty seat near Sebastien. The scene there is given a cursory look, but etiquette demands that he not interfere.

 

Sebastian gives the employee another bob of his head to make sure the point is well understood before he is releasing her hand, "Thank you for your discretion. Our dearest Lexie shouldn't be a problem for you anymore." He flashes the woman a wink before sending her off with a negligent wave. Only then does the young man draw back in the seat, shifting in his position, hand reaching over to take up his mug once more. As he does so, Malachai's presence is noted with a tight smile, "Good day."

 

"Good day." Malachai replies over the rim of his own mug, reclining back in the stuffed seat with a look of pleasure as the heat from the beverage sinks in. "Pardon me, but I was a mite curious about the little chat you were having with the serving girl there. Bit of an aggro there, eh chap? Couldn't help but notice that you mentioned some bit named Lexie? I don't suppose you mean a lady who's got her hands on a mech's lot down by the docks?"

 

Sebastian refuses to look startled. No, that simply wouldn't do. Instead, a rather tight smirk addresses his features as he turns his head to the side to plainly regard Malachai. Rather unamused at this new turn of events as the almost annoyed glare of his eyes show, he still manages that smile, "I'm sorry, and you are...?"

 

Sebastian settles his coffee back down, reaching over to take the offered hand, "A pleasure. Sebastian Davis, formerly of Cape Town." There is a moment of fading grinning. "Really? How odd. Whyever would you be looking for this... Lexie?" A touch of actual protectiveness imbues his voice as he speaks, surprising even him.

 

If anything, that answer only makes Malachai smile once again, firm grip on Sebastian's letting go after a moment. "Oh I was told to give whatever assistance I could to this young woman. It might sound somewhat peculiar to some, but..." His voice trails off, returning in a far more hushed tone that aught not to carry beyond the two of them. "It was something of a dream. I just know that I have to meet her. Isn't that odd? Now I have had the odd vision now and again, particularly when it comes to my art, but this particular quest of mine has a certain urgency to it. Now again, might this Lexie you mentioned fit the description I gave?"

 

Sebastian didn't get where he is in life without knowing how to protect his interests, and protect them he shall. "Amazing how that just happens." Although, he doesn't sound all that amazed about it. He really could do with Reese about now, just to make sure. Doing his best to sound negligent, "It is entirely possible, then again there are so many women with that name. Actually, I'm rather interested in this quest of yours. You wouldn't happen to have an actual... physical evidence of this, would you?" he shrugs his shoulders, "I'm sure you would know what I'm talking about if we are on the same page." Briefly the possibility of watching this Malachai drop his trous to show off a pretty glowing symbol on his rear or something flashes through his mind. Now, wouldn't that be entertaining.

 

Malachai is was fairly certain before, though the question now has confirmed it. "I can't believe this has come down to a matter of I'll show you mine if you show me yours, but if that is what it will take to prove myself." It does not take him much effort to do so anyway and his otherly senses have already hinted at something similar in the man before him. Raising a hand, he lightly lifts up some of the fly away tendrils of black hair away from his forehead and for a moment a flicker of something red and black appears. 'Yang' for brightness and sun. Then his hand drops away and the glow dies away. The jade green eyes narrow and his grin turns feral. "And you?"

 

Sebastian isn't quite so trusting though. Instead, he seems to bob his head in understanding, casually flickering a glance about. "Enchanting," he drawls. " You must be one of those corruption, people. That makes three represented. It's simply amazing how we just manage to find each other like this." Starbucks must be some kind of onisenshi calling grounds. "The Lexie you were referring to... is more than likely the same Lexie that I know. And she is quite the character as well."

 

Malachai is an artist, he lives to be flashy and attention getting. Screw that whole arcane bit, he's into fame and accolades. A nod is directed at Sebastian as he finishes off his mug. "That would fit the bill. I am not as surprised however, we are being drawn here and our numbers are bound to grow." He is pleased to hear that this particular quest is nearly over though. "From what I was told and from what I envisioned, I am not surprised to hear that she is. Intriguing at least, though I suspect that she not exactly the genteel thing that I had hoped if what I overheard is correct."

 

Sebastian's smile is slight. Never mind that he has asked Reese, many times, whether or not they have the right miko and if it would be possible to get a different one. Alas, that apparently isn't the case, "She is certainly unique, and quaint in her own way -as I'm sure everyone is. Alas, her story isn't mine to tell. You should meet her yourself."

Malachai nods agreeably. "I'm sure I should. In due time, it is getting late and it would not be polite to drop in unexpectedly at such an hour. If you could provide me an address or contact number, it would be of great assistance." Don't make him look it up in the phone book that means. "Out of curiosity though, might I ask.. what you were marked with?" Looking into the mirror one morning and seeing something on his forehead was a real trip and he was sure he wasn't even drugged that time.

 

Sebastian is still not quite so forthcoming. "I'm Ichijin," he murmurs, bending over to scratch a quick note on the back of one of his business cards. One one side is the embossed symbol of Davis Industries, with the little note of Sebastian Davis being the CEO. "Here... is her number and address. I'm sure she will know right off who you are. But, if you have a problem, mention me." He then hands the card over, "She is quite eccentric, but seems to actually know something of what she is about."

 

Malachai gives the card a quick scrutiny then tucks it away inside of his outer jacket and nods. "It was a pleasure to meet you. Undoubtedly we will meet again. If you are inclined, please drop by my gallery." He reaches into a different pocket and comes up with a card of his own, one that indicates the Illusions art gallery in the De Courtenay building that's ironically on the same street as this coffee shop. The building had recently changed hands and redecorated, it's new owner having gone to great expense to do so. "In the end, that is what matters. That she can accomplish what she was chosen to do."

 

Sebastian nods his head to Malachai, grin tickling at the corner of his lip, "Oh, I've no doubt that we will." With that, the young man draws forward, moving to stand to his full length. "And the pleasure was all mine... Malachai. Its always nice to see more people of like interests." Chin drops at a bit of a nod to him, before he moves to start away.

 

Malachai lifts a hand in farewell, smiling as he's undoubtedly pleased at the timeliness of this meeting. "Till next time then Sebastian." With that he'll linger for a bit yet in the warmth of the cafe before venturing out into the cold.