My people? with BWS2K

[BWS2K]

The Baroness watched and listened patiently as Drew gave his counter-offer. She was not accustomed to being refused but this was all new territory for her, in more ways than one. And, in the end, if it proved disadvantageous, she could probably always destroy him.

Letting his question linger a moment, she finally spoke: "An alliance then? That does sound intriguing..."

It was her turn to pace, which she did, like an apex predator deciding to attack or not.

"...Very well then, Drew Meyers, I agree. I will contact you with this machine, if you would teach me how, if ever I or my neophytes are ever in need. You shall, in turn, have free passage throughout my domain here in the New World."

The prospect was virtually delicious with potential and for the first time in a long time Baroness Blood was in danger of being nearly giddy with anticipation.

Only nearly though.

She returned to Drew's side and extended her hand: "Are we agreed, Drew Meyers?"

[heroesdreamer]

Drew was relieved as the Baroness didn't immediately order his execution but instead began to pace herself, a few minutes later offering her conditions. "That sounds good to me, and I would be happy to show you how to use the computer. I'll even hook up my email so it's right there" he offered, feeling not only a sense of relief but also a sense of a beginning. He took her hand and shook it firmly, bowing his head as a sign of respect, before saying "I believe we'll have a long and fulfilling relationship!"

Stepping closer to the computer, he motioned her forward. "So the VPN will always be on, so you don't have to do anything there, but if you need to get ahold of me" and then he paused while he made his email very accessible, including a link right to it. "Just click on this and an email will open and you'll be able to type whatever you want. Do you want to give it a try? Give me a fake command?" he asked, wondering if he would need to show the Internet to the Baroness and if so, how far that would go.

[BWS2K]

The Baroness leaned in and observed Drew's actions closely. It was technology wholly unfamiliar to her, sure, but memorizing and deciphering arcane symbols was something she had some experience in.

There was a slight edge of eager curiosity in her demeanor, however, as she replied: "I won't be the one to work this machine regularly, you understand, but I will, as you say, 'give it a try'. Something rather better than a command will do though..." In the shadows and from elsewhere crept many vampiric minions, intensely interested in the sight. They were all recently turned and had retained at least a passing knowledge about computers and the Internet, but they'd never seen their mistress so engaged with a task.

Typing slower than seemed possible for a being of such immense power and speed, she click-clacked out a simple message in the appropriate field...

To Whom It May Concern,

This electronic message shall serve as notice that Drew Meyers is willing and accepted ally of Lady Lily Cromwell, the Baroness Blood, and is to be afforded all privileges and accommodations such status accords. Let our enemies take note.

Sincerely,
LC

With more genuine delight than she'd had in years, the Baroness clicked the SEND button. Faint whispers of satisfaction and excitement passed along the minions in the chamber.

"I do believe this will be a most prosperous partnership, indeed, Drew Meyers!"

[heroesdreamer]

Drew smiled as the Baroness leaned in to watch, then she confessed that she would not be using the computer most of the time, but that she would indeed give it a try. Drew smiled, showing his fangs for the first time in a long while, then he saw the others all creeping forward. He then realized that she had called him so that her minions would be able to be online, and that made him happy.

What made him even happier was what the Baroness wrote, basically making it official that he was her ally and under her protection, it still felt weird but he figured he'd get used to it in time. Looking at her, he bowed again before nodding in agreement. "Thank you" was all he said at the moment, though he quickly followed it up with "Don't worry about disturbing me, email me any time you need help, though of course I will only be able to answer at night. But I do look forward to helping as well as not being alone anymore." Then he asked "Is that all you need of me tonight? If so, I'lll let you guys get used to the computer and head home before the sun comes up." He then ran a hand through his hair and shuffled a bit, waiting to see if there was anything else.

[BWS2K]

"Yes, yes," the Baroness said absently, eyes now glued to the glowing monitor, "We'll be in touch..."

Drew was almost forgotten as she interacted with the machine with the awkward determination that comes from curiosity and novelty. Her minions crowded ever closer, watching quietly and smiling when she clicked an icon or found a new function. They weren't stupid - many had been turned only within the last few weeks and were, on some level, quite familiar with technology in its myriad forms. No, this was more of a sort of submissive pride to watch their mistress conquering yet another frontier. Truly, she was terrible and magnificent to behold at all times.

And they could read just as well as Drew or the Baroness, meaning they'd seen her e-mail and would abide its terms. If Drew was in need of aid, they were duty bound, by order of their mistress, to respond. He was part of the burgeoning community now, and it was unlikely that their numbers would remain completely secret for much longer.

Baroness Blood, for her part, was intensely interested in this Solitaire game that she just discovered...

[fin]