Meeting of the Minds ((RP for cannotbetraced))

[prodigalwatcher]

Wesley's email to Logan had been terse, but the particulars, he felt, were a little too sensitive to discuss openly.

From: Wesley Wyndam-Pryce
To: Logan Cale

Priority: High
Security: High

Subject: A favour

Logan,

I was wondering if I couldn't interest you in that drink and collaboration you mentioned. I'm in the Northern California area on business, so I hope that's sufficiently in the middle for us to meet.

Sincerely,
Wesley Wyndam-Pryce

And so Wesley found himself in a bar once more, though one slightly more upscale than the demon-run or vampire-frequented establishments of his usual haunts. It wouldn't have done to ask someone like Logan, so uninitiated, to risk such a location. And so, it was a quiet and dark hotel lounge, but one that was sure to provide enough cover for what was sure to be an unusual conversation.

Comments

[cannotbetraced.livejournal.com]

As Wesley explained about words focusing magic--talking about magic in casual conversation--Logan was tempted, as he had been throughout this meeting, to take notes. He didn't for two reasons. One, it'd be kind of rude to haul his laptop out mid-conversation, and two, well. It wasn't like he'd ever be in a position to use this kind of information. Much as he was starting to wish that someday, maybe, he could. Talk about wanting to save the world in a meaningful way...

He still had about half of his beer left when Wesley signaled for another round, since being careful about drinking anything, especially in public, was getting to be habit. But, again, he didn't want to be rude by refusing, so he took a long drink of his first beer, trying to get closer to finishing it off. He swallowed, then smiled. "No problem. Anytime."

"So, okay," he continued, after the waitress had come by with fresh drinks, "am I right in thinking that we should probably get him to come to us willingly? Be easier, right?" He grinned. "Might even be kinda fun. We could create an online persona, some really pathetic, lonely teenager, and dangle the bait."

[OOC: If you wanted this to go in a different direction, just let me know. Or if you want them to try this way and have it not work so they DO have to track him down and figure out a different way to get rid of him, that's cool, too. I'm easy to get along with.]

[prodigalwatcher.livejournal.com]

Wesley thought over the idea, scratching absently a bit at the day's growth of beard he seemed unable to erase completely every morning. "It wasn't a scenario I'd actually considered, to tell the truth," he admitted. "We typically don't dangle a carrot when dealing with entities as dangerous as Moloch, since it involves either endangering a real innocent or trying to pass one of ourselves as one, and that rarely works."

"But," Wesley continued, "considering the unique situation here, it could definitely work. I doubt that an electronic being would be able to smell a lack of fear or sense an air of confidence, the usual tells." He nodded. "It could definitely work."

"I suppose there's no time like the present to start casting bait, yes? Unless there's more you'd need to prepare for creating this particular false front." Taking a sip of his second drink, Wesley worked to recall more information about Moloch. "Ah, yes," he said, remembering, "apparently Moloch has a favorite feeding ground: I believe it's called 'MySpace'?"

[cannotbetraced.livejournal.com]

What Wesley said about not usually dangling bait at demons made sense, now that Logan thought about it.

He took a drink, finishing his first beer, then shook his head when Wesley asked about needing more time. "No, we can start now," he said, reaching for his bag, which was hooked over the back of his chair. He unlocked the brakes and pushed back from the table slightly, in order to have room to set the bag on his lap and get his computer out. "Assuming I can get online from here, that is."

Logan looked up from unzipping the bag. "MySpace? Yeah, I'm familiar with it, though I don't use it. People--mostly teenagers--create personal profiles. Pages with pictures of themselves, what music they like, that sort of stuff."

After moving his drink aside, he moved closer to the table again, opened his laptop, and booted it up. Then he looked around the screen, over at Wesley, and gestured with a nod to the space beside him. "You want to move around so we both can see the screen? We can go to MySpace, see about getting some inspiration."

[OOC: *is so amused by all of this* Yeah, they can get it set up now, then maybe one--or both?--could get a different computer for the spell? I think Logan would prefer his laptop to stay intact. And you know, I think I'm going to email you before this OOC note gets longer than the tag.]

[prodigalwatcher.livejournal.com]

Wesley watched as Logan deftly retrieved his laptop from its bag and began powering it up. Although certainly not the tyro he had been once with the technology, he still often found himself in admiration of his peers who showed such facility with the devices. It was yet another tool, another skill he intended to add to his repertoire. Wesley nodded, pulling his chair around to have a view of the screen.

"A great number of teenagers, all in one place? Moloch would consider it a farmer's market. Definitely the place to start."

As Logan paged through some of the site's content, Wesley noted the time on the computer's clock. He checked it against his own watch and cursed quietly.

"My friend, I'm afraid I am about to be terribly rude. I have something of a working appointment in half an hour, and the individual I'm meeting is particularly unsavoury. I trust we can continue this tomorrow?" Wesley laid out a few bills on the table. "And I insist on covering your room, as I was the one who did the inviting. I'll let the front desk know."

Wesley patted himself down, insuring he hadn't left anything behind. "I'd invite you along to observe, but I think we'd both rather your very first encounter with a demon not involve having to wipe ichor off of your glasses. Trust me." He stood and put a hand on Logan's shoulder. "Give me a ring when you're ready tomorrow. Room 1123."

[cannotbetraced.livejournal.com]

Wesley moved over to look at the computer with him, and Logan went to a random page on MySpace, then clicked on random profiles, showing him how people presented themselves and interacted with others on the site. He also pointed out the different ways they customized their profiles with music, listed interests, and pictures.

Logan paused halfway down a page and turned, raising an inquiring eyebrow, as Wesley checked his watch and swore.

"Sure, no problem," he replied, nodding, when Wesley asked about continuing tomorrow. He wanted to refuse Wesley's offer to pay for his room, since the politeness wasn't necessary and the other man had already bought the drinks, but it wasn't exactly an offer, and what was he supposed to do, go tell the desk clerk no, he'd pay for it himself? Instead, he just nodded again. "Thanks."

Logan looked up and gave Wesley a small smile when he stood to leave. "No, it's fine. I understand." He shrugged and nodded at the laptop. "I'll keep browsing MySpace, maybe write up a list of ideas we might want to use."

He turned slightly and extended his hand. "Will do," he said, in response to Wesley telling him to call in the morning. "And good luck tonight."