"Rest? Heh... Well, maybe," says Blackstone, swirling the meager remnants of the Raki in his glass and downing it with a pleased grimace. "Never quite seems to work out that way for me."

He glances around hopefully for Ayetkin, his emptied glass still in hand.

"Na Ja, Herr Conroy. You have heard of meine Ganz." Karl beamed. "She is a beautiful wonder."

Ayetkin again seems to appear from nowhere, and pours a drink of Raki for Leland. The pre teen leans in close but the others can hear his broken English like a soft slap in the face of the English speaking brotherhood.

"mis ter, u waant infor may shion, ey half zome tings, fo oo for drakmas."

[OOC:] I will be very busy tomorrow so don't expect any feedback from me until late Friday or perhaps early Saturday [/OOC]

Before he leaves, Volos sips his drink and smiles at Conroy. "If you knew my story, I'd hardly be as good at my job as I am."

Blackstone downs his glass swiftly.

"Excuse us, fellows. It's late, and Ayetkin is going to show me to my room. Goodnight."

He smiles politely and gently ushers the serving boy from the room.

:OOC: How do we handle this? It doesn't matter to me if everyone reads the info, but if you want to preserve (or create) dramatic tension, you can PM me the info. Blackstone will moderately overpay the boy, but admonish him to be careful about how he spends it and who he lets know of the money, then sends him on his way.:/OOC:

"Guten Abend, meine Herren." Karl stands and reflexively clicks his heels. "I shall see you soon, Herr Conroy."

"Yes, but today after tomorrow, I believe your ship will come in. Though you will also find some unexpected assistance. Good day gentlemen." With that a smile and a quick turn of the heel Conroy is gone.

Ayetkin leads Captain Blackstone to the sign in register, and flips a few pages back. Some time in April 1929 a name appears that inexplicably sends his spine tingling. Leland Blackstone. The signature was unmistakeable, as Captain Blackstone's own father. “Dis man wus heree” clutching the money he revived. With a little more coaxing the boy only knows that the room he was in is the same that Volos will be staying in.

[OCC] The next few days you all can spend perusing your individual pursuits, however in the next day or so you all receive an engraved invitation to board the yacht "Centurions Hope" on December 30th for short cruise, and celebration of the new decade. [/OOC]

Ian returns to the desk and finishes checking in under the name Yan Shifu. The porter led him to a set of rooms with a clear view of the bay. With the door safely closed behind him, Ian opened his single traveling case and carefully unpacked a fine silk suit of traditional Chinese style. He donned the familiar, comforting clothing of his former life. For the next several hours Ian worked through his forms, though it did little to settle the quiet rage that burned in his chest. He required action.

The Duke of Argyll, looking for all the world like a British trader gone native in the Orient, knocked on his friend's door. "Evening, Burt. Up for a bit of breaking and entering, perhaps some larceny, and, if we're very, very lucky, some reaping of bloody vengeance?"

[OOC]Here's how I picture Ian's clothing: [/OOC]

[OOC] Hmmm [/OOC]

[OOC] My apologizes for slowing to a crawl. [/OOC]

I will take it the next few statements will take place over the next few days, you have slightly over a week before the "party" which will be next foreseeable scene.

Ian: You do know the purported location of the botanist, which I am presuming you are intending on making some unsubtle inquiry upon. Potentially with Burt's help. Though I think this kind of action may require a fate point to go against the "Born a Duke, Raised A Temple Orphan" as no one has recently put you up against your "no one may attack me with impunity" Aspects.
Nurhan Atasoy is the botanist who was able to "hybridize" the black lotus. This was done at the Karabali Gardens there in Istanbul.

Burt: As for Ian's situation "Get Out While the Gettin's Good" against the back-story guilt you feel also may be in play here... I don't know. However also you are also difficult to break from work "My work is my focus" but you are due for a break.

Leland: So far there is nothing else to find out other that what you know already, now. How far are you willing to pursue, and what specifically?

Volos: Unless you are engaged by some else your "vacation" will run smoothly for the moment... that's when, sh...

Karl: The ship is due in a couple of days, what are your preparations? I would guess you will be attending the dock when it arrives. Anyone else coming or invited?

/Conroy is very scarce the next few days, he is preparing for quite a bit. Not even Burt knows the extent. But in passing and the short meeting with Karl. Conroy intends to have "The Goose" be towed out by the "Centurions Hope" on the 30th and have Karl preform his demonstrations, on the 31'st weather permitting.