Subject: WAR: Ravenettes: "Getting to Toronto" Chapters 1, 2 & 3
Date: Thu, 5 Jul 2001 10:26:04 -0600
From: "kimmer" <kimmertom @ QWEST.NET>
Reply-To: kimmer <kimmertom @ QWEST.NET>
To: FKFIC-L @ LISTS.PSU.EDU

Ravenettes Faction, First Post, FK War 11

Thursday, July 5, 2001

by Kimmer, Jason, Alex, Mindi, Teresa, Leeann, Claudia, Molly & Kaiya

July 4, 2001

Kimmer opened her front door to see a blinking light on her answering machine. Setting the groceries down on the couch, she quickly tapped the button to retrieve the message.

"So, you are out. I wanted to speak with you, but i guess this silly machine will have to do. You need to come back to Toronto, Kimmer, you and the rest of my Ravenettes. We will have a lovely party and catch up. Bring some amusing, unique item with you".

Kimmer was grinning from ear-to-ear as she put the groceries she wouldn't be needing away. It was so good to hear Janette's voice again. It had been way too long. Kimmer finished her chore, opened a bottle of wine to celebrate, and pouring herself a large glass, picked up the phone to start making a few calls.

The doorbell rang before she could make the first call. Setting her wine glass and phone down, Kimmer hurried to the door. She opened it to find a courier with a package for her to sign. It was from Toronto.

Inside were tickets to fly from Seattle to Toronto. Janette wanted Kimmer to go to Washington state, join Lorna there, and then they were to fly to Toronto with Ravenettes Chanda and Time. Janette was taking care of getting Chanda and Time to Seattle--all Kimmer had to do was make sure they all arrived together.

Kimmer settled back in to call Lorna. "Great, I'm herding cats before I even get to Toronto," she muttered to herself, as she heard her friend's voice answering the telephone.

Lorna was happy to hear they were headed to Toronto again, although she had some bad news for Kimmer. She had broken her hip, and would be needing equipment and physical therapy during the war. Kimmer did not know if Janette knew this or not, but suddenly she was very grateful that Chanda and Time were joining her in Seattle. Their friend needed help and support.

July 5, 2001

Kimmer, Lorna, Chanda and Time were settled into the limo quite comfortably, with Miklos driving straight for the Raven. Kimmer stole a quick glance at Lorna, seeing that the trip was indeed taking a toll. She smiled appreciatively at Chanda and Time, grateful for their assistance in getting Lorna to Toronto safely.

Miklos pulled the limo around the back, and got out quickly to help with Lorna. Soon, the Ravenettes were at the bar, having a drink and visiting with Miklos and Alma. Lorna had a couple of pain pills and a glass of wine and was feeling much better. With the long trip behind them, the Ravenettes relaxed and partied.

Miklos and Alma got very quiet, and Kimmer followed their gaze. Janette was entering the room, dressed exquisitely in a black sleeveless gown. Ruby drop earrings and matching necklace gleamed in the pale light of the Raven. Her smile was dazzling.

All the Ravenettes waited in respectful silence as their Hostess greeted each one of them. Miklos quickly got Janette a glass of the House Special, which she took from him as she joined him behind the bar. Drinking deeply, she smiled coyly at Alma, who raised her own glass. The partying began.......

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

"Immigration Police. How may I help you?"

"Well, you can start by packing your bags and getting on a plane to Toronto. Pronto."

<<<<<<

Claudia had received the call two days ago and now she was impatiently waiting for her luggage by the carousel at the Toronto International Airport.

She watched as one by one her fellow passengers picked up their luggage and wondered what was keeping her bags. If the airline had misplaced her stuff, she'd make a royal scene. She needed everything she'd brought with her; no self-respecting Ravenette could allow herself to be seen wearing the same jeans and t-shirt for the whole duration of the upcoming war. It was simply out of the question. Unthinkable. A major no-no. A catastrophe the size of a --

Just as Claudia had rallied herself close to a hurricane state, her luggage arrived. Breathing a quiet sigh of relief, she quickly picked up her suitcases and headed for the doors.

Now, if she could just find a cab, she would *finally* be on her way to the Raven.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"Dang! This feels empty," the skycap exclaimed, staggering from over-compensating for weight that wasn't in the large bag he lifted, the third suitcase out of the trunk.

"Oh, it is," Teresa responded. "Got shopping plans in Toronto. What's a vacation without new clothes? Besides, I might want to bring home a Mountie. Ya never know!".

Getting no response from the skycap, Teresa paid off the taxi and checked in through Premier Class. Settling in her comfy first class seat for the flight to Toronto, she thought to herself, "Gotta thank Janette for the tickets, for promising to send Miklos to pick me up and for just generally injecting some style into my life. It's good to be a Ravenette".

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Stepping out of the taxi with a look of relief on his face at the sight of the Raven entrance, Alex stretched and allowed himself to finally relax. He paid the driver and took the bags handed to him. Alex was so very glad that the long trip was over.

Walking into the dark night club, he smiled when he saw some of the Ravenettes had already arrived. Miklos greeted Alex warmly and placed a glass of single malt Scotch on the bar in front of where Alex was sitting. Alma blew him a kiss in passing as she slinked off into the back room. After that long trip from Australia, it was the warm welcome that Alex needed. He finished his drink and Miklos poured another one immediately. Alex raised his glass in a salute, Miklos raised his back, and the other Ravenettes took turns to come over and greet Alex properly. He was home and ready for anything.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Stepping into the dark coolness of the air-conditioned Raven, LeeAnn closed her eyes in bliss. Toronto definitely had its' share of killer smog and hot days, quite unlike the foggy coastal town of Santa Cruz that she had left just this morning. Letting her bags drop from both shoulders with a shrug, she opened her eyes and caught sight of the rest of the Ravenettes at the bar. Grinning, LeeAnn headed over to join the group she hadn't seen for much too long.

<<<<<<<<<

finis chapter 1

Ravenettes Faction, Second Post, FK War 11

Thursday, July 5, 2001

by Kimmer, Jason, Alex, Mindi, Teresa, LeeAnn, Claudia, Molly & Kaiya

July 5, 2001

Kaiya sighed and glanced irritably at her slim silver wristwatch. Although she loved flying, and flying first class - courtesy of Janette, (which was definitely the best way to fly), nothing could keep the long flight from England to Toronto from being anything but boring. She was relieved to hear the pilot begin his landing spiel and she was one of the first off of the plane.

Stretching lightly, she soon found her assigned chauffeur, directing him to collect her luggage as she slipped away to freshen up. Kaiya regarded her reflection in the mirror, thinking that Janette would be pleased with what she saw.

A short black skirt hugged the tops of her legs, knee-high boots hugging her calves. She straightened her black halter top and twitched her black leather jacket into place. Her blonde hair was half-twisted up into a complicated-looking -- but simple to do -- concoction, wild ringlets cascading down around her face, the rest falling down her back. Kaiya rejoined her chauffeur, who quickly opened the back door to the limo. Settling back in her seat for the short journey to the Raven, she couldn't help but wonder why Janette was summoning her faction now. "Something important must be up," she thought to herself.

The door was opened for her and she flashed the driver a quick smile, grabbing her bags and hurrying into the Raven. Her smile broadened as she joined the group of people she'd been looking forward to meeting, and of course, her Mistress. Janette came around the bar, surveying the newest arrival, up-and-down quickly. Her approval shone in her eyes. "Very nice, ma chere," she purred.

Kaiya smiled gratefully at Janette. Oh yes, this would be fun!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Jason shifted uncomfortably in his seat, just waking up from a short and fitful sleep. "I hate sleeping in planes", he mumbled to himself.

He'd been terribly excited, only a few days before, at the opportunity to come to Toronto. Then the reality of the long flight from Melbourne, almost 24 hours, had dawned on him. To make matters worse, the plane had not served any Australian beer. "And I don't suppose there'll be any to be found, anywhere at all in Canada", he thought gloomily.

After what seemed an eternity, the plane finally landed in Toronto. Jason stood to get off the plane, his neck was sore from the uncomfortable position he'd been sleeping in. He was so tired and jet-lagged.

After picking up his baggage, he hailed a cab and headed to the Raven. When he got there, he found Janette in the process of welcoming her guests. She smiled and said, "Welcome, Jason. I've had a selection of Australian beers specially imported for your stay with us".

Jason smiled appreciatively and thought to himself, "This might not be so bad". He sat down at the bar, and Miklos came over with a coaster in hand. "I don't suppose you have any Toohey's Blue, do you?" he asked, daring to hope for his favorite. Miklos nodded and said, "Yes, we certainly do!". Jason watched with a satisfied look as the long stream of amber liquid flowed into the glass. Taking the offered glass, he took a sip, refreshing and cold, just right. "This is going to be good," he thought to himself, as he turned to meet the Ravenettes gathered around the newest arrival.

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finis chapter 2

Ravenettes Faction, Third Post, FK War 11

Thursday, July 5, 2001

by Kimmer, Jason, Alex, Mindi, Teresa, LeeAnn, Claudia, Molly & Kaiya

July 4, 2001

Mindi paused as she stood by the small marble-topped table, her fingers reaching for the phone. As she turned, she caught a glimpse of herself in the beveled-edge, etched-glass antique mirror which hung on the wall....

Knee-high boots of the finest Italian calfskin covered her legs, the small silver glint of her spurs sparkling in the dim light of the entry-room. Breeches of the deepest shade of cranberry were fastened around her slender waist with a narrow belt of black leather, which matched her boots. A blazingly white shirt covered her upper body, concealing a small but well-muscled, compact physique. The top buttons were undone, the stiff collar she had to wear when she was showing her horses had hurriedly been ripped off and flung into one of the many voluminous closets. Her coat of fitted black linen had been abandoned as she entered her house, lying carelessly flung over a chair. Long raven-black hair, with a slightly purplish cast, was tightly plaited but still hung down well past her waist in a braid as soon as it had been released from the black velvet helmet that sat on the chair with her jacket.

"Hmmmm" she murmured to herself, "considering the high exchange rate in our favor, the quality of horses, and the fact that Spruce Meadows is coming up....." she paused again. Amber eyes narrowed slightly as she thought. Suddenly, she slapped her palm firmly against the table, causing an echoing sound in the otherwise silent room as she picked up the phone. "That's it! I'm going to Canada!". Hurriedly she dialed...

July 5, 2001

"Ahhh" Mindi purred as she quickly disembarked. "I'm so glad Janette has such wonderful taste!". She stretched quickly, thankful to be off the plane after such a long trip. Her limo driver, Henri, was at the gate to greet her. He was loading her luggage, already customs-cleared, onto a wheeled carrier for the trip to the car. Henri opened the back door for Mindi, put her luggage in the trunk, and climbed in behind the driver's wheel.

The sun was already down when they pulled into Toronto evening traffic. Mindi wanted to go to the stables and check on her horses, but it would have to wait until the morning. She knew they were being taken very good care of, and she was anxious to meet Janette and her Ravenette companions. Using the phone in the car, she called the stables just to ease her mind about the horses, and then settled back comfortably in her seat for the duration of the ride.

Mindi opened the door to the Raven, to be greeted by sounds of great mirth. Kimmer looked up from where she sat at the bar, and seeing the new Ravenette, hurried to greet her.

"Hi, Mindi, isn't it?" Kimmer asked, as Mindi nodded. "Well, come on in, glad to have you here! This is great, how it all worked out, the faction getting together at a time of year when you had a horse show. You're going to be the busy one, no doubt!". Kimmer took Mindi by the arm, and steered her to the bar.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Molly opened the priority package that had just arrived, then replayed the voice mail message again. " 'Bring something strange'? Hmmmm..." she looked around the room. Other than her wardrobe and make-up, she didn't really possess anything strange...except...

With a soft screeching noise, Molly called to her newest pet, which happily rolled over and uncoiled with an answering screech. "Guess what, Bill? We're going to Toronto!".

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Over two hours had passed since Janette had sent Miklos out again. Kimmer took yet another head count and bit her lip, glancing anxiously at Janette. The femme fatale of Toronto's vampire community was looking more and more irritated as time passed. The rest of the Raven-ettes had long since arrived and were happily swapping stories over drinks. Just then the front door swung open and the last of the Raven-ettes to arrive sauntered in, followed at a careful distance by Miklos, who was keeping a wary eye on Molly's carry-on bag, which appeared to be wriggling. Wriggling?!

For the moment, Janette ignored the bag and looked Molly up and down. Knee-high, flat-soled black boots, black fish nets, sleeveless turtleneck black mini-dress, and an underbust corset in black PVC printed with computer circuitry and buckled in front with three straps. "Very nice," she purred in approval, "but you're late".

"Thank you, Mademoiselle. I'm sorry, but --" Molly held up a pack of cigarettes and shrugged. "I had to trade in the non-stop ticket you sent for something more accommodating".

"What's in the bag?" "Did you bring your lizard?" the other Ravenettes wanted to know.

"Yup!" Molly unzipped the bag and hauled out three feet of armor plating. "Say 'hi' to the gang, Bill". The four-petaled snout opened in a screech, revealing rows of tiny sharp teeth.

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finis chapter 3 end arc

the gang's all here!!!:-)