2.1 Family Jewels

PeanutGalleryRaveena: "There could be going?"

Chase [re: Bannon]: "It isn't like he's going to eat me."
Raveena: "Bad choice of words."
Chase: "... Yet."

Stefan: "Raveena, what have you been checking out this whole time?"
Raveena: "My ass."

Deaver: "Could you put a flag up when you're being sarcastic?"

Deaver: "So it's like magical steroids."
Chase: "I was thinking Viagra, but whatever."

PeanutGalleryRaveena: "You can sell your body to the night, doc!"

Gabe: "Astral projection. It's like a magical 'yellow submarine'."

PeanutGalleryRaveena: "You create a magic circle out of underpants." PeanutGalleryGabe: "THAT was step two!"

Gabe is (not very) hard at work in the Phillipi herb gardens. This is his third week on the job with Eric as his supervisor. Taking a quick smoke break, he blows a noxious cloud over a little leafy green plant as he hears Eric coming up behind him. Eric waves the smoke away from his charges and berates Gabe's methods. Apparently deciding that Gabe needs watching more closely, Eric starts working by his side. They talk about Eric's techniques, and his phenomenal green thumb. After they work around each other for a bit with only stilted conversational efforts, Eric asks Gabe if he has ever heard of something called the "Illetar rocks". He hasn't. Eric goes on to say that it seems The Boss, Devon Boyd-Townsend, is looking for them. Gabe gets the impression Eric would really like to be able to provide him with some info. Eric whines about Devon a bit, tries one more time to see if Gabe is holding out on him and actually knows about these rocks, and then takes his leave.

* * *

Chase is going through a stack of paperwork in the office at the morgue. The buzzer in the waiting area sounds, and she goes out through check-in to stop short at the sight of Dr. Charles Bannon strolling through the door. Chase is very guarded, but Bannon has just come for a little chat. He reveals that he knows a great deal about the Scoobies' recent goings-on: the budding relationship between Raveena and Harrison, Geoff's new position at City Hall, her own move to the morgue. Chase hints at Stefan's arrival in town, but backs off when it doesn't appear to register with Bannon. He goes on to talk about the current state of affairs in McKennit. The local non-Alumni vampires don't always like the way he runs things, and they've been vocal of late. It doesn't concern him very much. He and the Boyd-Townsend clan have had amicable dealings for some time now, but they are starting to sour. That seems to concern him a bit more. He warns Chase that he senses something big is about to happen, and should they find themselves at a place where they feel his assistance could be of value, she is welcome to come find him, tell him the situation, and he will figure out how he can help. This prompts Bannon to ask her if she still has the gold coin talisman she was given last year. She tells him no - that all ended rather ? badly. A bit shocked and distressed by this, Bannon gives her another one, telling her that she should come back and see them more often; she reminds him of sunshine. He then takes his leave.

* * *

[Jen: Geoff/Simone sequence]

* * *

Chase closes up the office at the morgue for the day, grabs her bag, and heads out to the parking lot. Rick Kristopherson is also on the way to his car. Rick is a med-school grad and first-year intern at the hospital. There are those clarifying I've-seen-you-before kind of introductions, and the two chat for a bit. Rick asks about her working at the morgue (he recognized her as Geoff's girlfriend), and she fills him in on Geoff's new gig at City Hall and the resulting staff changes at the hospital. After a little more chatting, Rick extends an invitation to her and to Geoff to a party at Jessie Seymour's place (she is a third year med student) that Friday night. He gives her Jessie's number to call for directions if they think they can make it. She thanks him for the invite and they part ways.

That night, Chase tells Geoff about the visit from Bannon. He is very concerned about her getting mixed up in the Alumni world again, and he doesn't trust Bannon at all. She also expresses her concern about letting Stefan in on another potential truce with the vampire clan, but there's not really a way around it. She also extends the invite from Rick to Geoff. He's not really hip on the idea of the party, but he can tell she wants to go, so he agrees.

* * *

The next morning, Scoobies are about their usual Friday business: Raveena takes her morning jog, Stefan reads mail from home, Gabe gets up late for class. Everyone meets up for lunch at the usual spot. This time, everyone includes Harrison. He starts up small talk, but that doesn't last long before Chase takes a quick glance around, looks uneasily at Stefan, and then launches into the story of Bannon's visit (she doesn't mention the talisman). Stefan quietly boils over, crushing the drink in his hand as he listens to the group discussing their previous dealings with Bannon. He says nothing, even as they discuss how he actually really helped them out last year. Gabe idly reaches over and touches a finger to Stefan's broken glass, repairing it instantly. There is general concern over Chase meeting with the vampire leader alone, should the need arise; Stefan volunteers to go, but he is quickly overruled. He fumes. Chase keeps telling them she'll be fine, but they belabor the point until Geoff tells them he'll go with her if necessary. When Chase mentions the apparent growing rift between the Boyd-Townsends and the Alumni, everyone's attention shifts to Harrison, who gets grilled about the situation. Hamstringed by his inability to say anything in public, he just mildly tells them that they have indeed worked closely with the vampire clan before, but there is nothing of interest about their current relations or lack there of; McKennit is completely safe. He keeps looking around uneasily. The gang comments on the increasing number of outside baddies who have been seen in McKennit, oh, since Brandon woke up. It is an unusual thing that seems unprecedented in McKennit history. All the talk about the Boyd-Townsends prompts Gabe to mention the rocks of Illetar that Eric had told him Devon was looking for. Deaver recognizes the name - the Illetar stones are a legendary set of gemstones that when used together can exponentially amplify a spellcaster's abilities. Veena can't help noting the parallel between the purported power of the stones and Brandon's supernatural abilities. Suddenly, all of Chase's inattention to occult books while researching at the library pays off - she recalls seeing something labeled by that name in Bannon's collection on the fifth floor. They all decide to head for the library.

Chase quickly shows them all the Illetar stone as labeled in the display case - it is a large amethyst geode. Closer inspection (the case is unlocked) reveals that it has four sections where the stone has been carved out in very specific shapes and proportions - one is gently rounded and fairly shallow on the edges; one is a perfect pentagon; the third is a slender rectangular prism; and finally, there is a deep conical hollow. Deaver hits the books straightaway. While the others are examining the geode, Rachel picks up the card in the display case and flips it over, only to discover that Bannon keeps brief but specific notes on the back of the label: he found the geode in Naples, and four more stones are needed to activate the powers of the Illetar. It is becoming apparent that the Boyd-Townsends are up to something, so Chase calls Brandon at the group's behest to set up a time to talk to him - maybe what really happened at that ritual in 1823 can shed some light on Devon's intent. Chase says she'd rather talk to Brandon alone, but as she's not the magic expert in the group, she eventually gives in and they all plan on getting together with him the next morning.

While plans are being made, Deaver continues researching. The five stones have distinct and separate attributes, but when they are all fitted together they greatly increase a spells power and effectiveness. Sources say that the last times the stones were all together and activated would have been sometime in during the Roman Empire.

Evening stretches on as the research continues. Chase and Geoff are twitchy. Chase glances at her watch, signals Geoff, and the two of them take a hurried leave from the library for a "really important med school thing that they just can't get out of".

Research. More stone lore turns up. The stones are each a different type of gemstone. One is garnet, for passion and energy. One is obsidian, which brings objectivity, calm, and disillusionment. Another is jade - health, wealth, and longevity; a diamond, which has enhancement and amplification powers; and the geode itself, amethyst, for creativity, victory, and fertility. Judging by the meticulous carving in the geode, it is probably the repository for the other stones when they are all together. The stones have no effect in the hands of someone who doesn't use magic, beyond the usual natural qualities of the gems. Deciding they have found all they can find in books for the time being, the group starts pursuing some other methods. Deaver and Gabe scour the Internet to try to determine the current location of any of the other Illetar stones. Stefan makes a call home to see if his family connections in Europe can turn up any further ideas about the whereabouts of these magical artifacts. Veena squirms, painfully aware that she is neglecting her nightly patrol for baddies who aren't quite as subtle as Devon Boyd-Townsend and his clan.

* * *

Jessie's party is a laid back, friendly crowd. Chase is playing the social butterfly, dancing when the music is good, and thoroughly enjoying herself. Like most med school parties, there's some recreational illegal stuff (of which she doesn't partake), but it isn't in your face and it isn't integral to the fun. Everyone is just having a great time. Everyone, that is, except Geoff, who plants himself on the sofa and tries to look comfortable, but fails utterly. Seeing him chilling by himself, Rick comes over and takes a seat on the table to chat. The party hostess, Jessie, shows up soon after Rick. Completely soused, she takes a seat on the sofa only to promptly pass out on Geoff's shoulder. When he tries to scoot out of the way, she ends up asleep in his lap instead. Rick chats Geoff up a little about school, and Geoff's new gig at City Hall, and his reputation as a Chemistry god with a bazillion degrees. The Chemistry thing has Rick hypothetically musing that Geoff could probably make all kinds of crazy drugs if he was so inclined, which causes Geoff to stop the conversation cold and abruptly excuse himself.

* * *

Deaver's Internet search turns up pictures of all of the reported Illetar, and he finds the unsettling information that the Townsends were actively looking for the Illetar in the 19th century, and most likely acquired one of them. They apparently already owned one of the stones at that time, meaning they most likely have two currently in their possession. Deaver actually finds what appears to be the authentic jade Illetar being auctioned off on Ebay. The current going bid is $3500. Ouch. The images make it suddenly obvious to the crew that the signet ring Brandon wears holds the garnet Illetar stone. They decide to discuss it with him in the morning. With the jade on Ebay and the geode in the library, that just leaves the obsidian and the diamond unaccounted for. And the Boyd-Townsends have one of them.

* * *

At Jessie's party, Geoff is moving from room to room, trying to look like he's having fun. Chase and Rick are talking, and Rick tells her that he, Jessie, and some other folks are planning on going snowboarding next weekend. Do she and Geoff want to go? Perpetually unable to resist skiing, she's enthusiastic about the invite, and doesn't think they have anything major going on. But Geoff might not be up for it. Rick encourages her to come regardless, and she says she'll let him know. She spies Geoff on the other side of the room, notices his barely concealed discomfort. She excuses herself in the name of work tomorrow, thanking Rick for the fun party. She collects Geoff and they leave. One the way home she mentions boarding the following weekend. Geoff really doesn't relish the idea of a whole weekend with Rick, Jessie, their partying crew, and the specter of his own mistakes. He declines.

* * *

The next day, Gabe and Rachel head for Geoff and Chase's house to meet with Brandon (who is coming with Deaver). After a little awkward small talk, Chase asks Brandon point-blank about the ritual that was conducted the night he "disappeared". He starts talking. Brandon's mother was a very powerful woman and a powerful witch, but given the social strictures of her time, she could only manifest her talents in subtle ways. Determined that her family would always be successful and in a position of power, and understanding that this was best accomplished through the eldest sons of her line, she planned a ritual to strike a deal with Belial. From the time he was very young, Brandon was told of the part he was to play in ensuring their family's success and supporting his older brother. His mother knew that Brandon's unique magical gift would be a powerful sacrifice for the bargain.

So, when Brandon turned 25, he got good and drunk and the ritual took place. His mother's bargain was this: Their family would be blessed with prosperity, and the males of her line would always have sorcerous powers (a very rare thing - most witches are women). In exchange, the woman would have very little magical ability, and Belial would get Brandon. And that was that. Gabe points out that with the spell that was over Brandon now broken, the deal is off. Most likely, the Boyd-Townsend men have lost their magical gifts. Brandon admits that this has occurred to him, and that it seems that some sort of magical protection McKennit has enjoyed for so long is fading or gone. It would explain the sudden growth in the number of demonic outsiders who are venturing into the town. For the sake of his family, though, he would prefer that those suspicions remain hush-hush. The group also realizes that if the men of the Boyd-Townsend clan have indeed lost their powers, then that would logically mean that the women have probably regained them. Deaver tells Brandon about the Illetar stones and the fact that Devon is looking for them. He explains that it is very likely the signet ring Brandon wears is one of those stones. Brandon lets them examine the ring more closely, albeit reluctantly. Sure enough, the stone appears to be a cabochon garnet (it is set strangely - the rounded part is actually under the setting, and a gold layer has been placed on top of the flat side and engraved to form the family crest on the top of the signet ring), and the rounded side of the stone looks to be a perfect fit for the smallest niche in the geode. Deaver shows the printouts of the photos he found online to the group, and Geoff immediately recognizes the obsidian stone - it is one of Simone Boyd-Townsend's earrings. So the only unaccounted for gem is the conical diamond. Gabe and Rachel put their heads together on a solution, and Gabe performs some scrying magic to locate the final stone. Using bits and pieces of Chase's wardrobe, a mirror, and a candle, the spell is cast. Floating above the mirror, the entire assembly can see a dusty vision, a first person view streaming quickly through the streets of McKennit. They pass familiar places and people. The vision suddenly dives underground, down a hallway where we see Jade d'Orleans, and into a locked, restricted room. The vision heads to a shelf, to a box, and dives into the box ? and there is the large diamond, resting in a velvet lining. It is in the possession of the Daughters of Hecate.

Fade to Black To be continued ?