The Execution of Smiling Jack

The Execution of Smiling Jack

Smiling Jack was among those captured in the Battle of Wilshire Boulevard. For his alleged participation in starting this whole mess, Smiling Jack was to be publicly (well, publicly among kindred) executed by Imperator Karsh himself. This execution was to occur at a location of some renown in order to prove a point: the Staples Center. Charlie of clan Brujah furnished special restraints to hold Smiling Jack down in style. Jack's jacket caught Charlie's eye, and he offered Imperator Karsh a minor boon if he would be allowed to keep it. The Imperator let out a laugh and accepted the offer.

The Camarilla invited any loyal members to attend the execution, both as security, and to provide morale boosts. Respected members (read: elders) were allowed to speak prior to the execution, with the Imperator himself watching. Marguerite Dryden delivered a speech about the history of Camarilla and Anarch disputes, from the founding through this execution. She highlighted the times the Anarchs had breached the masquerade, caused bloodshed and the hypocrisy of the Movement.

Syfryd Erhart stood to speak as a representative of clan Brujah within Los Angeles, along with his family. Standing before Jack, who was certainly not smiling, he listed off the long list of crimes against the Camarilla. They included treason against the Camarilla, betrayal against the Brujah clan, terrorism, murder, piracy, and betrayal. It was before the Imperator, that he offered a major boon for Jack to be sentenced to crucifixion, and left for the sun to consume him through an open skylight.

Fast Freddy was present, who watched with a knowing look. It was the look of someone who felt responsible, in part, for what he was watching, but not guilty. Ms. Isabella Santos attended the execution as a loyal member of the Camarilla. There are rumors that she and Jack had crossed swords before on the high seas and some assumed her being at his death proved them true. But by her demeanor she seemed unmoved by his death.

Security was tight, and mostly clandestine. Cashmere the Gangrel was an exception to this, offering very visible security, in clothes still stained with Anarch blood.

Hired by Imperator Karsh as clandestine security. Nathaniel Black was still relatively unknown but this was his first big step towards proving his loyalty. He was assigned to personally see that no one tried to free Smiling Jack and had orders to ash anyone who tried. He asked Jack "Why the revolt?" Jack looked at Nathaniel's hand and replied "For the same reason you left the Sabbat, we seek independence from the Tower" and said nothing more.

Raven had been hired for building security for the evening. Perched in the rafters, amid the spotlights, Raven sat silently watching the execution proceedings. His senses, however, were tuned into the bones of the building, listening for any Anarchs or other unexpected guests who may be gatecrashing. There he sat, like a spider in a web, while a leader he knew and used to respect was reduced to naught but ash.

Chris Black was set up as an inner guard, a spot he did appreciate as he could see the execution happen. The whole time leading up to the execution was filled with a quiet dread; everyone could feel the danger looming, but so far no one knew what to expect.

When the appointed hour came, Smiling Jack was led in heavily bound, Karsh already standing on the execution block, a massive sword in hand. When Jack was brought before the crowd the Anarch simply kept smiling at Karsh, like there was a joke only he knew. Jack was forced to his knees before the crowd; however, that was when Raven, Chris, and Charlie heard the chaos outside and sounded the alarm, Anarchs were attacking. It was brutal, but short. The Imperator and his local troops put the chaos to a stop almost as quickly as it started, two Anarchs managed to escape, but of the 10 Anarchs that arrived, 8 were ash with a ninth quickly joining.

The Imperator accepted Syfryd's offer of a major boon, and allowed Syfryd to be present for the death by sunlight the following morning.