Cold Reception-Hot Topic

Zas slept well after his discussion with the spirit. He knew what he had to do. His path had been revealed to him and though the road ahead seemed shadowed and foreboding, it did look appealing.

He awoke just before Sunrise and wasted little time in returning to meet with his still mostly slumbering pack, that seemed to have enjoyed last nights festivities. He proceeded to attempt to rouse each of them Independently-not an easy task...making sure to give both the ragabash and the ahroun plenty of space as the early morning sun rays slapped them across the face. After the group had more or less assembled together he began by returning Rends' knife to him and then said, "I feel that our time here at this caern is over. Our journey has only just started. I am eager to travel once more, but there is a matter that I feel needs to be handled. You all undoubtedly saw me last night upset. This is because the message I had been expecting from my mentor had returned but was not delivered to me. It had been intercepted first by Malchizadek- who neglected to mention that he had done so and also that he had read it. When I initially sought him out to question him, I was prevented from doing so by Dheumatev who seemingly wished to draw me into combat by insulting me and rudely questioning my intentions despite the fact that he could likely see my anger, after I refused to tell him the purpose of my visit as it was a personal matter."

Zas pauses to breathe before adding, "Upon further thought, I feel that I must speak to Claws of Silk-who I have a few brief questions for and who I feel, I can more easily control my anger with. I was advised to first bring this matter before you. What do you say?"

Zoe, who had opted to sleep in Lupus form, stretches her front legs out and her tail and rear legs back before shifting into homid form. She appears completely at ease with the current situation and shares none of Zas' concern or frustration.

"Are you sure Mal intercepted your message and that the Stranger didn't intercept Mal's message? And had you spoken to Mal of Chief Bowls-over-the-great-foe and your desire for clarification concerning his loyalties? Do not be so hasty to accuse an elder of subterfuge, my friend? I am sorry Mal's assistant gave you grief when you wished to speak with him, but it is his job to act as a buffer, so to speak, for Mal."

As Zoe brushes her fingers through her hair and pulls it back into a haphazard bun, she turns to face Zas, her hands still twisted over and behind her head. "Talk to Mal, sure, but don't go in there with any preconceived notions of him having done you wrong. That's pretty much a guarantee that you'll get nowhere fast."

Zas turns to his theurge and rather than lashing out or becoming offended at her words says, "I am certain of only one thing at this moment. The spirit messenger that carried the words of my mentor was a message that was sent to me in reply to a message I had sent to him upon our arrival in Seguine. However, for some reason, upon the spirit message arriving at this caern it's intended recipient was changed to Malchizadek. I know that the messenger is mine however, because prior to my parting to meet up with all of you in Nacodoches, my mentor gave me this talen with this spirit in it in order for he and I to communicate. The talen was not to be used or accessed by any other Garou."

Zas smiles as he continues, "As to whether or not I had spoken to Malchizadek about Chief Bowl's loyalty, that answer is no. Malchizadek was not informed by me of any doubts concerning Chief Bowl. The only thing he had been informed of by me, was of my duty to chief Bowls people."

Zas face then grows solemn, "I do not hastily or rashly accuse any elder of any misdeed. I am showing restraint even now simply by speaking with all of you of my intention to bring this matter before Claws of Silk. I also spoke with a caern spirit last night who provided me with instruction and guidance and renewed sense of peace. I have furthermore slept on the matter to allow any rage or anger I may have had to cool and now seek your advice and council."

Zas then turns to Kefka and says, "I have also considered potential ramifications that this action may bring upon our pack. As such, I felt the need to speak with you all first. We are visitors in this Caern. The actions we take are more noticed. Any deed that we take part in will likely have ripple effects in troubling the waters here and beyond."

Zas then turns to the others, "I wish to speak to Claws of Silk for further clarification. She provides a neutral frame of mind. She also speaks plainly. Malchizadek has yet to do so. I am certain that the Laughing Stranger would eagerly tell his version of events as well. This is my intent-to investigate what I can, before taking this matter before the Sept Alpha for further clarification and if necessary to render judgement. What do you say?"

Kefka who is still laying on the ground, with his hat over his eyes yawns loudly. He shows no sign or intention of getting up when he answers.

"Talking to Claws of Silk is fine, or perhaps even try to find Elder Mystery himself and talk to him. Since it was a personal matter between the two of you that you would not share with Duhmatev, it make look bad by going straight to Claws of Silk.

Fact is we ain't got too much to go on. Maybe Malkie gets all the messages into the caern to make sure there is no taint. He is theurge after all. Or maybe Claws of Silk asked him to keep an eye on us. We are Coyote's children, and have trouble always on our heels. Perhaps they were trying to be cautious. Mal could answer our questions easily as Claws of Silk."

Kefka lazily lifts his hat up and is staring at Zas with curiosity filled eyes and a growing grin.

"Unless you think he would lie to us... Again."

Eaton had crashed next to Jana after he had left the nights festivities. When Zas had come to awaken him he let out tired sigh before kissing his still sleeping wife and following after the Philodox.

After Zas had spoken his concerns, the still drowsy Galliard rubbed his forehead and began, "Mocks sounded like he's on the right track: Mal and all them might just read incomin' mail, specially those coming by way of spirit. It was sent to his address, after all."

He eyes Zas curiously as he continues, "Though why exactly is this ruffing your feathers so much? Ya really think this is worth bringing before another Elder? I'm not even sure if Mal can be accused of doin' anything wrong. Just cause your upset doesn't mean he's guilty of anythin'."

He glances towards where Jana was still resting and said, "Though I agree that we should be headin' on out of here. There's plenty for us to go on the road ahead."

Zas listens to Kefka and Eaton pose their thoughts and questions and allowed for time to ensure both had vocalized their thoughts fully before speaking.

He addressed Kefka first by saying in a calm, even tone, "I would like to speak with Malchizadek. However, I am not certain doing so would give me the information I need as he speaks often in political double speech and his words can be unclear. I do not understand his methods. As of late, his deceptiveness has given me reason to pause...yes. However, I am not going to Claws of Silk with accusations. I seek her presence for clarification. Speaking with a Sept Alpha about the assigned duties of those under their leadership is not wrong and as far as I know, never incorrect."

Zas then turns to Eaton and says in a smooth flat tone of voice, "I do not know if Malchizadek has been asked to read all messages entering the Caern by Claws of Silk. Nor do I know what purpose he would have in reading the messages with or without instructions to. The fact of the issue however is that he has read mine. The reason this is of such note and concern to me is because if Malchizadek claims to have been receiving visions from the spirits about the future but has simply been gaining his knowledge by reading messages not meant for him and jumping to his own conclusions, he is intentionally misleading other Garou. Such deception is dangerous and may be a hidden objective of the Wyrm. You yourself expressed doubts of his visions upon our first greetings, and I for one do not choose to blindly follow such information...especially when the means of how he gets his "visions" may be in question."

Zas then takes a breath and says, "All of this; my concerns, my frustration, all can be simply resolved by asking the Sept Alpha a few brief simple questions. If Claws of Silk has asked Malchizadek to be watchful of all information that enters this Caern or to monitor us, this matter is ended. If she has not done this, I would like to know why our pack totem had to acquire this message through stealth when I was it's original intended recipient, why an elder felt the need to steal information from me that all he needed to do was ask me for. I am also certain if this is the case, that since I had information that was kept from me, that as the Sept Alpha, Claws of Silk may be curious if any information has been kept from her."

Zas then looks to each of the Prodigals and asks sincerely, "Am I not right to question things I do not understand? To investigate my concerns? To bring any potential threats to not only this caern but the Garou nation as a whole, before the Sept Alpha most able to deftly deal with the matter?

I bring this matter to you all, asking you for your advice, seeking your wisdom. I wish to let you know my thoughts and intentions, for If this matter becomes more serious each of us will need to understand the motives and also the potential outcomes of this issue and how it came to be. We are followers of Coyote, and our motives and ways may be strange to others, but they must be clear to us."

Rends groans as he sita up. His eyes are red and he presses a big hand against his temples. Usually fully awake and ready as soon as he wakes, Rends looks like last nights partying isnt done with him yet.

"Ugh. Why are we even talkin about this? Mal done wrong either way. Wes earned the caerns trust and this aint how you do someone ya trust."

He takes a drjnk from his waterskin, rinsing out his mouth then splashing more on his face. Bedore addressing zas.

"I say talk ta claws. She dont strike me as the type ta spy like that on letters from other elders. I reckon shed like ta know whats goin on."

He rubs his face again as his stomach rumbles.

"Anyone gonna get some coffee goin? I reckon theys some breakfast around somewhere too."

As Zas explains his reasons, Eaton's eyes grow wide, though he bore a slight grimace. After he concludes, he just shakes his head as he explains , "Eh, I don't think a Elder who has far more experience with spirits and their nature than any of us would be usin' such a crude trick."

He frowns and glares at Zas as he says, "And why are ya even considerin' that an elder is intentionally tryin' to lead Garou astray? That's mighty disrespectful. I mighta had my doubts about what he told us, but I didn't think he was readin' my letters to Jana; I wasn't seein' the same things he was. If this is all just a trick, openin' others mail, why give me tips on how to clear my mind? He had the authority to tell me to shut it but didn't."

He shifts his weight as he continues, "What exactly do you think Claws of Silk is gonna do? It sounded to me like she doesn't even really deal with their proceedings. I mean, she might just side with Mal on this and think readin' incoming messages is a way of protectin' the Caern. I think you're worryin' about this too much."

He gets a more relaxed pose and his eyes turn more sympathetic as he finishes, "You have every right to question things, but why do you assume that reading messages sent to the Caern is hurting anyone?"

Zas nods to Rends after he says his peace and then turns to Eaton and listens closely to the Galliards concerns and questions but has his head down and his eyes closed to be better able to concentrate and remeber each question. After Leperfriend stops speaking, Zas says, "You ask much my friend. You ask me many questions that I do not have answers for. There is much I do not know. I am not accusing Malchizadek of anything without having more certainty, and clarity-both of which I can find in Claws of Silk.

As for your questions that I do have answers for: the reason I am considering the possibility of an elder potentially leading many Garou astray is because this is the way the enemy fights. Not all attacks may come from outside the Garou. The enemy seeks to weaken us. The foes of the Garou know, that individually we can be overwhelmed, but united we are strong. Malchizadek has admitted that he often has packs of Garou break into smaller teams-some even going by themselves. While I can see the benefits of such a strategy, there is also a great risk in doing this. Does this not seem like an easy opportunity for the Wyrm to use?

There is much of Malchizadek- his ways included, that I do not understand. However, I do understand how cunning the enemy can be, and how no matter how good and pure the intentions a Garou may have are, the Wyrm can easily corrupt such dealings to benefit its own destructive ends.

I respect those of higher station than myself. This is why I do not hastily charge Malchizadek with anything...why I seek to learn. This is also why I will concede this matter is ended should Claws of Silk deem it needless, and why if you and Rends, and Mocks should say to leave the matter alone, I would do so; thus I bring this before you. I am expressing my concerns before you-one of Gaia's more worthy so that you may make a decision.

Claws of Silk is the Alpha of this sept. What she chooses to do is up to her. I do not have any idea what she will say or do. That decision lies with her. I feel that I must meet with her to come to a better understanding. I can tell you how I feel, and what I will do, but that is all."

Zas then raises his head and says, "Reading information not meant for you can be harmful and cause bad blood between Garou if one does not understand the message's purpose. However, in this instance, Malchizadek read the information meant for me and then neglected to deliver it to me. Withholding information can be dangerous. What do you think would happen to this sept if Malchizadek intercepted a message meant for Claws of Silk that warned of the Wyrm's forces gathering its forces for an invasion on the edges of town to overtake it but neglected to mention this to Claws of Silk? This act of reading information and not sharing it may not be directly causing anyone pain or suffering now, but indirectly it has the potential to do unspeakable damage in the future.

How does keeping secrets from one another, potentially endangering other Garou, help to unite the tribes of Gaia? If Malchizadek is genuinely seeking to unite all of the Garou, how do his actions demonstrate his conviction?"

Though Eaton blinked once as Zas finished explaining himself, he drew a deep breath and began, "You say you respect his higher station. Though why do I keep gatherin' you don't trust him? I think we've already talked over the methods the Saccari. I don't think these are just some pups wantin' to prove themselves; they are skilled warriors and cunning strategists."

His gaze drifts elsewhere as he remembers what happened just the other night, before looking the Philodox in the eye and continuing, "They have their own ways of fightin' that serves Gaia just as well as chargin' them with an army. I wanna say one of em' saved me durin' the revel the other night. Heck, I think it might have been his plan to let me tear apart those bugs and just fix me up afterwards. He might not have got his claws dirty, but he knew more about those wyrm critters than me. In that case, the wyrm was just hopin' that I'd lose my mind tryin' to destroy it. I don't think their methods is anymore risky than we we've done."

About bringing these issues to the attention of others, Eaton tilts his head to the side, "What I think? I think these are the worries to someone who's on edge. Yes, he might have been readin' something that wasn't his. I'm just not sure what exactly Claws of Silk would say. Would, 'Don't worry about it' comin' from her sound better than what I'm suggestin? If she's okay with everything he's been doing so far, I don't why this would come as a shock."

"but do you really think Mal would be so foolish that he's simply . . . forgettin' any information? I would think he's usin' to further what he wants. And nothin' I've learned of 'im suggests that's anythin' to worry about."

Eaton's eyes narrow, dark bags still underneath as he asks, "Why don't you trust him? Do you think he has somethin' against ya?"

Mocks slowly stands up after listening to Eaton and Zas go back and forth. He clears his throat to become center of attention before speaking. When he does speak his words are directed primarily at Eaton.

"To be fair, Claws of Silk didn't know how the Sacaari acted. If she didn't know that who knows what other happenings may have avoided her gaze. I don't think Zas has a problem with the Sacaari. The problem is with Mal. Would it not be better to assuage Zas' fears one way or another? Having an answer is preferable over countless stress and worries. You know how Zas is. Without an answer he will carry his worries... he carries too much as it is. Let us give him peace, especially when it is so easy to obtain."

His gaze leaves Eaton as he look at the rest of the pack. His words are spoken softly yet intense. By the end of his rant both his hands are clenched into fists, and his breathing is heavy.

"Besides... i don't trust Mal either. He told us Penelope would go in the Umbra to awaken the Lion. Totem of the White Howlers. He had us get armor and woad so she could appease the spirit. He said nothing about the rite of The Silver Forge. Or her having to suffer in a lake of burning silver for the crimes of her tribe. Had i known that... i wouldn't have let him take her. She could have been in any other tribe. Instead we condemned her. He lied to us. In turn us to her. If she survives... she may not forgive us. And I won't forgive him if that happens. Or if she fails."

Rends pats Mocks on the back reassuringly, though his face is troubled as well at the mention of Penelope's trial.

"Well, I don't think we coulda stopped her if we'd wanted to. She ain't one ta take the easy way, and knowin' the strength she could bring to our side when she won, I don't think she coulda looked us in the eye if she'd gone the easy way."

He pauses for a moment.

"I don't think I coulda either. She's too strong to go the easy way and we all knows it. But that ain't the point."

He turns back to Zas.

"Point is, Mal been spyin' on at least you, probably the rest of us too. That ain't how ya do allies. Plain and simple. We cain't fight together if we cain't trust each other, and we cain't trust each other with folk readin' our mail and stickin' they snouts where they don't belong. Claws needs to know, especially since she already don't seem to have that great a' grip on what's goin' on here. She may be glad to see 'em go, but I reckon it's only a matter of time 'afore Mal takes over once Roarin' Jack ain't here to check him. Even if Mal don't wanna take over, this is somethin' the Alpha needs ta know about. And if he is readin' other folk's mail, I wonder if anyone else knows it aside from Claws?"

Rends stretches, still looking half asleep.

"It's too early for this junk. I cain't wait to get back home where we can jest kill shit and not worry 'bout this stuff..."

Zoe, who for the most part has been simply listening to her brothers discuss, finally speaks again.

"Rends, you are right. Mal has been spying on all of us. He himself told me that the spirits have information that they are willing to share for a price. This is how he knew of my seeking answers about my mother, who my father was, and my past in Galveston. Call it doing research on a visiting pack if you want, but it still smells shady when you're on the spied-on end of that deal."

Turning to Mocks, she smiles and addresses the others. "Mocks is also right. Zas has a difficult if not impossible time of letting something go, so I see no harm in letting him talk with Claws of Silk and/or Mal in order to put his mind at ease over the goings on at this caern."

"He knows your past in Galveston? That makes things much trickier. In fact that could be down right dangerous for us."

Mocks runs his hand through his hair with his eyes closed. When they open they are focused on Zoe.

"You are supposed to be in Galveston."

He turns and looks at Rends.

"You should have taken her there."

He looks at Eaton and Zas.

"We three have assisted them on the run. If Mal brings it up... we could have another trial on our hands. One that we won't wiggle out of so easily as with Penelope. We have to be careful. Is this a battle for now or another day?"

He looks up at the clear blue sky watching the birds fly over, a dark smile appearing on his face.

"I don't like being spied on. However, i can respect Mal's methods. They break no laws. We have access to the sane spirits. I think we shall need to remember these tactics. Use them ourselves in the future."

He takes a deep breath.

"It's not worth it. We need to leave. There is too much for us to do. We can't risk getting involved in another trial. You have your answer Zas, Mal can't be trusted. Perhaps we can ask some spirits of our own to investigate
Mal, while we are on the road."

Zoe holds up a hand to Kefka.

"Now hold on a second, Brother. For one thing, Mal didn't say what he knew about my past in Galveston. My past there is not the same as Rends' dealings with the Galveston Get. And do you think Mal would put us to trial for Rends not following through on a Get mandate to bring back a harmless 'urrah' for reckoning? If anyone would care about that, it would be Jack, and he willingly welcomed me into association with him and his tribe without issue."

Zoe cracks her neck to one side and then the other and smiles at Mocks. "I wouldn't worry about that . Sure, Mal's doing other things that may not be entirely legitimate, but my past should not be an issue for us here."

Zas looks to each of his packmates and then says with a glint in his eyes, "I don't want to battle anyone, but if things should turn that way I won't back down. We have done no wrong here. I do not feel that we should leave with our tails tucked between our legs for simply disagreeing with an elder."

Zas then scratches his neck as his eyes become more complacent when he says, "This matter however revolves around Claws of Silk's decision. She is in charge. What she decides is what goes. If there is a fight to be had, I do not think it will be between us and Malchizadek. It seems more probable that such an event would be between those who are in charge. The battle would be to determine who is truly in charge of this Caern.

This is all of course assuming that Malchizadek's actions are found to be incorrect by Claws of Silk. Should she decide otherwise however, the outcome for everyone involved would be much different.

I wish to speak with her. She will form her own decision on the right course of action. She will be given the information that I have, to do with as she pleases. If she chooses to investigate this issue-so be it. If not and she tells me to drop it, I will comply. For now though, I intend to bring my words before her.

As far as Hears the Song goes though, I think Rends is backed by Roaring Jack, which as Zoe says, means Malchizadek has no real say."

Zas then turns to Eaton and says, "My brother, I do not seek to punish Malchizadek for what he has done. This is not my place. I simply wish to know whether he was right to do what he has done as it pertains to me; if he was asked to look into my message, and this is something that only Claws of Silk could fully answer.

I feel that trust, like honor must be earned. Malchizadek has not earned my trust. I do not think he is out for me, but I also don't think he fully supports my cause.
You however have earned my trust. As have the rest of the pack. I trust in what you say and do. I know you. I know that we all seek to do what is best for Gaia and for one another. I thank you for this."

Mocks listened to Zas and Zoe mulling over his thoughts before speaking again. When he does so, it is reluctant.

"I wish your words put me at ease sister, but they don't. You yourself said Mal gave you no specifics about your Galveston past. We don't know what he knows that puts us at a disadvantage. I think it would be prudent if you were to give us the tale of your exploits in Galveston. That way we will know what he knows and can then prepare defenses accordingly. Obviously something went down there, for them to try and retrieve you. Roaring Jack may like you, but that doesn't change the law. What happened in Galveston? Why was Rends sent after you? Answer these questions and ease my mind. If it is something petty, i have no qualm staying and talking to Claws of Silk. If it is something damning... we need to leave and avoid giving Mal a reason to use the info against us."

Zoe shakes her head and throws up her hands defensively. "That's just the thing. I have no clue what the Galveston Gets' problem is with me. My first change resulted in the death of three men who had come to do me harm because of a misunderstanding in my past. None of us have any control when the first change happens. My adopted father used my spider watch to subdue me and in the morning he handed me the letter from the Laughing Stranger and sent me to Nacogdoches. Then I left. I don't know what their problem with me is, but I didn't do anything wrong. I mean, yeah, killing those guys was probably wrong, but I think O'Toole, my adopted dad, handled that for me somehow."

She looks at the rest of her pack mates one by one, her eyes a bit panicked. "Didn't you guys accidentally kill people when you first changed?"

Rends scratches at the back of his neck, grimmacing at the memory.

"Of course. Hell, i kilt a uketena what tore my brother to bits. My pa found out and i never seen him more proud. The bastard."

He looks up at zoe.

"I can understand sendin me after you all them months ago. But i reckon we may be putting too much emphasis on galveston. If they really wanted Zoe theyd have sent a pack by now. We aint exactly hiding our names. Not to mention sending a pup like me with no name yet to get her says that aint really the point. I think it was more about testin my resolve than tryin her. As far as we know i was the first and only one to set after her, but she had several weeks head starr on me. If the galveston get really wanted her, shed been got by now."

Zas' brow furrows. He looks to Kefka and then to Zoe before he says, "The litany I feel has not been broken by Hears the Song. As she says, no Garou has control of when or where or who their first change takes place in front of. I will say that there is potential- albeit limited potential for there to be an issue with concerns of the litany being followed regarding this O'toole person. You say that he has given you your watch. You have not mentioned if he is Garou or not. If he isn't, then the fact that he has intricate knowledge of the Weaver, and knows of you is of concern. Stern-back in Nacodoches- proved to be a threat and he too exhibited similar qualities."

Zas then raises a finger as he says, "However, Rends confirms that there are Garou in Galveston. As of the time both of you had left, they had not made a move to end O'Toole. Since there seems to be Garou there of higher rank, I will trust in their judgement in the matter of O'toole not being a threat. They seemed to know of Zoe's perceived waywardness, it would not be unreasonable to assume they also detected this O'toole."

Zas then takes a breath before saying, "I must also say though, that this is my interpretation of the litany. There is much I have yet to learn especially when it concerns the ways of the white man and of non-Garou servants of other members of the Triat. There will also likely be others that view it differently, however, as I view the Litany; there is no crime."

Zas then turns to Kefka as he says, slowly "If Malchizadek chooses to move against us, he will do so regardless of our decision here and he will do it at a time he finds convenient. He certainly seems to have the ability to learn of us without our permission anyway.

As I said though, I don't feel that he is out for us. I think he finds us as an incredible oddity, or an interesting curiosity as we have proven to be capable warriors and were able to surpass his expectations with Penelope because he did not have high expectations for us to begin with. As such, we are viewed as being a powerful pack that could prove useful to him later. Why he would wish to spy on us if Claws of Silk did not request it, however, remains a mystery to me especially since if he asked any of us anything we would likely answer him honestly."

Hearing the rest of his pack discuss around him, he blinks his tired eyes a few times in the morning sun.
As the talk brings up Zoe and Rends past, Eaton wonders why exactly their bringing it up now.
"Uh, how long ago was that? Back in spring? I woulda thought that if they wanted to mess her up they'd have done so by now. As Rends said, you, Zoe, had more to do with his rite than anything." He shrugs, "Or maybe they just forgot about ya. What do I know?"

Addressing Zoe's concern, he says, "Maybe they were curious why a Garou is so enamored with the Weaver? If killin' on our first change is a crime, well, I know I'm guilty. I tore apart the slave overseers who were sent to bring me back to my folks. I don't think there's anyone chasin' after me for that."

Looking between everyone gathered around, he says, "This may sound weird cause how I acted when I first met Mal, but just 'cause he's being secretive doesn't mean he's conspirin' against us, wyrm tainted, or just plain mad. Zas, correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't the Silent Striders supposed to gather information? I know your carryin' many secrets, but I believe Mal would be smart enough to not be so careless. And what are you gonna do if Claws of Silk doesn't know anythin'? Wouldn't that just prove that your tribe does things from the shadows?"

Zas turns to a Eaton and rubs his face feeling a little stubble beginning to grow out, and scratches it. He then says, "I have said that I don't feel Malchizadek seeks to destroy us. I have not claimed that he is of the Wyrm, but simply that his methods leave potentially a way for the Wyrm to get a foothold. Nor do I feel that he is not in right mind. What I have claimed is that he has done something that I don't understand and don't like. His deceptiveness does not bring honor or have the appearance of wisdom. As an elder he is held to a higher standard than most. This does not serve him well.

As far as my tribe is concerned, we act as messengers. We deliver the messages. We do not intentionally seek to gather information, but if it is brought before our path we will accept it. To my knowledge, our tribe carries no secrets, and nor do I.

If Claws of Silk is unaware of what takes place in her Caern, then I will inform her. She as Alpha should know and be kept informed.
As to whether the actions of a single Garou are representative of the entire tribe, I think the answer is no. I also think Claws of Silk will recognize that.

Roaring Jack is much different from Warbreath, yet both are Get of Fenris. I can say with certainty that my tribe is not like Malchizadek for Malchizadek himself said that he is unorthodox."

Zas then looks to the others and says, "Does anyone else here feel that I am out of line?"

Mocks looks at his pack with a grimace on his face.

"I will concede to your greater wisdom when it comes to Galveston, I am paranoid is all. It has kept me alive in the past, and i am sure it will help in the future. However... on the off chance I am right i get to rub it in your faces."

He grins eagerly at his last comment and moves to Eaton.

"My tribe kind of has the whole shadow thing under control. I am a ShadowLord after all. We smile to your faces and deceive you in the shadows. There are no rules in the shadows. Someone who has secrets and works in the shadows is not one you should trust easily.

Talking to Claws of Silk is something Zas feels needs to be done. As his pack we should support him. If Claws of Silk does nothing with the information, we still did our part by bringing it to her attention."

Zoe nods as she looks quickly at each member of the pack.

"It's decided then. We will speak to Claws of Silk regarding Zas Bul's concerns and if necessary will speak further with Malchizadek."

Turning specifically to Zas Zoe smiles encouragingly. "We will sort this out, my brother. Just be careful not to burn any bridges with Mal. His secrets may benefit us in the future."

Zas nods quickly and says, "I shall do what I can. However, I cannot be held responsible for the ripple effects that could occur from Malchizadek's deceptions if they are brought to light."

Zas then says aloud, "Laughing Stranger. I feel we have come to a decision. Can you tell us of your part in this? You presented me with my message. How were you able to acquire it, and from who did you get it from?"