Coffee Talk

Sasha looked to the doctor knowing it was probably already to late for the cadaver to be of any uses but went for a more reassuring tone. "We'll look into making his sacrifice mean something Cronk."

Dr. Jackal saw that Cronk was upset by this. He knew it was a touchy subject to bring up. He then spoke up, "I do apologize Mr. Cronk for bringing up such a difficult subject. Ms. Lagrave is it possible to make a map of where all the known victims from Dr. Lemaire were found? We may be able to see his pattern of movement if we have enough information. It would also help to know the dates of each occurrence."

Cronk listened I gently, gulping down a portion of his coffee. He seemed to understand the conversation and sympathy from the others.

“Cronk thank you,” he appreciatively stated. “You find him, point Cronk at him!”

Dr. Jackal sipped his coffee and savored it once again. From the manner of the way he was drinking the coffee one might think it was the last time he would ever enjoy it. Ironically that was only part of the reason for his love of coffee. Being on the run for five years made him appreciate the little things he took for granted in his past. He had no intention of taking the things he loved for granted. He lost his family, his chance at a normal life, his reputation, his research, his credentials and his freedom but in return he could regain some of those things in the Order thanks to Lade Elizabeth. He planned to appreciate them as long as he could. Once he swallowed his coffee, he exhaled in relief. Then he replied to Cronk, "Of course Mr. Cronk. So have you taken a liking to the fancy coffee here? I find that a good cup of coffee helps me relax and focus on my tasks as well as calm down my stress levels."

Cronk was enjoying the Irish coffee. The fact that it was served in an orc sized flagon helped Cronk to feel at home. Of course, it would take much more liquor to cause Cronk to have any ill effects, he certainly felt relaxed. He was so relaxed, he felt at ease talking with the Good Doctor and the Masked One.

“Yes,” Cronk replied. “Cronk like much. Cronk like team.”

Cronk thought of those he had met, all of whom were good to Cronk. Of course, most people were good to Cronk because they feared him. Cronk suspected there was no fear in this group. They were good to Cronk because they were good people. The Wise One, Frenchie, Lady Elizabeth, Fish Man, Pretty Flower (Cronk blushed thinking of her. She had been so nice to invite Cronk to blow something up. Maybe she liked Cronk). The Good Doctor, The Masked One, The Young Girl, they were all nice to Cronk.

“Team good people,” Cronk added.

Dr. Jackal had a smirk as he listened to Cronk. It was obvious Cronk viewed people in a different manner than he did. Dr. Jackal did not see himself in a positive manner like the others seemed to. He felt he was a monster and needed to atone for his horrible acts. He found it ironic that an orc would think highly of him. Dr. Jackal replied, "Indeed Mr. Cronk. Lady Elizabeth's team is indeed talented and very cooperative. Since this is our first mission together we still have much to learn as a team and as individuals. I do apologize if I am lacking to the team. I didn't have much experience in teamwork before my accident."

Cronk pursed his lip, revealing even more of the yellowed tusks. The only team he had been a part of had been the Boss. Other than him, Cronk had no idea of what it was like to work with a lot of people.

He rubbed his chin as he thought of the Masked One. I’m her occupational choice, she most likely worked alone. In fact, the one most likely working amongst a team would have been Pretty Flower. Cronk was certain the larder gears someone else would have had to lift for her. Cronk would be happy to lift her gears for her. She had been very nice to Cronk.

“You be fine,” Cronk insisted. He motioned to the Masked One. “You have us. We help Good Doctor.”

"Thank you very much Cronk." Sasha said "It is good to know someone will be helping me along the way." she added. "And do not worry Docteur." Sasha turned to Dr Jackal. "It is rare for me to work in such a tight knitted group. I tend to only work around people and rarely with people."

Dr. Jackal smirked as he raised his cup to Cronk and Sasha. He then replied, "That is good to know Ms. Lagrave and Mr. Cronk. It is nice to know that others can aid the team with their unique skills. When I was in the University, I often was paired with a pampered, selfish, lazy type who expected me to do all the work and get a free "A" out of it in my science projects. I didn't let it get to me since they looked rather foolish trying to explain my work when they didn't know what I did in the first place. Ironically I am seeing Dr. Lemaire do the same exact thing but on a disaster level. I am going to enjoy seeing him reap what he sowed in the end."

Cronk looked to Sasha as the Doctor spoke about unique skills. He took the Masked One’s words to mean she had failed at a skill.

After listening and taking a sip of his coffee, Cronk encouraged Sasha with, “No worry Masked One. Cronk no knit either. Hands too big.”

Sasha let out a surprising chuckle. "Not quite what I mean but thank you Cronk." she said, "Though Docteur I do hope you are willing to work with others to solve our current problem, even if you do not fully see eye to eye."

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