Russian Friend

JP with Omni and red_sword7

Eager to venture into the criminal underground network of Paris to find leads on Dr. Lemaire, the team returned to the Ellington Estate to make the necessary preparations. Dumont and Mr. Sung gathered the essentials they would need for their mission. Naturally, Dumont disguised himself as a man of lower class while hiding his service revolver and lockpicking tools.

It had been a long time since Sung had been around any dealings with let's say the lower class. The criminal organizations. Sung had doubts about doing this Lady Elizabeth knew of some of the darker times in his life and the criminal some of the criminals he was around but not the organizations Sung was a part of. Sung got ready and dressed down as a lower-class man and wrapped his sash around his waist. He picked up a deck of playing cards and tucked them inside his sash. A hidden sword Shikomi-zue cane Katana and Tanto and a few other weapons.
He put on an outer shirt with some Japanese crests on it. He knew down by the docks where the cargo boats come in would get a little attention. Walking downstairs the driver looked at Sung a little confused. He walked by "We will not need a right thank you." Sung committed politely. Sung walked to Mr. Dumont. "I think we should walk like others The street has eyes as you well know," commented Sung with a grin.

"Oui. Our best course is to fit right in with the rest of the working class," responded Dumont. The two set off together toward the hub of trade and labor, the dock wards along the river Seine. As they stepped foot along the dock wards, the air crackled with an industrious energy, bustling with the sights and sounds of vibrant maritime activity. Dumont was looking for an old and trustworthy contact, Nikolay, an immigrant from Russia. Not only was Nikolay generally involved in labor that was physically demanding, such as loading and unloading cargo from ships, and handling crates, barrels, and other goods, he could often be found generating income by less scrupulous and often dangerous means. Underground street fighting being one of such means. It made sense to Dumont that Lemaire might target such individuals who rely on strength to get a leg-up.

Sung walked just behind Dumont and sometimes beside if there was room. The docks are somewhat crowded with workers some others directing cargo. Sung saw a few men that were Japanese. He gave a sign that only a few would know. They just gave a nod back to him. there were a lot of people that could fit Dumont's contact. "We should be careful here is area is disputed by different ah.. organizations. I have had some dealing with people from places like this. Is your ah... friend part of a gang?" asked Sung quietly his Korean accent coming out more now than normal.

"Of course." Dumont chuckled quietly. "One would have to be in this part of town to stay out of trouble for long." All the while, Dumont was keeping his eyes out and showing his own non-verbal communication to anyone who cared to take notice. The very specific smudge of charcoal below his left ear and his inverted trouser pocket marked him as a member of L'ombre Courtoise (The Courteous Shadow), a gang of young Parisians who provided or shared benefits of all kinds derived from their link or employment with the middle and upper classes. However, general theft came from what they called "the unwitting purses or reluctant benefactor", typically the source was known to be a rude or greedy individual.

The Docks seem to get more crowded and shady people seem to be more abundant. Sung gave a quiet sigh. He had not been in this type of place in 15 years and had forgotten how dangerous it could be. He was getting a little nervous now as it appears to be going further into the shady part of everything. Mr. Dumont knew his way around thought Sung. Sung controlled his breathing and focused on any danger that might arise. He reviled a few markings of the kōrikuro yakuza (Black Ice) clan. This would keep most low-level thugs in line around him. His rank and class of executioner would keep most oriental gangs or clans back as well. Sung would not be taken lightly by anyone that knew the markings. You don't earn that by being nice or weak. Sung just hoped they would find who they were looking for soon. Sung started to concentrate on his KI and the flow of magic in the area. he could see Mr. Dumont's flow around him not that he used any magic but it was flowing around everyone there. But a trail caught his attention. "Dumont" Sung left the Mr. part out so as not to look too out of place. "This way" suggested Sung. They rounded a corner walking into a huge warehouse. It smelled of Fish and other not so pleasant by-products. "Call it a guess but look around here," said Sung.

Although Dumont didn't know how to actively use his magical senses, there was that subtle nagging feeling he was going off course. "Thank you, Sung." he said. "That is a very handy ability you have." Reorienting their search, Dumont led the way toward the area Sung had implied but it would be harder to pinpoint exactly where the man was within the sprawl. After walking for another minute or so a young boy approached the two. "Hé!" he called their attention. "Puis-je vous aider à 'peregrine'?" the boy asked if he could help them 'peregrine', which was a code word on the streets that meant 'locate' in reference to illicit items, clandestine places, or certain persons. Dumont wanted to ask about a man selling tonics but he knew the answer was too broad without providing too much information that the kid didn't need to know. So he directed his inquiry to find the man who would have more insight. "Oui, bourgeon. We are looking for Nikolay Tryzubenko. Russian. Twin Fists gang." Dumont said, switching to English. He already had money ready for the transaction of information. The kid considered for a second before answering, pretending to recall from memory rather than pulling nonsense out of thin air. "I heard he is working on Le Fidel. Not far back that way," he said. His act was most convincing and might have fooled the both of them, had they both been green to street life and un-insightful to such basic lies. Besides, Dumont was already privy to Sung's keen Ki senses, which, even now, may have detected the boy's deception. "Bourgeon...", Dumont chastised, as the boy attempted to leave with his money. "The Courteous Shadow is ally to all here, but will not take kindly to deceit and exploitation. As a young member of the "Gardeners," you ought to know that." The boy looked sheepish as he was caught off guard. He had missed the signs and tried to pull as fast one. "Je suis désolé, monsieur. I don't know this man, but there are Russians in warehouse 14."