Plans Over Breakfast (Part 4)

JP with Redsword, Lasersexpanther, Lorem, LucianNepreen and Cindy

Elizabeth then turned to Sasha. "It actually would still be beneficial for you to act as a decoy, as they are likely to follow anyone who leaves here. I still am uneasy about it, but it does sound like the two plans together is likely the best option.”

Vor shook his head in agreement, feeling a bit better after having some food and water. He had also been informed that Iris had begun to stir, so time was now of the essence to return her.

"I believe it is a solid plan. The more Iris believes that I have wealth and power, the better it will go when we meet with the Children again. It may even help with the absence of Sung.”

Elizabeth told the servant that informed Vor of Iris possibly waking up to make sure she had anything she needed, for food, drink or to get cleaned up.

"Very well, then." Elizabeth said, upon Vor's agreement of the plan. She then rose, "Please, everyone stay seated. I will be back in a moment. Harold come with me." Harold followed Elizabeth out of the dining room.

As promised she and Harold did return shortly. He was carrying two statues with him, he put them both on a side table. One was the jade one, like the ones that Maseo had found throughout the offices. The other was the marble one, covered in gold.

It was of two women, standing back to back. They looked similar, like sisters. One had a motherly look and was holding a piece of coral in her hand, around her feet was kelp and fish. The other woman, her dress was made to look cracked more than torn and the ground around her feet was devoid of life.

"Mr. Aster, do you know anything about either of these statues?" Elizabeth asked. "I will add I saw one like the jade one in the temple when I was in there.”

There was a minute of silence from Vor, unable to speak at the revealed artifact. His murky mind was washed clear as he cautiously moved to stand in front of it, hands unable to sit still fighting the urge to grasp the figures in pure joy. His voice was in soft reverence when he responded.

"Μονομαχία Φύση. Dual Natured. It depicts the twin goddesses, Mitera and Kasta. I remember one of the few that were made was stolen 20 years ago. It is one of our most sacred artworks."

Wiping away the tears that had started to form, he looked to Elizabeth witha bit more composure.

"The jade I have no recollection of. If the Children had this, then it is either a fake or something they invented and passed off as Arundan. I apologize for not knowing more My Lady."

He stayed near the artifacts, enjoying their presence as much as he could before they would have to leave.

"Glad I checked the safe then." Masao commented. "Glad I could get something important back for your people." He added before taking another bite of his breakfast.

"Your contribution has been most invaluable, Captain." Vor bowed to the man with deep respect.

Masao waved a free hand. "No need for such formality." Masao said, "I didn't do any of it for thanks, I did it because it was the right thing to do." He added.

Elizabeth nodded at Vor, "It is quite alright, certainly more information than I had a moment ago." She was going to have Harold return the statues to the safe but upon seeing the look on Vor's face, decided it could wait until later.

Maseo's words to Vor only confirmed more of Elizabeth's suspicion that he was the better brother to be a member of the team.

Lorem was amazed at everything unfolding in front of her. So much in fact that she took up her over the shoulder purse, which contained a trusty miniature notebook inside for the random thought, and began writing down her observations on specifically Vor’s reaction; but also a mentioning of the others as well for contrast.

Sasha listened for a moment and watched Lorem taking notes. "So has it been decided that my plan will be utilized for the rescue team." Sasha asked. "If so I will need a bit of time to get ready.”

"Yes," Elizabeth responded to Sasha. "But before you leave I think you, Maseo and Sung should come up with a meet up point and discuss where you are entering the tunnels.”

Sasha looked to Masao and Sung. "What do you suggest?" she asked.

"I found a way in, in the office...though I don't know if that is viable for all of us." Masao said. "It's not likely to be easy no matter what way we get in."

Sung was silent for a moment thinking. "Back door? I don't think it is being watched as closely as the building. The entrance or exit that I came out of is not on the street and it is in an alleyway. It could be easy to walk into unknowingly and if it is guarded probably only by a few people. That would be my suggestion. I feel that if the people we are looking for would be in that area as well." Suggested Sung.

Masao shrugged "Your call." He said, "Not the captain, not my ship." He added. "I'll watch your backs like I would anyone on my crew but defer to you on how we do this.”