The First Meeting (Part 2)

Jp with Redsword, LaserSexPanther, Jaxx, Zeeke, Lorem, LucianNepreen, Omni and Cindy

Paris
Elizabeth Ellington’s Estate
About 7 PM

Dr. Jackal was busy writing his notes for Lady Elizabeth and her team in his room. First he wrote down the recipe for her to use as a reference.
Dr. Jackal's final transforming potion:
1/3 cup pure distilled white sugar.
2/3 cup hot distilled spring water.
1 cup cold electrolyte water.
2 oz. butterfly pea flower extract.
1 pinch (1/16 tsp) fine crushed sea salt.
1 pinch (1/16 tsp) citric acid. Can use juice of half a lime.
3 oz Jackfruit extract in liquid form
1 oz Komodo Dragon Pepper extract
1 oz fine powdered Uranium dust
1 Demon Blood Crystal
Then Komodo Dragon Pepper: The Komodo Dragon is reportedly one of the hottest chili peppers in the world, at around 1.4 million Scoville heat units.

Then he listed the locations of the rare ingredients such as the Jackfruit, also known as the jack tree, is a species of tree in the fig, mulberry, and breadfruit family. Its origin is in the region between the Western Ghats of southern India.

While butterfly pea flower extract makes the liquid blue, all the other liquids we’re adding are clear and yet the colour changes. Normally when you add other colour liquids together, they typically they become darker, but this drink becomes lighter, from dark blue to light pink-purple. Butterfly pea flower extract is special because it reacts with the Ph level of the liquid. So what makes the drink react is the citric acid and the lime juice. Yes, you could bypass the salt and citric acid, but, ‘the particular salt’, is one of the ingredients that gives the potion the reaction it does. While we add the demon blood crystal last since it reacts rather quickly since it contains ‘phosphorus and some volatile ether’. When combined, the liquid and crystals fizz, produce fumes and change colour – all dramatic but realistic effects of chemical reactions. The mixture starts to ‘effervesce’ (fizz), and when the ‘ebullition’ (bubbling) stops, it changes colour. The ‘metamorphoses’ (changes) stop when it is a ‘watery green’.

Lorem had arrived in her Dampfewagen, hauling a trailer, about an hour before the meeting time. She had been informed by Lady Elizabeth that the carriage house was where she was to set up shop and her room. She was directed their immediately upon arrival by the support staff and was pleased that it had been prepared in advance per her request by having everything removed.

With the staff assisting her, they began unloading the trailer into her new accommodations. They were bringing a series of large modular blocks made of wood and metal inside. Using a master blueprint, Lorem helped direct those staying to assemble the new interior.

The pieces fit together like a three dimensional puzzle. While the staff followed direction and placed them in the appropriate spots, Lorem was following up behind them securing the pieces together; in some instance they interlocked and in others fasteners and other hardware was required. Within forty minutes they had successfully constructed a gnome size interior tiny home inside the carriage house. It looked like she brought the interior of her airship room with her; the design ripe with space saving innovation. Most importantly it was sized just for her and therefore saved a considerably amount of room. With all the extra space the staff helped her setup a workstation area, once again using modular designed furniture that expanded from its collapsable state into a larger state providing more functional real estate.

She noticed that the time was drawing near for the meeting and had to call a halt to their labors. She would come back afterwards to build the shower room and hook up all the steam pieces. All in all everything she brought would take up less than half of the space, leaving the other half for technological shenanigans and testing.

It took but five minutes to straighten up her appearance and fix her hair in the same German style braids from her last time here. She was exactly on time for the meeting, entering quietly.

Before the doctor entered the room, Dumont could feel a force in his mind repelling against him not unlike two magnets with similar poles pointed to each other. Immediately, he wanted to reach inside his jacket for the Chamelot-Delvigne MAS French Army Service Revolver he kept strapped to his side. It was a strange sense he got when there was potential danger nearby. He had come here ready to shoot the good doctor, even against orders, that would stop him from transforming and hurting anyone else. But the feelings were short lived as he saw the care-worn face of a man on the run, even behind the clean, shaven visage.

Dumont settled down and sipped his Burgundy Crémant. Soon an interesting young gnomish woman had quietly entered. 'Must be the German.' he thought to himself.

Sitting in the middle of the seats on the left half of the circle, Vor took in the gathering members.
While he had to assume they were experts in their fields to be hired for this endeavor, he couldn’t help feeling miffed that he remained the only Araunda.
He kept his glances to their host to a minimum, feeling a commanding judgement from the older man.
The others, humans as far as he could tell, took places far enough to imply they had little previous connection. The one farthest away had an odd look to him, eyes restless. It made him consider his suspicions of a nefarious plot more readily.

At the sight of a gnome entering, he felt more at odds with the gathering party. It made him wonder how Lady Ellington expected to find the Visage if those gathered had so little connection to its cultural importance.

He kept these doubts hidden as he sipped his water, waiting to see where this was going.

Lorem’s footsteps didn’t make a sound as she carefully made her way to what looked like the main seating area. She felt vulnerable amongst all these tall strangers, like a lost hiker amongst tall trees. She inwardly hoped Lady Elizabeth would arrive soon, as to start the function. Small talk was not her forte.

She requested a lemonade from one of the staff that attended on her. With a little bit of a running hop, she climbed herself as lady like as possible into one of the available chairs, making sure not to pick one directly next to anyone else as to avoid any awkwardness her initial shy nature exhibited. She looked like a child sitting at the adults table.

Always paying attention to details and fond of observing others, she silently sipped her lemonade to occupy her mouth as she people watched. Not yet comfortable to speak, it didn’t stop her though from responding to any eye contact with a friendly smile.

Tristin found the interactions going on in the room fascinating. If her was not carrying a beautiful stolen necklace in his pocket, he might use his mind magic to see where this would go. He slowly moved in the room like a tiger ready to pounce.

"Quiet a lovely group," he said trying to break the tensions while leaning against a wall. Lifting his cup of tea he proposed a toast, "To our success."

He tried to get people smiling or at least focused on him.

Dumont lifted his glass and smiled at Lord Andrews' attempt to liven the room.

There was much on his mind, expressly concern for how this team was turning out. Andrews and Sung didn't worry him so much as the volatile doctor, the diminutive Gnome, who by her very nature assumed a child-like appearance, and this Vor'Aster... A new addition by Lady Ellington, no doubt... What did the Araunda know already?

Dr. Jackal was basically a wall flower in the room as other guests came in and found a place to sit or stand. Dr. Jackal just stood by the farthest wall and waited for the meeting to begin. When one gentleman offered a toast, another raised his glass as well. Dr. Jackal had a nervous smile as he gave a slight bow and muttered, "Uh....sure." He was feeling out of place in a crowed room and really wanted to eat something since he was famished. Hoping to avoid any trouble he acted cordial and quiet for the meantime.

Vor offered his cup to the toast, grateful someone had broken the silence. He had been waiting for Lady Ellington’s arrival to bring his questions forth, but at this time he could at least seem less hostile.
“And to the downfall of those who would oppose us.”

It sounded rather grandiose, but at least it might get some talk going.

"Bien dit." replied Dumont.

Sung was standing next to where Lady Elisabeth would be sitting he was being polite and generous as he could. Watching the people assembled there. Sung would not allow any fighting and he would crush it as fast as it started. But the people assembled there all seemed Professional. Sung let Vor go for now He was no problem at this time. he to lifted his small glass up for the toast. "cheers" he said with a smile and took a sip of his wine.

Lorem wasn’t sure how to interact at this stratosphere of social status. She was the only female in the room and significantly younger than the rest. the only reason she didn’t feel completely inappropriate was because Mr. Sung was present. Her father had informed her that the gentleman would be taking on the patriarchal role in his absence.

She wasn’t sure if the others had already been informed what they would be specifically doing. The whole notion that they may have to stop people that opposed their cause was foreign to her.

Elizabeth had gone to her room, she had taken a few moments to recenter herself, before getting changed for dinner. A deep forest green dress which offset her auburn hair perfectly was chosen. Black sash, and her hair in a bun - looking at herself in the mirror. The bin made her look like a twenty year old Eldren with her hair in a bun but it was professional. She needed to look professional.

Her whole life had been spent training for this even if child and teen Elizabeth could not have known that. She had been prepared to take on this role and had Sung to guide, like he had so often done in her life. Still, the young Eldern was nervous. It was a lot of responsibility. But Elizabeth also relished this.

While she knew her parents would love her no matter what happened, Elizabeth was determined to not let them or Sung down.

A knock on her door, the order to enter and a servant telling her most of the people had gathered in the parlor.

"Very good." Elizabeth responded.

The Eldren went downstairs and peered in the room. Most - yes but she was certain the one missing would be along shortly.

Elizabeth gracefully entered the room. She had an air of surety without seeming conceited. She began making her way around the room.

First to Lorem. "I do fear we are outnumbered by the men in the room." Elizabeth voice was light. "I hope your accommodations suit your needs."

Lorem let out an inaudible sigh of relief when Lady Elizabeth entered. Finally a familiar face was present that she could acceptably socially converse with. She admired her commanding presence and her elegant beauty. Traits which Lorem hoped she could figure out one day to maybe become attractive to others.

She smiled politely at the fact Elizabeth pointed out. She then responded just above that of a whisper. “Yes milady. Thank you for allowing your staff to assist me. We were able to construct my entire living quarters. All that is really left is but a few minor assemblies and then hooking up all the connections to the steam systems.”

“And may I add that the carriage house is an absolutely perfect space. You are most generous.”

Elizabeth smiled at the young gnome. "I am glad. Have you had a chance to meet the others?"

She had noticed the gnome seemed a little on the less outgoing side and figured Lorem might not have thought to ask Sung to introduce her.

Lorem shook her head no, “I have not. I admit, I did not seize the opportunity.” She leaned in slightly and whispered. “I am a bit intimidated if I am being honest.”

At that point Sasha LaGrave entered the room. "Excuses." Sasha said an apology. "I went for a walk around the grounds and did not realize how much time had passed." the woman's voice belied her appearance. "I doubt at this point introductions are necessary knowing I am the only one to not state a name yet, but...I am Sasha LaGrave, a pleasure to meet you all." she said with a duelist's bow.

Elizabeth saw Sasha enter the room and heard what she said. "It is a lot of grounds. Easy to lose the time." The Eldern responded, not seemingly bothered by the lateness.

Elizabeth then said to the room, "May, I have everyone's attention." Once the room was quiet. "If everyone could take a seat in the center here. We can get started." Motioning to where the seats in the circle were.

Elizabeth went by Sung and took her seat, leaving the one next to her opened so Sung could join her.

Elizabeth saw Sasha enter the room and heard what she said. "It's a lot of grounds. Easy to lose the time." The Eldern responded, not seemingly bothered by the lateness.

Elizabeth then said to the room, "May, I have everyone's attention." Once the room was quiet. "If everyone could take a seat in the center here. We can get started." Motioning to where the seats in the circle were.

Elizabeth went by Sung and took her seat, leaving the one next to her opened so Sung could join her.

Sasha approached the others, nodding regarding them all and took a seat next to the gnome woman, and gestured for Dr. Jackal to take the seat left of her. Seeing he as nervous and sitting next to someone he'd at least talked to would likely be the best choice for him, and the gnome woman looked just as nervous.

Dr. Jackal was taken back as Sasha beckoned him to sit with her and the female gnome. He was nervous and felt very out of place in a room full of strangers who seemed wary of him, as if they knew who and what he was. Seeing as Sasha had a look in her eyes that hinted he should follow her instructions, he was in a debate on what to say or do. Then he remembered he needed to make a good impression with Lady Elizabeth and her team in order to not cause any waves. So he nervously stood up and adjusted his clothing before he pulled out his notes and made his way to the chair Sasha gestured he sit at. He gave a slight bow as he softly spoke.
Dr. Jackal: Ladies.......I apologize if I am intruding.

Then he sat down and began nervously rubbing the notes in his hand. He was hoping he didn't mess up and embarrass Lady Elizabeth. He was not worried about how others saw him since he knew he was seen as a lost cause and a monster by any who knew who he was.

Lorem looked up and offered a friendly smile to Sasha and then the Doctor. She was instantly curious why the woman was wearing a mask. It made her look more intense. In fact everyone in the room seemed to have an edge of competency about them that hinted that they were not to be trifled with. She recalled being told that what they were going to be doing would be dangerous and that individuals that could solve such problems were being recruited.

Introductions would have to wait since Lady Elizabeth had begun the meeting. She remained quiet and gave her full attention to their host and team leader.

Dumont did as he was beckoned and joined the others in the circle. He bowed, "Fraulein Ipsum, Madame Lagrave. I am Anges Dumont, tis a pleasure to make your aquantence."

The truth was that the latest addition to the party didn't help his concern. Dumont had heard of Lagrave's reputation but it was already hard enough to trust anyone without a mask let alone a person that would never take one off. Made one even harder to read. Masks over masks. What was she hiding under there?

Vor shuffled in his seat as Lady Ellington arrived, hopeful that her arrival meant that his questions and concerns would soon be answered.

As the group took their seats, he couldn’t help notice the mix of emotions. Instead of a sturdy group of professionals, he mostly saw looks of distrust and anxiety. Not what he had expected, but Vor couldn’t blame anyone but himself for arriving. He was still willing to hear the Lady out, but his resolve was beginning to waver.

Tristin found a seat at took it. He smiled at the others with a disarming smile. He had spent time among some of the worst thieves and cutthroats in India. These people had no reason to trust each other yet. Like a stew, the pressure would need to be cranked up to get them to work together well. Is life in the darker side of the world let him know that he needed skilled people in his life so he could be his best.

Tristin set the tea cup down on a coaster on an end table and waited.

"Do not expect all team members to trust each other, especially those that know about Doctor Jackal's past." Elizabeth's father had said to her, after she had been tasked with being a team leader.

"What do I do in regards to that?" She asked him, in hopes to fix that issue.

"Nothing. There are no words you can say to make those who do not trust each other suddenly do so. You, as leader, must always maintain the lessons that your mother has taught you over the years. Treat everyone how you wish to be treated- no matter their current lot in life or their past."

"Of course, father." To the young Eldren it came easy to not hold judgments.

"Lead by example and give the team time to work together. The trust will happen, eventually. A true leader needs to trust in that." Her father looked serious for a moment before his expression lightened up. "Now, here are a few things to establish at the first meeting of any team..."

That moment came back to Elizabeth as she sensed the tension in the room. Do not force it, the Eldren reminded herself.

Once everyone was seated and settled Elizabeth began by asking the servants, who had been attending to the guests to leave and close the doors behind them.

Seeing the French styled doors shut Elizabeth began. "Welcome everyone. I believe we are ready to begin."