The First Meeting (Part Five)

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

Paris
Elizabeth Ellington’s Estate
About 7 PM

"My opinion was this was exquisitely planned," he said pulling the necklace from his pocket. "The word was some of the finest jewelry in all the world was going to be on display. This has drawn some of the best talent in all the world," He added.
Laying the necklace down he added, "Sadly, they are fakes."

Elizabeth looked at the necklace, which was quite beautiful, and nodded. She did not seemed surprised by Tristin's reveal. Even if she was, the young Eldren had the grace not to show it but Elizabeth was well aware of Tristin's talents. If anything the fact the other Eldren had produced the necklace for all to see was the surprise.

The reveal of this Lord Andrews talents was very off putting for Vor. To be in the same room with a professional was no comfort, though he could see the necessity of such hiring. All the same, knowing he had his knife on him was a shallow comfort. His comment did bring up a good question though.

“So then would the Visage be a fake as well? I didn’t get close enough to see its validity.”

"I plan on finding that answer tomorrow, as well. It could have been a fake though my guess is it highly unlikely." Elizabeth knew just who might have such answers, hopefully she could speak with them.

“Excusé moi… I have a question… and Lady Ellington, forgive me for being blunt…” said Dumont. “But what kind of skills and defenses does this team have to combat these… abominations of men… should we be unfortunate enough to encounter one? Because one of them tore through my last team like we were rag dolls and I am lucky to have made it back alive and to be sitting with you here today.”

"Mr. Dumont, I was sorry to hear about your last team. Just so everyone is aware information about the last team will be in the packets that will be available in your rooms after dinner." Elizabeth's voice suddenly had a kind and gentle quality to it, she then responded to the question that was asked. "Everyone is to have wards. Either your own or one created for you. Also, we have more mages than the last team. It does also help we know what we will encounter. It is my understanding that the last team could not have known because no one had encountered one until that team did. Also, Miss Ipsum will be helping design things that can help protect us as well. I know this is little comfort perhaps but there have been sightings of the doctor but none of the abominations in Paris. At least not yet."

Dumont was satisfied with the answer. It was true, his team didn’t know what they were up against in those mountains.

“I will say that is a relief and does put my mind at ease. I would hate to see someone such as Fraulein Ipsum or Mr Vor’Aster put in such a terribly precarious position unprepared… being new to this Order.”

Dr. Jackal quietly sipped his water as he listened to everyone. He didn't want to speak up since it was obvious his presence triggered a lot of emotions for the others. In all honesty he just wanted to eat and sleep at this point. he was famished and exhausted since Sasha woke him up at gun point despite his three hour nap. To make it worse he was severely underfed during his time on the run. The clean water did taste and feel good but he could feel his stomach cramping as it let out a small growl. He cleared his throat as he softly spoke up in embarrassment.

Dr: Jackal: Sorry. Food was a luxury where I was living.

Dr. Jackal pressed on his gut hoping to make it stop growling.

Lorem was wide eyed and silent. Her attention was being volleyed around the meeting table as different individuals talked. This was a lot to take in; more messy and complex than a steam engine in her mind. To think such oddities and dilemmas had always existed, unknown to most. It was best to let the professionals keep talking.

She appreciated Dumont’s concern for the well being of those members which were not accustomed to the evils of the world. The room had talent; however, apparently talent wasn’t enough to help whatever this last team was to survive. To be fair, they met with the unexpected. Lorem was pretty sure there would be much more unexpected in this line of work.

Her inventive mind already started working behind the scenes to see how she could contribute with something more universally accessible for the team than magic. She was imagining a concealable knife that extended and retracted from a forearm guard. Perhaps the knife could even pivot at different angles for more utility in the grasping hand.

Sung had sat quietly watching everyone react to the information given. He was letting Elizabeth lead and was proud of what she was accomplishing. This team had a lot of talent and maybe would have a hard time bringing a monster down. Sung also knew it they had to could get away as well. The question is what would the Transformed human weakness be? No one seems to address this fact Some things should be addressed thinking Sung. He had learned from his dad and studied Sun Tzu's writings.

Sung thought about the basics Sage knowledge, deception, and formlessness are all means by which a commander can secure an advantageous position over his enemy. From this superior position, he can attack swiftly and decisively.

"One thing I have not seen addressed in this. There is something to keep in the back of your mind when on this mission knowledge, deception, and formlessness are all means by which a commander can secure an advantageous position over his enemy. From this superior position, he can attack swiftly and decisively." Sung started out with his tone sounding like one with experience as a military commander.

"Dr. Jackal, is there any known weakness to these transformed humans? I come from a family that has been let's say hunting the..." Sung thinks of the word. " chozayeongerc in" he says softly. "The supernatural? I think this is the right word. For hundreds of years. We always found a weakness of some sort." Sung explained, "I am glad you are here Doctor" finished Sung.

"Spirits might be helpful too," Tristin said.

Dr. Jackal sighed as he replied, “ There are a lot of variables involved that I still need to figure out. However it appears that this serum is only temporary so a long drawn fight with hit and run tactics would be wiser. Since the effects amplify the aggressive side it also lowers the intelligence of the user. You can try traps, long term distractions and maybe magical attacks but if they can regenerate like my other half you will most likely be playing a waiting game till the serum runs out.”

Elizabeth had a feeling magic could be more effective than was known at the moment though she realized that could just as easily be wrong. She did put it in her mental list of things to research tomorrow. "I believe dinner is almost ready. Any additional questions can be discussed after dinner." Elizabeth said. "You will be split into teams tomorrow, with the exception of Miss Ipsum and myself. Miss Ipsum, you might have noticed their is a steam coach in the carriage house. It is practically new. What I need you to do is upgrade it. Make is useful for the team. Bulliet prove. Make the engine not just faster but able to withstand the power a tech mage can put into it. And anything else you might think would be useful.

Now, for the rest of you. You will be split into three teams of two each. Miss Lagrave has agreed to pair with Dr. Jackal. Mr. Sung if you would pair with Mr. Dumont and that leaves Lord Andrews and Mr. Vor’Aster. One team is to take the left bank of the Exposition. The other the right bank. I was also thinking one of the best ways to get around Paris without being caught is the tunnels. So, one team will search the tunnels. Look for anything or anyone suspicious, bring back any evidence you find. If you spot the doctor Lemaire or any of his creatures do not engage but follow if you can do so safely. Feel free also to ask around just do not break the secrecy agreement when you do so.

So, if Miss Lagrave and Dr. Jackal will take the left bank of the Exposition. Lord Andrews and Mr. Vor’Aster will take the right bank. Mr. Sung and Mr. Dumont you two shall investigate the tunnels." Elizabeth waited for a moment before adding. "I do not expect everyone to automatically trust each other, I am hoping that will come in time, but I do expect you all to work as a team."

That was all Elizabeth was going to say on that matter, for the moment. "Feel free to get to know each other better at dinner and afterwards. Shall we head into the dining room?"