AN- This is based on H.G Wells 'The Island of Dr Moreau'. I thought it would be a really interesting idea to work with, and a really good idea for a fanfic. The 'M' in this fic (Mr Mycroft Holmes) I have used from the LXG graphic Novel. All other characters (which aren't mine) are from LXG or the H.G Wells novel. I hope you'll enjoy this story, I welcome you to chapter one of the House of Pain.
British Museum, Bloomsbury
April 15th 1900
London
The carriage pulled to a stop outside the grand white building. It would certainly have fit in with the buildings of ancient Rome, with its tall columns about the entrance. It was set atop a large staircase of grey stone.
The first to exit the cab was an Indian man, dressed in clothes of royal blue, and a clean white turban wrapped neatly around his head. As Captain Nemo looked up to pay the driver, another stepped out of the cab, hopping down onto the pavement. The American stretched, glad to have some more room to move. He was followed by a man who had escaped death at least once more to see his 'student' use the skills he had learned to complete their last mission.
The door on the opposite side of the cab opened as another man stepped out. He was dressed from head to toe in black; the only other colour upon him was the white grease paint that had been applied carefully to hide his transparency. Rodney Skinner adjusted his hat as he turned to join the other three. Following him was the only female member of the group, observing the building with azure eyes. Last to join them was Dr Henry Jekyll, who carefully shut the door of the cab as he stepped onto the pavement. He followed the others, who had already begun to ascend the steps.
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen were met by a young woman, who took them
down into the building.
''Are all secret meetings held in cellars?'' Skinner commented, removing his dark gloves. Quatermain smiled a little at the remark as they reached a set of oak doors. She rapped on the door loudly.
''He should be right with you'' she said, leaving them to wait outside the door.
A few moments later a door was opened and they entered the room. A wooden desk sat in front of a trio of large bookcases. Other than the large chair behind the desk and a large cupboard near the door, it was the only furniture in the room. However, the room was decorated grandly, with many portraits and framed specimens on the walls.
Their host closed the door and returned to his desk. As he sat, he regarded them with a nod.
''Gentlemen, Mrs Harker.''
Mina nodded in an appreciative way, that he had considered addressing her separately from the male dominated group. Although a large man, Mycroft Holmes was dignified and intelligent, and though he respected the constraints of the society they lived in, he was open to the ideas of the new age.
''You have been called here today, because there is a new mission here for you.''
Mina tutted at Skinner, who was pouring himself a drink. Mycroft merely smiled and gestured for Skinner to help himself. The invisible man tipped his hat to Mr Holmes before pouring him a drink as well.
''Thankyou, Mr Skinner.''
''What does this mission require?'' asked Nemo, regarding Holmes.
''Last month, a cargo ship went adrift somewhere on its way from the port of Arica in
Chile. It was transporting aviation prototypes, developed here in the ministry of defence, to British agents in Peru. It was headed to the port of Callao. We need these prototypes to be recovered, and handed over to the agents waiting in Peru.''
''Aviation prototypes?'' Mina looked at Mr Holmes quizzically, and he continued to explain.
''You see, the ministry has been working on these plans for quite some time now…but there have been some incidents with foreign spies, which led to a decision to send the prototypes to allies in Peru, where our research can be concluded.
''How are we supposed to find a cargo boat that's somewhere out in the ocean?''
asked Skinner, putting his glass back onto the desk.
''We did luckily receive word from Arica. The Captain of the ship decided to make an extra delivery on the voyage to Callao, but it was assumed he was under the influence of alcohol…however, he was apparently going to deliver some other cargo to Nobles Isle, but it is said to be inhabited. We have co-ordinates for you Captain Nemo.''
Holmes handed a brown folder to Nemo, who inspected its contents. Holmes rose from his chair and gestured to the door.
''These prototypes must be recovered. Even if they have ended up at the bottom of the ocean, you will be able to retrieve them. Good luck.''
The League waited outside as Tom tried to hail a cab. He sighed as yet another disregarded him and drove on.
''Well, this doesn't look to be as 'exciting' as our last mission, eh?'' said Skinner, watching Sawyer's efforts over his dark glasses. He succeeded as a driver stopped his horses, and Tom told him which direction they were going.
''At least our new 'M' is much more trustworthy than the last.'' Jekyll mused, getting into the carriage.
With the dawning of the twentieth century, an array of new concepts and ideas were being born. The world of science was being explored to even further depths than had previously been discovered in the previous age. The social balance was also being turned and changed, with the arrival of the new woman. The feminist movement was evoking many different emotions and reactions.
The cab pulled up at the East docks, and the group filed out. They passed the familiar old house of former League member Mr Dorian Gray, who had perished under the unexpected and underestimated wrath of Mrs Wilhelmina Harker, and boarded the magnificent ship that waited for them…
To Be Continued….
