3.

~P&P&I~

"His name is Robert Fischer, he's the dreaded benefactor." Ariadne explained to Circe that evening. The Architect had invited her friend to join them for dinner with Mr. Fischer.

"Well how much of a benefactor is he?" Circe asked as she helped Ariadne set the table.

"It costs a lot of money to do Extractions sometimes. You have basic living expenses, research, travel and sometimes we have to go to outside sources." Ariadne explained. "It's easier to have a backer."

"He may pull the plug on our entire operation as soon as he pleases." Sadie interjected.

The French Forger's skinny body was curled up in a wing backed chair as she watched the others work. Sadie was back in her normal make up and loud fashion. Her legs looking even longer with the accent of banana yellow heals.

"He owns this house and everything in it." She added bitterly.

Circe gave Ariadne a horrified look. The Architect gave a shrug.

"Which is why we have to play host to him tonight." She explained.

~ P&P&I ~

Robert Fischer presented himself at the Team's doorstep promptly. A good looking and well manicured man. His hair was blown dry and styled. His clothing was expensive and carefully selected. His manners were... less careful.

"It is a pleasure to be surrounded by such a fair household." Mr. Fischer commented on the appearance of Miles and his lovely students.

"Tell me, are all of your students female?" He asked.

"Well, yes." Miles mused absentmindedly over dinner. "I have yet to find dream extractors who are as fair minded as Mal, as bright as Ariadne, or as charming as Sadie." The Teacher raise a glass to his students.

"If they could be out shined by another, I still would not part with them." He added. To which his ladies smiled back.

"I meant no disrespect, Sir." Mr. Fischer said casually. His sincerity, questionable.

"Mr. Fischer." Ariadne ventured. "Miles tells us you new business partner is a Mr. Saito from Japan."

At the mention of his business partners name, Mr. Fischer brightened. His cheeks turning rosy and a his eyes alight with joy.

"Yes, Mr. Saito is a most... amusing gentleman. I have been honored to spend many evenings in his exclusive company. Mr. Saito is the soul of graciousness and consideration." Mr. Fischer told them.

Ariadne winced as Circe gave her a hard kick under the table. Such actions were not necessary, the Architect could put together on her own that their Benefactor was the type who enjoyed the exclusive company of men.

"Have you often visited Japan?" Circe asked. The Witch trying prove Mr. Fischer was not interested in women by using her most seductive weapons on him.

"Yes, Mr. Saito's country makes for an excellent home. I have given much study on moving there indefinitely. To be... closer, to such a great man." Mr. Fischer explained hurriedly. His face blushing.

"How happy for you Mr. Fischer." Miles added. "To have such a good relationship with your... partner."

"Yes. After dinner, I thought you might show me some of your work and we can talk business." Mr. Fischer added.

~ P&P&I ~

Robert Fischer proved himself to be not particularly bright. He asked all the wrong questions and concentrated to much on the wrong things. He had a difficult time grasping the concept of dreams despite Mal's tactful and easy teaching. The arrogant young man would ignore Mal and the others in favor of doing whatever he wished in the dreams. Many times with disastrous effects that left him waking up in the workshop.

Mr. Fischer's manner's left little to love in the man.
Miles was growing impatient with their guest. When he whispered to his Architect.

"My expectations are fully answered, Ariadne. He is just as absurd and self important as I'd hoped."

~ P&P&I ~

It was in the morning that Mr. Fischer approached his host.

"Miles, It has been my... reluctant duty to marry soon if I am to inherit my Father's empire on his death. Even my Mr. Saito has encouraged me to find a wife and do so quickly." Mr. Fischer said. His face indifferent. "Although I'm certain this will in no way hinder our relationship."

"I see." Miles nodded politely.

"I must say that your student Mal has captured my attention. She is educated, cultured, has traveled and dresses well. She would be very pleasing in my society." Mr. Fischer mused.
"Oh, well... Mr. Fischer." Miles stammered. "I'm afraid it is incumbent upon me to hint that Mal has been keeping company with a very nice American Man, I think they get along very well."

"Well that's no good." Mr. Fischer pouted. But then his eyes lit up. "Your other student, Ariadne. While not equal to Mal in beauty, would be an agreeable alternative."

~ P&P&I ~

That very day, Mr. Fischer had decided to join the ladies on a walk into the shopping district of Paris.

"How quickly you walk, Ariadne." Mr. Fischer mused barely able to keep up as the Architect tried to avoid the Benefactor.

"I guess I'm used to it." Ariadne explained.

"There is a verity of markets, much finer then these in Tokyo and you would not have to walk." Mr. Fischer told her.

Ariadne cast Mr. Fischer a disparaging look as Mal linked her arm in the Architects.

One of Circe's male friends (and fellow dreamer) was at a small cafe with a gentleman whom the ladies did not know. He was handsome and possessed a pleasing figure. Circe's friend introduced him as Mr. Eames.

Mr. Eames was charming and gracious to the ladies. They soon learned through Circe's friend that he also worked in dream sharing as a Forger.
"Mr. Cobb!" Mal cried out spotting something in the crowd. The ladies turned to see Mr. Cobb and his friend Arthur walking towards them. Mal met the American Extractor with a blushing smile and hug.
"I thought that was you." Mr. Cobb said happily. "How is your leg? You didn't walk all the way over here did you?" He asked worriedly.

Mal assured the Extractor that she was all but healed. Ariadne noticed an odd exchange between Mr. Eames and Arthur. Both men remained quite and subdued, but Mr. Eames had paled sharply as Arthur's face turned bright red. His expression angry.
"Cobb, we should go." Arthur said suddenly. "We have that meeting." The Point Man persisted. Arthur cast a quick look at Ariadne which made her look to her shoes before he and the Extractor left them.

Ariadne knew that something had passed between Arthur and Eames. She didn't want to ask the Forger exactly what. As it happened... it was Mr. Eames who brought it up.