Here's chapter 7. No spoilers in this one. Enjoy.
Bold italics = telepathic messages
Disclaimer: I do not own Sanctuary or any of its characters.
Chapter 7
(EPITA, Le Kremlin-Bicètre, France - 2008)
"Natalija will you please come on. We're already running behind," Vladimyr says, helping his sister out of the taxi.
Wrenching her arm out of his grasp, she straightens her skirt and points out, "That is not my fault in the least."
"I know. I'm sorry," he answers, "It took longer than I expected at the bank. It is a lot of money, you know?"
She looks at him with mock innocence, "Really? I didn't think it was that much. I mean we have so much more where that came from."
Her brother rolls his eyes and gives an exasperated sigh, "Cheeky monkey. Next time, you can deal with the bank manager."
"Ok," she agrees all to readily.
Seeing the glimmer in her eyes, Vladimyr realizes his mistake. He shakes his head and vehemently says, "No way. I know that look and nothing good comes from it."
"Oh. You're no fun at all," she pouts.
"Be that as it may," he offers her his arm. "Shall we?"
She tucks her hand into the crook of his arm, "Of course."
They stop to study the brick and glass building bearing the sign EPITA. A university is the last place either one of them thought they would find their father. The two of them make their way inside. After the rather plain exterior of the building the twins find the inside refreshingly bright and airy.
As they head to the reception desk, Vladimyr asks his sister, "Are you sure this is the right place?"
"It's the address father left in his message," she tells him. "Of course now the professor part makes more sense, too."
Vladimyr smiles at the young woman seated behind the desk and speaks in French, "Excuse me. Could you direct us to Professor…" He glances at his sister.
"Chapin DeLavigne."
Really? He asks incredulously.
Yes. Really. Natalija shoots back.
The receptionist types something into the computer, then says to them, "The professor does not have any classes scheduled for today. Is he expecting you?"
Nodding his head, Vladimyr replies, "Yes. He is most definitely expecting us."
"One moment, please," she tells them as she picks up the phone and dials an extension. She then speaks into the phone, "There is a couple here to see you. Very well." She looks back to the twins, as she hangs up, "Professor DeLavigne is in his office. He said to send you right up."
Before she actually has a chance to give them the directions, Natalija smiles and states, "Thank you. We know the way."
As they walk away, Vladimyr grips her arm and whispers, "I really wish you would not just traipse around in people's minds like that."
"I did nothing of the sort. I only had a little peek," she tells him as innocently as she can. "Besides, it would have taken more time for her to explain, than it will take to get there. And you were the one complaining about running behind."
He cannot argue the point with her, so he settles for shaking his head as they enter the lift.
Oh yah, she thinks you're cute. Natalija sends, turning and smirking at him.
Vladimyr simply rolls his eyes and sighs.
A couple of minutes later they find themselves standing outside the door to one Professor Chapin DeLavigne. Natalija cannot help but giggle at the contemptuous look her brother gives the nameplate, as if it had anything to do with their father's unusual taste in names. He shoots her a menacing grimace. Although she becomes silent, it does not stop her from grinning.
"I do not see what is so funny about this," Vladimyr hisses.
His sister tilts her head and replies, "And I do not see why his choice of a name bothers you so much. I actually think it rather appropriate, all things considered."
He just sighs and knocks on the door.
"Enter," Nikola answers.
Vladimyr opens the door and allows Natalija to enter before he follows, closing the door behind them.
Their father rises from his chair and greets them in Serbian, "Welcome Mr. And Miss Banks. It is so nice of you to finally show up."
Serbian it is then. Natalija sends.
I guess so. Her brother responds.
"Yes," Vladimyr explains, "I do apologize for that, Dr. Tesla. We had some… issues at the bank."
"Nothing that could not be resolved, I hope," Nikola states.
Lifting the briefcase onto the desk, the younger man replies, "Of course not."
Nikola nods, "Very good then. As I said in my message, the device is finished and ready for field testing."
"Thank you so very much for your quick work, Dr. Tesla. You are truly an amazing scientist and engineer," Natalija sincerely says.
Their father stares at them for a moment, before smiling, "Well, yes. Yes I am. I'm so glad someone in this ungrateful world sees it."
"Is it here?" Natalija asks.
Nikola shakes his head, "It is in my lab at the other end of the building. We can go to see it, if you wish."
"No. We trust you, Dr. Tesla. Could you have it crated and sent to this address?" Vladimyr produces a slip of paper. "We will, of course, reimburse you for any and all costs associated with the shipping."
"That will not be necessary," their father tells them. "I can use the university's account to have it delivered to you."
"Very well then. If that is all. We should be on our way," the younger man replies, taking hold of his sister's arm.
"Actually," Nikola declares, "I was wondering if you could tell me what you were planning to do with the containment field."
Natalija looks up at him and appears to be contemplating his request.
Natalija! No! Vladimyr reprimands.
But…
NO!
Very well.
Sadly, she shakes her head, "I do not think that would be such a good idea, for you, Dr. Tesla. The less you know, the better off you will be."
He shrugs, "You cannot blame me for trying. Scientific curiosity and all."
"No, I guess not," the young woman grins. "Thank you again, Dr. Tesla. Have a good day."
Vladimyr nods, "Good day, Dr. Tesla."
"Good day and good luck to the both of you," Nikola answers.
As he watches them go, Nikola cannot help but wonder when he will meet the enigmatic siblings again. He is not sure how he knows, but he knows for certain that he will see them again.
Well, the twins are one step closer to fulfilling their plan. I hope you liked it. Thanks for reading. Until next time.
NOTES:
-EPITA stands for École Pour l'Informatique et les Techniques Avancées. It is one of France's leading science and engineering schools. I figured if Nikola Tesla was going to hideout as a professor he would only work for one of the best universities.
-The reason Vladimyr questions Nikola's alias is because it roughly translates to 'scholar of the vineyard'. A fitting name for Nikola, don't you think?
