The Grand Illusion - ThreeBR
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(Disclaimer: Characters from The Lost World belong respectively to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Telescene, et al. This is for entertainment purposes only. Any original characters belong to the author and cannot be used without permission.)
Roxton was watching Challenger, who was pacing the floor and talking at the same time as if he were in the classroom lecturing his students on the finer points of paleontology.BR
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"I know that we WERE there.." Challenger turned to face them all. "But the proof! All that - that proof is gone!" BR
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"Actually, George, from this point, it shall BE.." Summerlee chuckled a little. BR
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Challenger looked a bit surprised that Summerlee had pointed it out.BR
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"I haven't lived this long not to observe you, Challenger. Our time on the plateau - well, let's say it has enlightened me upon your character somewhat."BR
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"Oh?" Challenger raised a brow. "And just what have you found out?"BR
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"YOU, my dear friend want to go back." Summerlee peered at him through his glasses.BR
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Challenger actually smiled. "In that you are quite correct, Summerlee. I do. Care to join me?" BR
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"Despite the raptors and the various marauding ape-men, I think that I would. But not for quite the same reasons as before."BR
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"Humph. So you say.." Challenger bristled. BR
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"Oh, I still wouldn't mind putting you down a notch or two, old man.." Summerlee's eyes twinkled in merriment. "But we can learn from that plateau. Perhaps gain a bit of that lost Eden back."BR
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"Summerlee, you ARE a romantic.." Marguerite smiled like a cat who had just eaten a bowl of cream.BR
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"Romance is the fire of a soul that would otherwise be a very cold and lonely place, my dear.." Summerlee bestowed a fatherly smile upon her. "Even errant young heiresses can learn that.." He cast a look at Roxton, who pretended not to hear. BR
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"Ahem.." Challenger said. "Shall we get back to the conversation at hand?"BR
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"I definitely want in, Challenger." Ned spoke up. He had been silent for such a long time. BR
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"To find Veronica, yes?" Challenger asked, knowing the answer.BR
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"Yes." Ned admitted. BR
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He did feel guilty though. If they were back where they were before their expedition, then there was Gladys to consider. He loved her or he had loved her. But that was before Veronica. God, he felt so confused!BR
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"Good." Challenger said shortly. "Three down, two to go. Roxton?" BR
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Roxton looked up and Marguerite looked at him. She knew he had heard every word that had been said. BR
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"Ah, why not? Never did get that raptor trophy I wanted.." He crossed his booted legs elegantly and sipped the last of his drink, which tasted slightly sweeter than normal.BR
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"That leaves you, Miss Marguerite." Summerlee said. BR
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"Ah yes. The bankroll for this doomed expedition.." Marguerite crossed her arms and smirked at the lot of them. BR
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"Well you did volunteer your funds the FIRST time.." Roxton gave her a knowing look.BR
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"And just what makes you think I'd do it again?" Marguerite raised her brow.BR
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"Women.." Roxton rolled his eyes.BR
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"Ha. MEN! If Veronica were here with me, she'd certainly agree." BR
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"This is NOT getting anywhere.." Challenger commented. BR
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"It certainly isn't." Summerlee actually agreed. "My dear, would you consider assisting four lowly males in their quest for knowledge and raptor trophies?"BR
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This actually got a laugh from those assembled in the room.BR
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Marguerite smiled her most charming and beguiling smile. BR
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"Since you asked so nicely, Dr. Summerlee, I graciously accept your invitation." BR
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Roxton shook his head ruefully.BR
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"Thank god!" Challenger said. "It certainly took long enough to decide that. Now we''ll have to plan. We'll be more prepared this time and - " BR
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Challenger was already thinking aloud, his thoughts racing forward as his ideas came forth. Already the frustration of being back was being replaced with knowing where he was headed to. This time they would land on the plateau not by accident but by design and they wouldn't be the helpless travelers they had been. His discoveries would flip the scientific and historical societies on their ears! BR
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Roxton could feel the charge in the room and he felt the same energy he felt when he was going on a hunt, when he knew he was going to stalk his prey and take his chances. It felt good to feel this way again. BR
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Roxton got up, which made Challenger look up from his ramblings for a moment.BR
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"I'm all for the expedition, but we're not going TODAY. My home is your home for the time being until we depart for the plateau."BR
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This was met with unanimous approval by all. After all, it would be much easier for them to plan the expedition that way. The meeting adjourned for the time being, although Challenger did stay in the parlor for awhile longer.BR
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