After we had driven for about an hour, (with all kinds of crazy theories as to what was going to happen when we arrived going through my head) the limo pulled up to what might be called a mansion

After we had driven for about an hour, (with all kinds of crazy theories as to what was going to happen when we arrived going through my head) the limo pulled up to what might be called a mansion. It looked very well taken care of, and was a most beautiful place. A man appeared out of the huge double doors and said, "This way, sir."

As I followed him, I took in my surroundings. The halls were covered with a rather expensive looking maroon carpet. They were edged with some type of exotic wood. The walls were a rich cream color, and old but well taken care of wood furniture abounded. There were exquisite paintings every few yards as well. The high ceiling was crowned with crystal chandeliers. Finally, we came upon a large room, in which many people had congregated and were talking. The hired help gave me a name tag and a pen and said, "Write your internet name as well as your real name, if you would sir." I did as he said and walked in to the room.

It appeared to be a library, as there were many bookcases along the walls. There were five round tables, sitting four each in the middle of the room, although everyone was standing and talking. At the far end of the room, there was a large wooden desk with a high-backed leather chair.

As I am quite interested in books, I decided to look at some of the titles: The Geography of South America, The Jurassic Age, and The Anatomy of a T-Rex were some of the standout ones.

Before I could investigate further, someone came up next to me and said, "You must be Armslore!" "I'm glad to see that you can read." I said to the tall, skinny woman with curly hair while I shook her hand. "And I see that you are Ashley." "I'm glad to see that you can read as well." she retorted. "Nice to see someone else with a sense of humor." I said. "Now for a serious question. Do you have any idea what this is about?" "Not a clue." She sighed. "We are supposed to find out soon though. Until then, why don't I introduce you to everyone else?" "Might as well." I muttered.

The people in the room were loosely divided in to two groups. Ashley led me to the larger one first. "Excuse me, everyone!" she announced. "This is Armmy!" She started introducing me to people right away. "This is Rissy, otherwise known as 'ChunkyMonkey'. And this is Lisa, Sarah, and ASIG. Over here is Caitlin aka 'Little Bird', Nadya, Sobek, and Christina aka 'Lady Margurite Roxton'." I had just finished shaking Christina's hand when I was dragged over to the smaller group.

"This is Armmy!" she repeated for this group. "This is Lex, Eva, and CalGal." she said to me. "So you're the gun nut." Lex said as she grinned. "That's one way of putting it." I responded.

When the introductions were finished, I gravitated towards the larger group. I noticed ASIG refilling his glass with punch, so I walked towards him. "Are we the only guys here?" I asked. "I was beginning to think that I was going to be the only guy on this trip," he said. "until you showed up. It looks like its going to be only us two." "Oh happy day." I said sarcastically. "You're telling me." he agreed. "At least we're in the company of friends." I pointed out. "I know." he said. "It's going to be a fun trip."

By this time we had reached the group. I decided that I would have to talk with the girls eventually, so I mustered my courage and stated: "Sooo…how are you guys?" Replies of "Fine.", "Good.", and "OK." abounded. My next question was straight to the point: "Does anyone know why we were called here? I mean, we're not all that special, are we?" "Correction." Said Tiggs. "Some of us are very special." "How?" I asked suspiciously. "Well," began Tiggs, "Lisa here is related to Margurite, Eva is related to Roxton, and Ashley is related to Malone!"

I was about to comment on the interesting nature of this new information, when I was cut off by a voice saying, "Good evening ladies and gentlemen." We all looked around until we found the source of the voice. He was sitting behind the desk! "I'm sorry for the delay, but your conversation was very interesting. Never the less, the time has come for you to learn what the real reason is for your coming here."

"In 1920, a man appeared suddenly on the streets of London. The men who found him took him to a hospital. As he was in very bad shape. As he regained his health, he started ranting about a 'lost plateau' and mounting a return expedition. Since the doctors could find no signs of mental problems, he was pronounced a delirious old man and let go."

"For the remainder of his life, he was obsessed with mounting a return expedition. Of course, no one believed him and so he tried to get sponsored to the day he died. Before he passed, however, he gave a piece of evidence to his wife- a journal, written by one 'Ned Malone'. This journal found its way to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who was so intrigued by it that he wrote a book based on it."

"If you haven't already guessed, the old man was none other than Prof. Arthur Summerlee. Although he and the events surrounding him died years ago, Telescene has brought them back to life. However, a recent lack of funds threatens the series. Once it was noticed that something was needed to boost ratings, a radical idea was brought forth: send an expedition back in time to rescue them! We faced the same difficulties that plagued Summerlee. Nobody believed it could be done. Today, however, we have the equipment and need only people who are willing to go: which brings me to you. If you are willing to go, Telescene will fully fund an expedition. Any questions?"

Everyone stared, almost paralyzed by what we had just heard. Finally, CalGal ventured, " I have some questions: First, who are you? Second, who will be in charge on the plateau? Lastly, when do we leave?" Applause erupted due to her last statement. After the clapping died down, the man said, "You may elect a leader for yourselves, you leave a week from tomorrow, and you know me better as 'The Lost World Moderator'. Now if you would elect your leader…" "I nominate CalGal." Called Tiggs. "I second that!" added Ashley. Everyone agreed. "Excellent." Said Mr. Moderator, "Now I need to see CalGal and Armslore in my office." "I wonder what he wants with us?" I thought as I followed him in.