DiabloCat: Whoa, I was startled by the enthusiasm to my trailer! Well, here it is – the first chapter. Okay, so nothing much happens. But it DOES set the scene.
To Rini Zoro: Well, let's hear your idea, then! Frankly, I have no idea where this is going. I'm just making it up as I go along. Heh heh... (guilty laugh)
To Funyun: Now, obviously.
To Funky in Fishnet: Thanks. I'll try to keep it up.
AND NOW – FOR OUR FEATURE PRESENTATION...
LXG 2: The Shadow's Underground
Rodney Skinner looked around blearily. What the hell was going on? It was four in the morning! Shouts echoed around the interior of the Nautilus and even as he stood, slightly dazed, a constant stream of sailors tore past.
He scanned the crowd, looking for someone he actually knew. As luck would have it, he spotted Henry Jekyll scurrying along. The invisible man reached out and snagged the startled doctor.
"Easy now! It's just me. What's goin' on?"
"We've received a message," said Jekyll, tugging his sleeve free of Skinner's grip. "We are required to be in London at once."
"It's 4am!"
"Yes, but the message, though brief, was urgent. We are changing direction immediately. It seems the League is needed once more."
"Aw, not again. One adventure was enough!"
"You should put something on. Nemo wants us in the library as soon as possible."
"Hmph. Bearded fusspot."
Jekyll just stared at him, one eyebrow raised.
"Alright, alright. I'll get ready." Skinner grumbled. "Give me a sec." He strolled over to where his jacket was draped over the back of his chair. Deftly he slipped it on, and then walked back to where Jekyll was standing. "Righto. Let's get a-moving."
The rest of the League were already in the library, waiting for them, some patiently, others not so. Nemo nodded in greeting, which Jekyll returned. Skinner just snorted at the captain. He was still displeased about being forced out of bed so early.
"I'm glad you finally found it fit to join us, Mr Skinner," Mina Harker said icily. As Skinner was not wearing his face paint, his mock-hurt expression was lost on her.
"Mina, I'm hurt," he said mournfully, though there was an undercurrent in his voice which suggested the complete opposite. "Besides, Jekyll was late too."
"Yes, but I know that he was fully ready before you were even out of bed."
"Oooh, spying the doc, are we? And I thought I was the only man in your life." Skinner said slyly. Jekyll flushed bright red, and Mina treated the gentleman thief to a glare that would have scorched the sun.
"People, please," said Nemo, his deep voice sounding out clearly. "Skinner, curb your tongue. We have no time for your tom-foolery." Skinner shrugged and grinned. He'd had his fun.
Tom Sawyer spoke up for the first time. "So, what's the news?"
The former pirate unfolded a piece of paper, with a message scrawled upon it. "Around three-thirty, Kaile picked up a message in Morse Code."
"Copy-cats," Skinner commented idly to no one in particular.
"It was from the British government. It seems there is trouble arising. Trouble like nothing seen since 'M' was killed."
"Another world war threat?" asked Jekyll.
"No. Something different, but none the less serious. A series of attacks, kidnappings and murders. Ones that could cause anarchy and disorder within England."
"And they want us to solve this problem," said Mina quietly.
"Precisely."
"Great," said Skinner, in a falsely enthusiastic voice. "Let's charge into another adventure where we get shot at, stabbed at and burnt to a crisp. Another adventure where we track madmen through snow and ice. Another adventure where we put our lives on the line, and get absolutely no thanks whatsoever." Then suddenly his tone changed, becoming grim. "And I'm serious. After all that, after we nearly DIE for them, what do we get? A 'Yeah, nice job. Next time, destroy less stuff, okay? Great, see ya.' I mean, what do we owe them?"
"We may not owe the government anything directly," said Jekyll. "But what about the people? We have these...abilities." The doctor tried to repress a shudder. "They make us outcasts from society in general. But the League gives us the opportunity to use them for good. We've all committed sins in the past. But in the League gives us a chance to reconcile them. How can we just ignore that?"
There was a moments silence as the League took this in.
"Well, after that stirring speech, I suppose I'll have to come," said Skinner dryly. He stood up, and gave a flourishing bow. "Farewell, my freaky darlings. I'm going back to bed, like any sensible person would."
Sawyer stared as the thief walked out the door. "Er – so is he coming or not?"
Nemo chuckled. "I believe that is the closest we'll get to an agreement from Mr Skinner. So – are we all in favour?"
"I'm in," said Tom at once.
"And I," said Mina.
"It would be rather hypocritical of me to decline after my...speech, as Skinner put it. I'm coming," said Jekyll.
"So. The League is set," said Nemo gravely.
There was a chuckle from a seemingly empty corner of the room. "Oh, bravo! Allan would be proud!"
"Skinner! Put some clothes on!" hollered the entire League in unison.
The invisible man threw up his hands in defeat, though no one saw him. "Huh. You guys just can't take a joke."
Footsteps padded for the door, and then suddenly stopped. "Hey, Nemo? You forgot something."
"What?" said Nemo wearily.
"The game is on."
With that, the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen headed off to London.
