EmmaSteed – Thanks! I am a Tom/Mina-ist and will see how those two go over the course of this trilogy. You're right, we need more Tom/Mina, and are you going to do any more of "Mina Warms Up"? I wish they'd left that scene in the movie.
Sawyer Fan – Yes, it is up, thanks to your help! Sawyer is his own best feature – LOL. I'm glad the inclusion of parts from the novels worked for you, and I promise there is a lot of angst coming. Give us more Sequel and Crucible soon too!
Ingra – Thanks very much – it was great fun writing Skinner, and I enjoy writing Tom and Mina interaction. Glad they came across that way. Yes, they will be talking more in this chapter, and I guarantee at least one more hug somewhere in this story!
pengwin-jibberish – I hope this second story keeps working as well for you as the first did. I love the idea of having all these different characters in a League together, and working out how they would mix and what they would talk about and do, and trying to make it as believable as possible. Thank you very much!
"Rubicon 2 – Africa" Chapter 2
by Ten Mara
Rating: T
CATEGORY: Story, Drama/Angst, Supernatural aspects, hints of potential Tom/Mina
DISCLAIMER: The literary characters referred to are copyright their respective authors, and "LXG: The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" is copyright 20th Century Fox, based on the comic books by Alan Moore and Kevin O'Neill. The characters and movie universe are used without permission. No copyright infringement is intended, no profit will be gained. Characters not recognized are mine.
Note: In the movie, what happened to Mina after Dracula's death has been altered from that given in the last page of Bram Stoker's novel, so I've followed what the scriptwriter gave us, and decided that in my League/Rubicon universe she does not have a son. There are quotes in this chapter from the novel.
xXx
Next day:
At breakfast Henry and Skinner joined the rest of the League, or almost all of them. "We still waiting for the kid?" Rodney asked.
"He is not coming," Nemo answered. The others were surprised by that news.
Skinner raised an eyebrow. "Just when I start showing up to the table again, Tom doesn't. Should I be insulted? Or is he that worried that I'm going to teach him cricket?"
"Agent Sawyer cancelled his martial arts training for today and asked that his meals be served in his room until further notice," the Captain replied.
Henry frowned with concern. "Any ideas why? Isn't he feeling well?"
"He said he was busy. My crewman commented that he was very distracted."
"It's all right," Mina informed the others, realising what was going on. "He is just reading something he wants to finish as quickly as possible."
No one asked her to elaborate, and she was glad.
xXx
Tom devoured books, but he had never been so caught up in one as he was with this.
Because this one really happened. And to someone I care about.
His strict, self-enforced training regime was on hold, even his next planned visit to the ice room where Allan's body lay. All that mattered for now was the words and story in front of him, of how Mina and her husband and friends had battled a terrible vampire.
As he got deeper into the pages and the emotions, he could see just how much Mina was sharing with him and trusting him with. At one point she had written about her deceased best friend:
If I hadn't gone to Whitby, perhaps poor dear Lucy would be with us now. She hadn't taken to visiting the churchyard till I came, and if she hadn't come there in the daytime with me she wouldn't have walked there in her sleep; and if she hadn't gone there at night and asleep, that monster couldn't have destroyed her as he did. Oh, why did I ever go to Whitby? There now, crying again! I wonder what has come over me today. I must hide it from Jonathan, for if he knew that I had been crying twice in one morning – I, who never cried on my own account, and whom he has never caused to shed a tear – the dear fellow would fret his heart out.
Then at one point she decided, I suppose a cry does us all good at times – clears the air as other rain does.
How Mina had encouraged Lucy's fiancé, Arthur, to let out his grief about losing her. He had cried in her arms. I suppose there is something in woman's nature that makes a man free to break down before her and express his feelings on the tender or emotional side without feeling it derogatory to his manhood.
Tom had no one else to speak to or let the grief out to about Allan until Mina. Nemo had tried, but something in the American had resisted. Heck, he'd resisted Mina too, but she had worn him down.
Mina had told Arthur that she was like a sister to Lucy and suggested that she could be a sister to him.
She didn't tell me to see her like a sister . . . . Don't get any ideas, Sawyer.
He felt empathy for Jonathan in a lot of ways, and with Quincey Morris, the lone American in the band of vampire hunters. The Texan had also had an unattainable love - for Lucy - was Southern and placed a good deal of trust in a Winchester.
At one point Tom read Mina's comment: Fortunately I am not of a fainting disposition, and he thought, Well, that certainly hasn't changed!
After Mina had read about Count Dracula in her husband's diary and then realised that he could now be in London, she was not certain if this strange man really was of the undead or just one of Jonathan's fever dreams. After all, Jonathan had become very sick while on his business trip in Transylvania. But there was one thing she was sure of. There may be a solemn duty; and if it come we must not shrink from it. I shall be prepared.
She was the one who struck on the idea of typing out her husband's journal and any other relevant information so they could read a 'whole connected narrative' and make more sense of it, to try to fathom out the vampire's plans and powers. Mina, Jonathan and their friends could never have made the connections they did otherwise.
And then in leaving Mina out of their business because it was too dangerous for a woman and to spare her pain, the group of vampire hunters inadvertently allowed Dracula access to her.
It was she who ultimately used intellect to work out the Count's moves and motives so they could all track him down and kill him. Unfortunately they lost one of their own in the process. Tom was quite melancholy when he read about Quincey's death.
The agent was so wrapped up in the words that his next delivered meal was cold by the time he started eating it. And even then it was absently, until finally it came to him that what he was eating was a very good first attempt by the Chef at making one of his Southern dishes. The gesture was deeply touching. I must go and thank him.
But the first person he needed to see was Mina.
xXx
Tom joined her on the conning tower with only the company of the sea and breeze.
"I've finished," he said in a very soft voice.
She turned slightly towards him and nodded.
"I'm so sorry you had to go through that."
"That which does not kill us, strengthens us. And for me that certainly became the case." She paused and looked down at her gloved hands. "Do you understand me better now?"
"Yes. I thought you were a remarkable woman; this just proved it." He meant it seriously, but she gave a faint smile in response.
Van Helsing had been right on the mark when he commented that Mina "has a man's brain – a brain that a man should have were he much gifted – and woman's heart."
Mina faced Tom fully. "Now you can see that I have never been a great crier myself, but that I can well understand its beneficial properties. My keeping my feelings to myself was nothing personal against you."
He nodded. "Your guilt over Lucy's death . . . That was like reading about myself and Allan."
"Well, I came to see that some things just happen and the best has to be made of it once they are."
"Yes. I just wish . . . that there had been more time in my case, really." With Mina sharing it was suddenly a lot easier for him to share in turn. "I knew Huck since we were kids; we grew up together. I hardly knew Allan in comparison. And yet I miss him so much, just as much. I never knew my real father, but I felt that way towards Allan."
"I am not surprised. It's like you were meant to be brought together, to become father and son. All of us could see it. It was a more perfect match than I've seen in most blood relations or even marriage partners." She paused, then said, "I do not mean that as a jest."
"I know."
"I was lucky in some ways in regard to time. I knew both Lucy and Jonathan since we were children. At least I had that. But quality of time is what counts. And Dracula put an end to that, just like the Fantom did with your friend and Allan."
They were both quiet for a time, then Mina found herself opening up in a way she had not since – since . . .
Since being with Jonathan himself, she realised.
"For a while after Dracula's death, it seemed that all was well. Or well enough. Jonathan was never as physically strong again, and I am sure that when he caught pneumonia a few years later, he would have beaten it if not for that past ordeal. And we were sure Dracula's death had freed me from the curse. But after my husband's funeral, a man tried to rob me in the street, and I was suddenly filled with such rage. The vampire nature came out in me and I killed him."
She swallowed and continued, her voice quiet but determined, encouraged by Tom's silent attentiveness. "I am 'clean' enough or unaffected enough to be able to endure sunlight and be seen in mirrors, to enter churches, and not go into a frenzy when I smell blood. I can also last a long time without having a craving for blood. Fortunately there is not enough of Dracula's essence in me to make me become soulless and evil. But when provoked, like by the henchman in Dorian's library or the robber . . . ." She shuddered. "From the time I was attacked by that robber, I stopped aging. Doctor Van Helsing was at a loss as to how to get me back to normal or why I am still affected. Perhaps one day . . . . The one good thing about Jonathan's death is that he did not live to see what I had become. It would have broken his heart."
"I think that he would have been proud that you're using this for good," Tom said. "To help people. Like you said in your diary: 'perhaps we are the instruments of ultimate good'. And you were the one to work Dracula out so he could be defeated. You were determined that he would not be allowed to continue, not just for the sake of your loved ones and any other potential victim, but for himself too, whoever he used to be before the curse. That was remarkable compassion and insight, especially considering he had already killed your best friend."
Mina wrapped her hands tightly around the railing. "I freed him, but somehow stayed trapped myself. One of the reasons I became a chemist was to try to find a cure for my condition. That was the carrot dangled to me by M as well."
"One day we will find a way. But for now, as you said, we all do the best we can with the hand we're dealt."
"Exactly." And it was good to know that she no longer had to do that alone. "You are the only person I have shown that chronicle to since it happened. I think I will show it to the others as well. It may be beneficial if we come across any other vampires. But I wanted you to read it first."
She could see in his green eyes just how much her gesture meant to him.
"Try not to doubt yourself, Tom. I certainly do not. And I have not been one to trust others easily for a long while."
"Thank you."
There was a comfortable silence between them for a few minutes as they looked out over the water and also a close proximity as they stood side by side, before the American spoke again.
"I had no idea that you were a 'train fiend'," Sawyer said, quoting her own words at how she used to like memorizing and making up the train timetables to help Jonathan.
She gave a little laugh. "We all have our strange hobbies."
xXx
A few days later:
The agent caught up with Mina in the library, and he was carrying a wrapped parcel. "I've got something for you. Sorry about the state of the wrapping, but I've never been very good at doing that."
Clearly intrigued, she undid the present and found a little wooden train. Her face shone with delight. "It's lovely! Thank you, Tom." She looked at the detailing. "Did you carve it yourself?"
"Yes. I was going to buy you a model at one of our stopovers, but decided to try making one. See, I do have more hobbies than guns." He could see how much his gift meant to her, and that meant even more to him as a result.
xXx
Also during those few days, Skinner indeed carried out his 'threat' about teaching Sawyer cricket, assisted by Jekyll. Rodney was wearing his hat and a light coat to aid in his coaching, and to hopefully avoid being accidentally hit.
"Until you pick up the game, we won't rope any of the crewmembers in or try to play it out on the deck. We'll just stick to this gymnasium."
Less embarrassment for me, Tom thought."But all those fielders that are needed – if one of us is the batter –"
"Batsman."
"- and someone else is the pitcher and someone else is the catcher, then that's it! There's only three of us."
"Then we'll just have to move around a bit! By the way, kid, in cricket there is a bowler, not a pitcher, and a wicket keeper, not catcher. And just wait until you hear what some of the field positions are called."
Indeed, when Skinner filled him in on some of the terms, Tom thought he was having him on.
After all, what sort of game would have fielding in slips, as well as positions called gully, leg gully, third man, deep third man, deep cover, extra cover, deep extra cover, cover point, silly point, silly mid off, silly mid on, square leg, short square leg, deep square leg, fine leg (or long leg), short fine leg, deep fine leg, fly slip and so on . . . .
I've definitely got to find a book about this game and see if he's having me on. Cricket was played in some places in America, but it had not really caught on much and Tom only knew a few general things about it via newspapers and the like.
"And if you're good I'll even teach you how to bowl a maiden over," Skinner said with a chuckle.
The ex-thief then got back to business. "For now, since I'm not allowed to exert myself much, I'll mostly watch the fun and dole out advice, while Henry here can be bowler and fielder. And it's not like we're having a real game. We'll put one set of stumps up close to the wall for now, since there's no wicket keeper available to stand behind them and guard them. When we get more people in we can have the other stumps and other batsman. So don't worry about doing any running. Let's get you used to hitting first."
The stumps were three thin and round wooden posts of about thigh height, arranged in a row about four inches apart. The stumps had two little pieces of knobbly wood balanced along their tops – the 'bails'.
"For now we'll use a tennis ball instead of a cricket ball. Much softer, and that means we won't have to worry about all the padding and protection at the moment either."
Sawyer remembered pictures he had seen of the large leg pads the batters wore. They looked very awkward – strapped on from the ankles to above the knees. He was happy to give them a miss for now.
Jekyll picked up a cricket bat, and, with Skinner adding comments and advice, the doctor gave Tom a demonstration of where to position himself and how to hold the bat.
Skinner said, "Okay, the batsman stands at this line here just before the stumps, but not right in front of them, because the bowler has to try to knock your bails off – sounds painful, doesn't it? So if your legs are blocking the stumps, then that's not fair to the opposition. You can even get out by doing that."
He got Henry to do a few practise swings to show Tom, then the doctor handed the American the bat. Tom examined it. It was about the length of a baseball bat, but had a flatter and wider section to strike the ball with. It felt strange resting the tip of the bat on the ground, waiting for the ball to be bowled, instead of holding the bat up over his shoulder.
The spy tested the weight and gave some experimental swings. He had excellent hand-eye co-ordination, but this was literally a whole new ball game.
Jekyll had marked down a line around twenty-two yards from Tom. The doctor was going to run up to that line and then bowl the ball, trying to get it past the bat. The bowler usually made the ball bounce on the ground once before it reached the batsman, instead of pitching it like in baseball. "Are you ready?"
"Yes."
Jekyll bowled. Tom missed, but luckily the ball didn't hit the stumps or bails. The second time the American connected with the ball, but not very well. On the third ball he got more confident, but his swing missed entirely and Jekyll's now warmed-up aim was true. The ball hit the stumps dead on and the bails went flying.
If Allan is watching this from up above, he'd be having a great laugh at the moment. And I don't even want to think about what Hyde must be saying. "So I've got two more strikes to go?" Sawyer asked.
"Nope, mate, you're out. But you're also the only batsman on the team at the moment, so you get to stay there a little longer. You'll get the hang of it quick enough," Skinner said, doing his best not to chuckle at Tom's awkward efforts. The kid was trying, after all. And with his energy and agility, he'd soon get good at it.
"Well, when I do, I'm going to return the favour and teach you two baseball."
"I can't wait. Here, look. I'll bowl a few to Henry so you get more of an idea." Skinner knew he should have done that first, but that would have taken away the fun of it.
"No bowling for you yet," Jekyll replied.
"Aw, come on! I'll even just bowl underarm! Geez, even my mam wasn't this coddling!"
xXx
Tom's cricketing skills steadily improved and he was wrapping his head around the rules. A book in the library confirmed that Skinner was not leading him astray; the game and rules and terms were strange enough already without the invisible man doing any creative embroidery on them. Jekyll told him stories about his own past cricket games at school.
"Okay, let me see if I've got this straight. The bowlers get interchanged; when a bowler has pitched - I mean bowled - six balls, that is called an 'over'. If no runs have been scored by the batsmen during that over, then it is called a 'maiden'. So that is how to bowl a maiden over, correct?" Sawyer asked.
"Yep, I'm proud of you," Skinner said. "Of course, I can fill you in on more fun ways of bowling one over . . . ."
Skinner gradually was able to participate in some of the training too. A group of the crewmen expressed an interest in forming teams and playing some matches or practices, but those plans and the American's training were interrupted by the arrival of the Nautilus in Africa.
Tom had been in Africa before due to his ballooning adventure at fourteen, but that had been across the Sahara and to Egypt, not further down. And during that time he had been wrapped up in seeing the lands from the Bible and '1001 Arabian Nights'. This time he was seeing things from the point of view that this was Allan's territory. He would learn more about him and the land he loved, and see what he saw. Then say goodbye to him for the last time.
Yes, there were flies and heat, but the landscape and the creatures more than compensated. Tom felt no need or desire to try to bring down any elephants with Matilda. Observing them was enough.
The League's arrival caused quite a sensation in Kenya. Even though the League tried to keep details like Hyde and Mina's vampirism to themselves, it proved difficult. A woman of Mina's breeding out here and as a member of this elite group was enough to cause fascination, and as well as Nemo's attire and regalness, and there was no way to hide Skinner's 'condition' unless they pretended in public that he wasn't there, which would have been too awkward. Rodney could not wear greasepaint in that heat anyway, and his skin was still a little tender from the healed burns, but he was well enough to travel as long as the pace was sensible. Since it was usually too hot to wear his leather trenchcoat, he often wore one made out of cotton instead.
The locals, both native and imperialist, were on the whole less shocked about an invisible man than had been expected though. As one of the hunters explained, "I've seen some amazing, mystical things in my time over here. And the natives will probably regard him as some sort of witch doctor or spirit."
Then just when they arrived at Nairobi, an accident occurred at the new Britannia Club, which was still under construction. Some of the scaffolding and beams started to collapse, and there was nothing for it but to rush in and make use of Mina and Jekyll's darker sides to halt the destruction enough to get the builders and workers out. So the local populace got quite a look, but the heroic efforts overrode a lot of the resulting fear.
The local doctor was Benjamin Hanrahan, whom Nemo had been in contact with, a rather pale but animated Englishman. Once he and the restored Jekyll and Mina had tended to the wounded, he wanted to meet the whole League properly, which he did at the hotel where they were going to stay while in Nairobi.
Dr Ben enthused as he introduced himself to each of them in turn, eager to find out what particular talents made them extraordinary. With Mina, he was amazed enough to find a woman chemist that it almost overshadowed the fact of her incredible strength and ability to become airborne, and he wanted to go over some inventions with Nemo and 'talk shop' with Jekyll.
When he came down the line to Tom, Tom saw the anticipatory look and thought, I bet you're hoping I turn into a werewolf, right?
As usual, Tom introduced himself not by his official title, but that he worked in law enforcement. His true work was only to be given out on a 'need to know' basis.
"So, young Thomas," the doctor asked eagerly as 'Young Thomas' tried not to wince, "what's your specialty?"
What – law enforcement isn't noble enough a cause for you? I'm good at shooting and at getting people killed, he could not help thinking, despite the healing he had begun on the way to Africa and his decision to stay with the League if they became official. If only I could really tell him. But so what if I could? I'm a Special Agent, but I don't feel very 'Special'.
"Nothing supernatural. Shooting. Adventuring. Optimism," he joked. Mascot? he wondered.
"Oh." The doctor tried to conceal his surprise and disappointment that Tom's skills were so plain. Or perhaps he was wondering if the American was being coy or modest.
Nemo stepped in. "Tom went on a ballooning adventure in Africa at fourteen and solved a murder at fifteen, among a lot else." The spy wondered if the Captain had sensed that his self-esteem was at a low point, or if he wanted this doctor to realize there was more to the American than he thought. "He is a wonderful shot - almost supernaturally so - and is a valuable team member. He is also our resident optimist, a more important thing than one might think."
"Quite a shot, hey? You might want to go game hunting and see what you bag."
While chatting with the League it turned out that Hanrahan was so pasty-looking because he had only recently resumed his duties after a bout of illness that had left him bedridden for a while.
Doctor Hanrahan was the executor of Allan's will. Nemo gave him the will and documents from the lawyer in London, and Hanrahan went over them. The doctor said, "He wanted certain things to go to his friends Captain Good and Sir Henry, if they can be found. They are here in Africa but might be hard to contact. I will see how I go. The rest are to other people in easier reach – although there is one hunter in the will who died when the Britannia Club was destroyed – and various charities. There is an orphanage several days from here which will be very glad of the money and chattels he is giving them. Anything that is left over, Allan said I could distribute as I saw fit."
While the other League members talked about the trip so far, and the group of Nautilus crewmen they had brought with them did some tasks, Hanrahan and Nemo fell to discussing aspects of the paperwork. The latter men must have moved onto other things as well, because soon Hanrahan came up to Tom, holding Quatermain's coat and elephant gun.
"The Captain thought you would be interested in having these, young man. They might as well be with someone who appreciates them and can put them to use."
"I will. Thank you very much."
"Good. And the rest of the equipment for the gun is just over there."
Tom had been wanting to broach the subject of that gun, but had not been sure how best to go about it. Now that was solved. He sent an appreciative look Nemo's way and received an acknowledging nod.
Hanrahan took the League to see the cemetery. "It has been cleaned up a lot compared to what it was, because a lot of people were killed in the shoot out in the Britannia Club, or caught in the explosion that then destroyed it. This is the grave of Allan's son, Harry. That was an immense blow to him; his only child."
Tom could sense a few glances going to him at that comment, but he kept his eyes focused on the mound in front of him. He thought back to standing on the conning tower with Quatermain, of the adventurer telling him about Harry's death. Now here Tom was in Africa, at the grave, but to bury Allan.
He silently addressed his mentor's son. I'm sorry I didn't get to know you. But I'm glad I got to meet your father. Just wish it could have been for longer.
"Quatermain said he had two wives. Are either of them buried here?" Skinner asked.
"No. The locations are far away. A few lovers are here though. Then he shut the world out entirely after Harry died." Hanrahan paused, then said, "Everything will be ready for the funeral tomorrow. He wanted to be buried here next to his boy. Some men will dig the grave later when it is cooler."
Tom sighed inwardly. He was struggling with his guilt again. Being in Africa, Quatermain's home, and the finality of being about to bury the hunter were bringing it all back. He knew that Mina was right when she told him that Allan would not have blamed him, heck, he himself had seen that truth in Allan's dying gaze and words, but somehow he could not rid himself entirely of these feelings of self-blame.
Perhaps it was more grieving than guilt. After all, the hunter's death was still very new. And his own self-doubts were not entirely at rest either.
I'm the normal one in a league of incredible people. Hmmm, does that make me the 'abnormal' one instead?
But Tom was also quite aware of his blessings. He was alive, he was with a group of amazing people who were now his friends and with them he had a chance to make a difference and help people, and travel the world. Even his employers were happy for that to continue. In a lot of ways it was an enviable position.
xXx
That evening, Skinner came out onto the lamp-lit verandah of the hotel, wearing his hat and his lighter trenchcoat. He found Mina already standing there at the railing.
"I should have known," she remarked to him with a sad smile.
"Known what?"
"I couldn't find Tom. Look over in the cemetery."
The former thief did so, then it all became clear. There by the light of lamps and a small fire was Tom, doggedly helping to dig Allan's grave.
"Ah," Skinner said. "I'd go help, but . . . ."
"You'd feel like you were intruding. Me too."
xXx
Tom eventually came back to the hotel, dirty, sweating, solemn and tired. At least the exertion should help me sleep. And thankfully the bugs had kept at bay – one of the other diggers had added something to the fire which came out in the smoke and acted as a very effective pest control.
In the lobby, Tom found Mina sitting at a small table, where it looked like she was writing letters or notes. Even so, he got the distinct impression that it was just to fill in the time while she specifically waited for him. Without a word she handed him a large glass of water. He downed it as if it was the first he had come across in days.
"Thank you." He leaned against an armchair, debating about whether to sit down.
She took the glass out of his hand and refilled it from a covered pitcher, then handed it back to him. "I spoke to the landlord; he is getting a bath ready in your room. Or as much of one as possible with water being such an important commodity here."
He gave a small chuckle and repeated his thanks, only wryly this time. He looked down at his clothes. Like many visitors to Nairobi, his first impression had been of the dust that came from the plains, its fine red particles covering and infiltrating everything. Now the digging he had done just added to the effect. His white shirt looked anything but white now, and was probably beyond saving. At least he had several others.
Are you going to tuck me in too, Mina? He mentally slapped himself on her behalf. But there was a warmth in his heart at the care and kindness she was showing him.
Mina had originally been wanting to speak to him about how he was handling all of this, but for now she did what he had for her: be there, do what she could, and wait. As hard as it was.
xXx
The funeral was at dawn.
The local witch doctor was standing on the grassland outside the cemetery, over a small fire he kept throwing some sort of powder into. Tom had gotten to meet the witch doctor yesterday, who had greeted him but said little. The agent was not sure if that was due to a language barrier or something else, like distrust of these strangers.
After the service was read, the rest of the League gave Tom some time alone at the grave. He stood there with his Winchester. Even the others gathered who had no idea of the connection between Tom and Allan held back, sensing the importance of this and the depth of the young man's sorrow.
Jekyll sighed. He wished there was a way to help Tom with this pain. What, like how you tried to isolate the evil in men? commented Hyde. Henry willed him to shut up and show some respect.
Physical pain he could treat, but this . . . .
At least Mina seemed to be able to get through to their youngest. And Tom did know the others were there for him.
Speaking of which . . . .
Henry exchanged looks with the others, passing silent agreement that now was the time to rejoin the agent. Even if he wasn't ready to leave the grave yet, it would be good to give him some company.
"You remember he swore Africa wouldn't let him die? I wish the old boy had been right," Skinner remarked as they lined up around the two Quatermain graves.
Tom's voice was quiet and husky. "What's next?" They had discussed possible plans ever since Mongolia, but now was the time to make a choice.
"I have long hidden away from the world," Nemo said, purpose in his eyes. "Now I wish to see it anew as the century turns. You are all welcome to join me." He looked at them all, a smile on his face. This mission had re-invigorated him.
"We've all been hiding in one form or another," came from Mina.
Tom saw her look right at him when she made the remark. And what's that supposed to mean in regard to me? he thought, with a bit of resentment.
Stop it. She's only trying to help you.
She certainly wasn't hiding in one way now – her black dress had a low neckline that he was sure had taken the rest of the League by surprise. He himself was too distracted already by other matters to be overly distracted by it.
Well, it looks like we're going to stay together for now, even if we don't become an official League. He was happy at the thought. Though if we don't become an official League, I doubt the Service will let me stay. But for now I'm on vacation. They said I had to get back to them at the end of August, and that's not here yet.
Nemo said, "The Nautilus awaits."
"So who's coming?" Tom asked.
Nemo bowed to the grave, then moved off. Rodney and Henry then made their farewells.
"So long, old chap."
"Goodbye, Allan."
Mina paused for a long moment, then gave a soft and regretful, "Goodbye." She moved away, following after the others.
Tom could not say goodbye. He couldn't bring himself to say the word. But as he placed his prized rifle on the grave he did manage to say the word he wished he'd had a chance to in the fortress. "Thanks."
The young man took a deep breath, then stood up and walked purposefully away, towards the others, gaining confidence with every step forward. He would visit the grave again a few times before the League left Nairobi.
Now it was time to live, to make Allan and Huck proud.
Mina waited for him to catch up, and she made no comment about him leaving his gun behind. The gesture did not surprise her. She knew he had gotten another Winchester when they were in London after taking the freed scientists and their families to England. The one Tom had just given up was definitely not his newer one – the latter was not as ornately decorated.
She wanted to ask how Tom was feeling or to do something. However there was a danger of doing the wrong thing. She touched his arm for several long seconds before returning her hand to her side. He looked at her then for a moment, before offering her a smile and his arm. She gladly took both.
I will keep an eye on him, Mr Q, I promise. We all will. Thank you for saving him. He will not let you down.
END PART TWO
Note: I was going to have the League stay at the famous Norfolk Hotel, which actor Stewart Granger mentioned in his autobiography (when he was over in Africa filming none other than a version of "King Solomon's Mines") but it was not opened until 1904. The Lonrho Hotels Kenya website I got the information from has an interesting description of what the area was like, including that dust.