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They sat comfortably enough in the passenger seats of the Airbus 321 Jet as it sailed over the English Channel, destined for Paris. Lara and Kurtis made idle conversation before getting to the heart of the matter, reminded of their journey as the plane began its descent.

"So what's in Paris," Lara asked Kurtis, remembering the events leading up to the time they'd first met.

"I'm not sure." Kurtis replied honestly.

"You pull me on this damn plane to a city where I have had nothing but horrible experiences, but you're not sure!" her eyes narrowed at him.

"That's not true." Kurtis replied coolly.

"So you do know."

"No. you met me in Paris." He smirked, implying that it was a good experience.

"Ha-ha. So why are we going there?"

"I know someone who will be able to help us. He was a friend of my Fathers; he's the one who first told me about the shield."

"You trust him?"

"My Father seemed to. Besides, he's the only help we have."

"True." Lara agreed as the plane pulled on the runway, gripping Kurtis's hand beside her, slightly shaken by the shuddering of the plane as it landed, and left it there until the plane taxied to the gate and they began to load off.

"Can I have my hand back?" he teased, grabbing Lara's bag and following her into the airport.

"Kurtis!" the man said as he appeared at the door. "I was not expecting you! Please, do come in. I will however, have to be brief, I have a business partner for an informal meeting," the man gestured into his formal living room, were Kurtis could just make out slender legs and stilettos. "I see you have done well for yourself." He said, glancing at Lara. "And who is this beautiful creature?"

"My friend," Kurtis replied, "Lara Croft."

"Lady Lara Croft." Lara corrected, taking in the elegant man with graying hair slicked back. He had been handsome in his prime, she could tell, but his build and face had been in decay since then. Wrinkles and crows feet placed his age at somewhere in his 50s, and his shoulders sagged, verifying her belief. He held his head high, however, and Lara couldn't help but noticing his brilliant blue eyes, once, she mused, as full of life as Kurtis's, though not nearly as breathtaking as those of her companion.

"Just a friend?" He teased.

"Just a friend." Lara responded, holding out her hand for a hand shake, slightly surprised when the man stooped down to softly kiss her it.

"Lara, this is Ulrich Kaufman. He grew up with my father, and had always taken an interest in the Lux Veritatis's happenings," he flashed her a look that told her it was okay. "He's possibly the closest thing to a Lux Veritatis member left." He said, clearly making the distinction that he had once abandoned the cult.

"Unfortunately, now that they have been all but eradicated, there is no one here to continue the duty they carried, but Kurtis here. That is why I called him when I came across the Confuto Res, the shield."

"Right. And how will we get this? This Confuto Res?" Lara inquired.

"I am sorry, Lady Croft, this will not be something added to your trophy collection. This shield has to be destroyed before the Cabal can get their hands on it." he sighed before continuing. "Unfortunately, I don't know much about where it is located. Somewhere in Turkey, if my sources are correct. That is all I know." He paused. "Well, I may not know where the shield is. But I know how to find out. There is a painting."

Lara sighed. "Let me guess. A sixth Obscura Painting."

"Yes" he responded, showing no surprise that she knew about it. "It is located in a small cathedral in Florence, here," he pointed to a sheet of paper he withdrawn from his desk, "It's called the Duomo Oscurità"

"That's a fitting name. Darkness." Kurtis said sarcastically. Kaufman continued.

"Indeed. It is somewhere in the church, I am not sure where, but I believe it is somewhere beneath it. Maybe the vaults or tombs of the patrons? That is for you two to discover. It is rumored to hold a key necessary for getting the shield, but also including a map of sorts. It will no doubt be imperative." Lara and Kurtis nodded, accepting the mission along with the sheet of paper that Kaufman handed to them. They exchanged surprised glances when it revealed itself to be an engraving not unlike those which they'd encountered before.
"God speed, and good luck." Kaufman told them before closing the front door behind them.

"You are lucky I place such high confidence on your decisions. They will get the last Obscura painting?"

"Without a doubt. And the map too. They will not fail,. I can assure you."

"Let's hope not. Colleagues of mine have made mistakes in placing such important tasks on inferiors. For your sake, I hope there is no mistake."