Chapter 47 - Meltdown
Bourg-la-Reine, France: October 18th

Robur had never been so grateful for the Albatross and the speeds she was able to ascertain. His ship had without a doubt saved Armand's life, and likely Jeans too. Robur had been forced to truly test his ship's potential to get there as quickly as he could. The ship's top speed was one hundered and five knots or about one hundred and twenty miles per hour. They made it to Bourg-la-Reine, a little way out from Paris, within four days.

When Robur first took Armand to Robert Champeau's father's practice, the captain made it very clear to Robert not to mention what had been going on. Robert had no intention of doing so and said his father respected privacy and confidentiality- he was a doctor after all.

Robur was not going to risk losing these criminals- they would pay for what they had done, just as the League would receive the consequences of their actions! Champeau had had his chance of freedom and thrown it away, the others would not get such a chance. For the League? Robur wanted blood- especially if they had harmed Lupin in any way. He already wanted their heads if it had been them who had hurt Armand.

Armand and Degains had been staying at the practice for about two weeks. Just as Robur had been told, the elder Champeau was truly a skilled physician who managed to save his son. However, had it not been for Robert's initial work on the wound, the results would have been very different. The boy had healed brilliantly and could already walk with a crutch.

The old doctor was confident that Armand would with work and patience, be able to walk without hardly a limp eventually due to the angle the bullet had gone in at. Nothing vital had been damaged; it was mostly a flesh wound. Armand had mainly needed medicine to fight the fever. Truly, it had been Degains that needed the help the most. He was doing well, all things considered, but Robur didn't pay him too much attention.

The news of Armand was the best Robur could have hoped to hear. The dread that had weighed on his shoulders was finally gone. He never wanted to have to repeat the experience again. It had been far too close of a call. The slightest thing could have changed everything. As he sat watching Armand begin to wake up that day, he struggled to repress a shudder at the thought.

Robur had stayed with Armand for the majority of his stay in France. He left Turner in charge of the Albatross. He was therefore greatly surprised to find that, on what was to become Armand's last day of staying there, Turner left his post to come and find him. Armand had just gone back to bed to rest his leg when Turner arrived.

"Turner," Armand beamed.
"It's good to see you looking well, lad," Turner replied, equally pleased to see him.
Robur noticed the first mate's chest was heaving. Why was he so out of breath?
"Is something wrong?" Robur asked from his seat near his son.
"I'm not sure, Mr Robur, we just received a message over the telegraph from Lupin. He's alright. He said he had been released at Marseilles," the first mate reported.

"Did you say where we were?"
"I just said we were on the continent. Nothing specific."
"Good, for all we know the message could be Nemo's work again. Best to remain hidden. I don't believe for one moment they would simply release him, not after what they've proved themselves capable of… We have to get after them before we lose the trail," Robur explained, his voice felt to be cast in steel.
"I'm afraid I have nothing certain to prove that he did send the message. Shall I go and fetch the Albatross for you, Captain?"
"Yes, thank you. Drive the car there for quickness."

With a brief nod, the first mate was gone.

Robur looked at Armand, whose face was caked in worry. "It seems we will have to leave shortly. I'll have to find the doctor-"
"Da, do you think Monsieur Lupin is alright?" Armand asked quietly.
Robur sighed as he stood up. "I don't know, son. But we're going to go and get him now. Lupin can look after himself well enough. Keep cool, my lad. The League will answer for everything."

With that Robur left to find the doctor, to check he could safely take Armand and Degains with him. He didn't want to leave Armand alone in this place and Degains couldn't be trusted.

Robur tensed his jaw as he walked. He could see what was going to happen. It was as certain as day fades into night. This was going to be a fight for justice. A battle for survival... This was war.

The Albatross: Continued

As soon as Robur made it onto the Albatross with Armand and Degains, he had the ship head to Montpeiller to find Lupin. He did not dare go to Marseilles straight away in case it was a trap, but he was not far away. Robur knew most of the thief's lower level, less-visited hideaways, including those at Marseilles. If Lupin had in fact been released then it would take less than an hour to get to him.

The captain sat himself down at the telegraph and tried to get into contact with Lupin himself. It took a good many attempts until there was actually a reply. Not for a moment could he believe that Lupin was alright and safely out of Nemo's clutches. Nemo was a madman; Robur knew all too well what he was capable of. To have his second in command, well, he was sure Nemo would use that to his advantage.

Robur paid close attention to the thief's reply:

.. - / ... . .-. . /

…. .- ... / - …. . .-. . / -... . . -. / .- / -.-. ... .- -. -. . / - ..-. / .-. .-.. .- -.
(I'm here
Has there been a change of plan?)

Robur thought hard as he opted for a way to test the sender's genuinity.

.. / .- .- -. - / .-. .-. - - ..-. / .. - ... / -.- - ..- /

.. -. / .- …. .. -.-. …. / - .-. -.. . .-. / -.. .. -.. / .- . / -. .- - …. . .-. / .-.. …. -
(I want proof its you
In which order did we gather LHM?)

Lupin's answer came quickly:

-.. / ..-. / -.
(Z F N)

Robur decided that was enough proof for the time being. Had the League been in control of the messages, Lupin could have very easily told them an incorrect answer. He sighed; his fears over Lupin's welfare diminished slightly. It did not, however, prevent his plans for revenge against the League. They shouldn't have taken him in the first place. Besides, how did the thief end up unconscious as Zenith had told him? He was fine the last time Robur had seen him. Their actions were inexcusable.

- -. / .- .- -.-
(On way)

The captain then left the cabin wordlessly, preparing to tell the Mysterious Men to prepare for the grim battle that would await them.

Marseilles, France: Continued

It was nearly six o'clock at night when Robur arrived to collect Lupin. He was waiting for them and let them into the detached house. Fantômas and Zenith were with Robur and also headed inside. No words were exchanged until they were behind closed doors, safe from prying ears. It truly was a relief to see Lupin in one piece.

"Armand and Jean, how are they?" Lupin asked as the door clicked shut.
"Both lucky and recovering well," Zenith answered.
"Well, that is a relief at least."

The kitchen and lounge, where the group of men were speaking, were a good size, and they seemed bigger as there was no full wall separating them, only a very large doorway which helped to make the house more airy and comfortable. Lupin opted to sit down. He struggled to try to itch his hand through the bandage. With a grumble he undid the bandage so he could massage the itch instead. Robur furrowed his brow in concern and came over to him to inspect it.

"It appears you've gotten yourself into a bit of a scrape," Zenith observed as he sat down on a kitchen chair. Fantômas leaned against the doorway in between the two rooms, crossing his arms impatiently.
"Pah, it is only a sprained wrist. It's getting better. I'm just trying not to knock it."

"Did Nemo do this to you?" Robur asked, gently guiding his wrist up toward his face for him to inspect. He could still see the faint bruises, but other than that it looked far better than it was.
"What? No, no, of course not. Upon my word, he hasn't laid so much as a finger on me, which is surprising all things considered. There was a cave-in at the fortress and I became trapped amongst the rubble. The League had nothing to do with it," Lupin answered.

Robur eventually yielded, letting go. "It's good to see you again," he smiled.
"Yes, I'm glad to be back," Lupin answered, moving his wrist around slowly, to help with the movement.
Robur backed away, standing close to the brick chimney, underneath which was a purring fire. The flames gave an ominous glow to his face.

Lupin opted not to speak of the attack which had caused the bruises and cut on his body. Saying Nyctalope had attacked him would seal the young man's fate. Lupin couldn't help it. He simply could not convince himself to admit that Nyctalope was guilty. He wanted to be absolutely certain first. What Sawyer had told him on the Nautilus had planted a few overwhelming doubts in his mind. He had his suspicions.

"Then… why did the League take you?" Zenith wondered out loud.
Lupin opened his mouth to speak but Robur interrupted, "It doesn't matter. Lupin, you need to get yourself ready. We have to fight the League."
"What?" Lupin shot up from his seat and stepped toward Robur with wide eyes. Robur put his hands behind his back and broadened his chest as he approached.

"Have you gone mad or are you simply wanting to get us all killed?" he exclaimed.
"It has to be done. This is a matter of attack or being attacked. We need the advantage," Fantômas pointed out quietly.

"We need an awful lot more than an advantage! There is hardly any chance of us succeeding against the League- all of us here know that. It's suicide, not to mention the position it will put the British and French governments in. We're trying to stop a war, not cause it," Lupin argued. He had firm control over his frustration; he felt himself to be more amazed at their stupidity than anything else. He couldn't believe it.

"This isn't about any government anymore. Nemo won't rest until I'm dead. The only chance we have is to catch them unawares," Robur explained, standing up that little bit straighter. "No one is going to start a war over an old feud."
"Of course they would, you're attacking what is essentially English property and civilians. I'm currently trying to prove your innocence and fighting will not strengthen your case," Lupin replied.

Lupin stood a few feet away from Robur. For a moment he was silent, assessing the man who held himself with such relentless vigour. "But… there's something else isn't there? Another reason you want to fight- that's why you were already in France, yes?"
"The League shot Armand. We had to take him to Champeau's father to heal," Fantômas explained coldly.
"What?!" Lupin exclaimed, turning to face the assassin. "You only said he was wounded- and you're absolutely sure it was they who did this?"

"I'm certain. I saw the League leaving and then heard the shot," Fantômas reported.
Lupin paused. "So you didn't actually see the shooting itself?"
Robur shook his head and grumbled, "What is it you're trying to suggest this time, Lupin? For once can we not make the obvious assumption?!"
"No. What reason would the League have to shoot a child as they're leaving?" Lupin answered simply with a shrug.

"I have reason to believe that Nemo knows Armand is my son. It will have been for revenge without the slightest of doubts."
Lupin started pacing, fascinated by the bandages on his hand. "That is where I struggle to believe this accusation. Nemo may very well want revenge, but he would not take it out on the boy. It's you he wants revenge against. He's… direct like that. Even then, some of the League have children. They would not allow it, and they certainly wouldn't have left him alone if they'd seen him in such a way."

"Lupin, Nemo is unpredictable. He killed thousands in a bid to take his revenge against the British. He isn't as sharp as he once may have been. His mind is unstable, surely you're not telling us that you think that Nemo wouldn't do this if the opportunity arose," Fantômas tried to reason.
"Well, I can't say I believe he would try to kill him. I've grown to know how Nemo works, I don't think he, or any of the League, would shoot the boy- not after he has lost his own child. Besides, why would he save me and then shoot Armand? I'm second in command, I took him in the first place. It's illogical."

"As I said, he's unpredictable," Fantômas said.
"No, what you mean is you don't have a sufficient answer so you're hoping old rumours and brief excuses will make up for it," Lupin argued with heat snaking its way into his voice. He just knew Nemo would not do such a thing, and even if he did the rest of the League certainly would not have left Armand to bleed out. He knew some of the League had children of their own.

"Lupin, are you with us or not?" Robur asked impatiently.
Lupin shook his head. "No. Not like this. There are other ways to go about this."
"Such as?" Zenith inquired.
"Just let me speak with them. I can-"
"No, Lupin. Not this time. You've barely survived the last run-in," Robur cut in.

"Oh, and give me one good reason as to why not? Why risk lives if there's a chance I can prevent it?!"
"You really think the League will be willing to talk without violence? Not only that, as I said before the explosion on the Island, you aren't yourself. I cannot risk it."

"Though you may disbelieve it, I have already solved the majority of this case. Nyctalope did not attack any of you. He was framed," Lupin argued, ignoring the points Robur presented in front of him.
"Then speak," Robur said, looking somewhat amused by Lupin's efforts.
Lupin opened his mouth to explain, meaning to ask if Nyctalope had a cut on his jaw once the League left. Something seemed to physically stop him.

Fantômas was staring at him, his hand was wavering towards his gun, just out of Zenith's line of sight and Robur wasn't facing him.

Lupin couldn't shake himself out of it. He couldn't take his eyes off the gun and the finger that was tracing its way across the handle. Fantômas did not look away from Lupin.
"Well?" Robur demanded.
Lupin had to think of a plan and think of it fast. There was one scheme, which required no slim degree of cunning. It meant, for this circumstance, he needed to appear to lose himself again. He actually needed Robur to think he was unwell. There wasn't much choice. He had to try.

Of all things, he began to laugh. "Nevermind that, it has just become clear to me that the idea would not be plausible. Too much time has passed. Perhaps I am losing my touch as you say. However, I'm not spent up yet. The veil has been lifted on another matter. I know why you're planning to fight the League. It's not because you need to at all… it's because you want to, don't you? You can't help yourself, you see. You want to fight!" At the final exclamation in Lupin's statement, the silence hung in the air like mist.

A glance at Fantômas told him that his hand had moved away from his gun. He was in the clear.
"Fantômas, would you be so kind as to go and get your man to bring Nyctalope in here?" Robur instructed, oblivious to Fantômas's discrete threat. Fantômas sent Lupin a dangerous glance and wordlessly left the room.

"What's gotten into you, Lupin? You told me yourself that once you start a mission there's no going back, so why can't you just see sense? We must fight the League. It's our only chance," Zenith implored as Fantômas left.
"And at what point did you abandon common sense and agree to Robur's personal vendetta, which will only prove to get us all killed?" He threw his hands in the air. "This isn't part of the mission, Zenith; the mission failed. It's finished. This is Robur wanting to get back at Nemo and the League whilst he has us to help him and not caring for the consequences," Lupin retaliated, beginning to let more irritation show. He had to take it steady.

"That is not true!" Robur retorted.
"Is it not?" Lupin pressed on.

Zenith was unable to produce a reply and surrendered to silence. Lupin had to be very careful; this was a game of chess and by all the gods he had to plan this out correctly. Lives would depend on it, perhaps even the prevention of any world war. The stakes couldn't have been higher if he tried.

Fantômas then entered with one of his men, a giant of a man, with ragged brown hair. His strength looked more than enough to compete with that of their prisoner. Nyctalope looked worn out and tired, but he wasn't hurt. There was no cut on his cheek, not even the slightest mark on his face from his ring where Lupin had punched him during their fight. Nyctalope was indeed innocent.

Nyctalope did not fight against them, but his face seemed to come alive again after seeing Lupin. There was no scowl at him still being alive, no grimace to suggest he was guilty, just pure relief, so much so Nyctalope stopped in his tracks for a moment. His hands were bound behind his back with a rope in a way that was impossible to escape from.

"Lupin," he whispered, though to Lupin it sounded more like a whimper. It did not escape his notice: he was frightened. Lupin couldn't blame him, he himself felt uneasy.
"Ah, Leo. It's good to see you. You're unhurt I trust?" he said gently, hoping his tone was able to ease some of his anxiety.
"I'm... fine," he muttered, clearly able to pick up on the tension that hung in the air.
Lupin didn't look at the boy, he only focused on Robur. They stood staring at each other. Lupin's eyes were enkindled in a fire, for all a sly smirk played a trick on his lips. He hoped he had calculated everything properly, otherwise, this would carry tremendous risk. He knew Robur better than anyone, he knew how far he had to push.

"Sit down," Fantômas demanded, harshly pushing Nyctalope down with his back against a wall.
"There is no need for you to push him. He's not retaliating and I won't allow such mannerisms in my house," Lupin warned.
Nyctalope grunted as he slid down the wall and landed on the floor but opted to stay quiet. He stared at Lupin, biting his lip. Fantômas didn't so much as flinch at Lupin's retaliation, though the thief imagined that he sneered under his mask.

"Robur, how far through have you actually planned this out?" Lupin continued, turning back to the captain. Gradually, he had to let his anger seep out. It was like pouring water from a jug, he allowed it to trickle- to gradually slip out. He couldn't just turn it upside down and let it all fly at once. Snapping immediately would do no good. He needed the correct reaction.
"All the way to the end," Robur answered boldly.

"So just how are you going to fight the League? You're out powered, outgunned and quite frankly outwitted. How are you going to be able to defeat Mrs Harker and Mr Hyde? Harker is practically immortal, Jean, or did that escape your notice?" Lupin pointed out.
"Practically," he stressed. "She has weaknesses like any other. We're prepared for the conflict."

"And how do you intend to get to that conflict in the first place? Do you think the League are going to allow themselves to be taken by surprise? By Jove, they might not be as intelligent as I, but they're not fools."
"Again, we have already thought of a solution to that problem."
"And that's where we need you," Fantômas added.

"I will not lure them to their planned deaths! Robur, you are blinded with hatred and a need for revenge against people that have done nothing unreasonable, there is little more to say. There is no possible version of this in which you come out victorious, that's if you even make it out alive. For once, put aside your arrogance and listen to me instead of-"
"Be careful with your words, Lupin," Robur glowered.
"I will say exactly what needs to be said if it means you will listen to me!" Lupin shouted.
"I am coming to the end of my tether, Lupin. You're either with us or against us. Whichever option you choose, you are not stopping us from carrying out our task. It's already been decided."

Lupin stepped closer to Robur until he was inches away from his face.
"I will not side with you whilst you choose to try to kill those who have done nothing wrong. The only way you'll stop me is if you tie me up in a sack and leave me here with Nyctalope. I will not let you do this." He eased and stepped back. "What about Armand- have you spared a thought for him? You're the only family he has left! If you die then what? Robur, he needs you for goodness sake."
"Do not try to use Armand as a weapon against me!" Robur snapped. "I fully intend to come back alive."

"It's a massive risk that you're a fool to take! If you fight the League then you will die. One shot from Quatermain, and that will be it. Do you quite know, Jean, I'm beginning to greatly understand Nemo's view of you? He was right. You haven't changed a bit. You're still that bitter, thick-headed, selfish oaf!"
"And you are still that deceitful, sulky, interfering shadow, who does not know when to give in," Robur barked.

Though the insult took Lupin by surprise, he forced himself to hide the hurt which ricocheted into his chest. Lupin instead swallowed hard. Those words that came from Robur were genuine… Lupin's weren't. They were only an act to annoy the captain.

"I may be guilty as charged, but I will not be swayed. Nyctalope is not the traitor and the League would not stoop so low as to hurt a child... According to Nemo, that's more your area of expertise," Lupin growled, refusing to break eye contact with Robur. Lupin knew he was really starting to hit Robur hard. Out of the corner of his eye however, he could see that Fantômas was quite enjoying himself. He held himself with more energy as he eagerly waited to see what would happen next.

There was a tense and anxious wait, each man assessed one other. Robur kept his head held high, whereas Lupin tried to stab him with a dangerous glare.
"Get him out of my sight before I do something I regret," Robur ordered through gritted teeth.

Fantômas did not need encouragement. He took Lupin by the arm, pulling him away from the conflict. Lupin at once tried to snatch his arm back, though unsuccessfully. Fantômas's man immediately helped, taking hold of his other arm. There was little Lupin could do but that did not matter. Robur's next order would determine if he had played his turn correctly.

"Bind him. He can stay here with Nyctalope until we get back. Take them both up to the study," the leader of the Mysterious Men continued.

Lupin breathed freely, though he was sure to make it look as though he was annoyed. It had worked. He hoped the rest of his scheme would also work. Zenith left the room to get some rope from the car in which to tie Lupin's hands behind his back. Zenith decided to remain relatively neutral, merely doing as ordered.

Lupin didn't bother to fight as his hands were soon bound tightly by Fantômas's man. He just allowed it to happen, it did not matter, but it drew a wince as the rope pressed against his sprain. Instead, he continued to stare at Robur, in a bid to prove his false anger, but acting angry in this situation came to him very easily.

Once secure, Fantômas roughly grabbed him by the shirt and led him upstairs into the study. This was the room which contained the telegraph which Lupin had used to communicate with the Mysterious Men only hours ago. The study also contained a few bookshelves, as well as Lupin's sturdy writing desk. Upon one of the walls was an expensive piece of art, one of which he could not yet bring himself to sell.

"Don't think I didn't know it was all you," Lupin muttered as Fantômas pushed Lupin down onto the floor. Lupin looked hard at him. The mask hid so much of his expression that the thief wanted to pull it off with his teeth. He wanted to see the face beneath that cold, dark concealment.
"Speak a word of it in anyone's presence and I will shoot every person in this house. You've lost, Lupin. This time, take it lying down. It might just save your life," Fantômas answered, tying a rope around Lupin's ankles tightly.

Fantômas remained crouched beside him for a moment, chuckling as he looked Lupin up and down. He then slapped his cheek lightly a few times in dismissal. Finally he left to collect Nyctalope. Fantômas was replaced by Zenith, who came to find the telegram. He started searching for a frequency on the machine.
"You've really gone and put your foot in it, Lupin," Zenith remarked dryly, though he did not look at him.
"As I've already told you, I do everything for a reason. Zenith, are you still with me?" Lupin whispered almost silently.

Zenith turned away from the telegraph and looked at him cautiously.
"Zenith, trust me, please. I give you my word, I know what I am doing. Surely you understand what I've said. People will die if not, please. I know the truth."
Zenith thought for a moment, but sighed and eventually nodded. Lupin smiled and winked in reply but the sound of heavy footsteps made him lower his head as he feigned defeat.

"Zenith, is the telegraph working?" Robur asked as he entered the room.
"Quite so. Did you find the signal?"
"I did. It's a good thing it was on those blueprints, or else I'd have had more difficulty."
Robur went over to the telegraph and began to try to get into contact with someone else. Lupin had a fair guess as to who. The captain was trying to trick the League by hiding behind Lupin's name.

Lupin listened hard to the rhythmic beeping of the machine, silently translating it in his mind. Robur was telling the League to meet him in Dover, that he was in trouble, and that he had found out new information. It made for tempting bait. However, Robur stopped when he was almost at the end. It made the message seem so much more desperate.

After a calming breath, Lupin sighed loudly, almost cheerfully.

"How very cunning indeed… Well I know when I am beaten. However, Zenith, if I were you I would retie my hands. Even a child could unpick this knot- mind the wrist though," Lupin remarked, with a good hint of sarcasm.
Zenith looked over to Robur who grumbled "Damn that attitude of yours! Check that the ropes are secure. I won't have him interfering."

Zenith crouched down beside him and inspected the knots. As Zenith did so, Lupin managed to tap morse code onto his wrist, it was only a few words but it was enough. Robur was unaware of the silent communication as Zenith refastened Lupin's bonds.

As soon as he was finished, Zenith backed away. Lupin made himself comfortable and closed his eyes as Nyctalope was led into the study. Fantômas made him sit down again beside Lupin and, also tied Nyctalope's ankles together.
"Robur, before we go anywhere I want a cigarette," Zenith said with a yawn.

"Would you be so kind as to smoke it outside? You'll damage my painting with the smoke," Lupin requested, though he didn't open his eyes.
Zenith sighed at Lupin's attitude and left. Robur decided to follow him, no doubt for a cigar. They both went downstairs and outside, judging by the sound of shutting doors.

"Well, Fantômas. Alone at last. Anything you care to say in front of Nyctalope?" Lupin asked placidly. He seemed a different man to what he was only minutes ago. It was all an act- an act he was now able to dilute, though not completely drop just yet.
"Very well, Lupin," Fantômas snorted. "The game is now over after all. There is nothing that can be done about it. Lupin was right, Saint-Clair… It was I all along."