Chapter 50 - An Urgent Message
The Nautilus, Continued

Barely hours after dropping Lupin off, the League didn't expect one of Nemo's men to inform his captain that they had received a message from Marseilles. The note had been written on a piece of paper, which the crewman handed to Nemo. The crewman stood still with his hands behind his back as he awaited further instructions. The rest of the League were sitting at the table, having just finished their evening meal. Skinner watched as Nemo's brow furrowed as he read the note. Whatever was written clearly did not please him.

"Something wrong, Nemo?" Skinner asked. He was fully dressed and painted since he was eating. It wouldn't take long for the meal to partially digest and turn invisible like the rest of him.
"I'm uncertain... It's a message from Lupin. He appears to have run into trouble. The message has been cut off halfway through, but he managed to ask us to meet him in England. I need to look into this further, please excuse me for a moment," the captain explained as he politely left.

All of the League looked baffled at what they heard. They looked at one another, exchanging anxious glances. Eventually, it was decided that they would go into the library again to wait for Nemo to return and allow the crew to clear the table.
"It sounds suspicious to me, don't you think?" Skinner frowned, as he sat down in a seat, balancing his hat on the arm of the chair.
"Perhaps so, but we cannot know for sure yet," Jekyll answered, understanding his concerns.

Nemo quietly entered the library a few moments later. His expression was grim as he approached the others. The rest of the League sat down and made themselves comfortable as Nemo tried to find a way to put the situation into words.
"I cannot resume contact with Monsieur Lupin. We have nothing to go on but the small message he sent to us," Nemo explained, looking somewhat defeated.

"Well, what was it he said exactly?" Quatermain asked.
"It translates to 'A.L Urgent. Need help. Come to The White Horse in Dover. I have-' the message cuts halfway but I believe he meant to say information," Nemo said.
"The White Horse… That's a public house. I remember going there once when I was travelling to France," Jekyll explained quietly, referring to when he fled England for Hyde's crimes.
"So do we help him or not? It's alright assuming he's in trouble, but what if it's a trap?" Skinner asked, with a feverish nervousness. It was still very clear he did not trust Lupin one bit.

"Well, we're going to London anyway. I mean, it won't hurt to make sure he's alright. I guess we do owe him that," Sawyer said.
"But what's he doing all the way out at Dover? Lupin should be in France. We only dropped him off what- six or seven hours ago? What is he going all the way out there for? Besides, what could he have found in a couple of hours, if that?" Skinner continued. "I really, really don't trust that message. It sounds way too fake."
"Mr Skinner does have a point," Jekyll pointed out.

"What is it, Mr Quatermain?" Nemo asked, seeing the morbid expression upon the hunter's face.
"I can see Skinner's concerns and they should certainly not be ignored, but… perhaps we should go- provided we're careful and take precautions should the message turn out to be a trap. At least that way if Lupin is genuine we can still help him and if it is a trap we have the upper hand… But this decision I do believe should ultimately fall to you, Captain. It's your call," Quatermain answered, rubbing his chin.

The League did not argue against what Quatermain said, though Skinner did sigh softly and avert his gaze for a moment. The others gave Nemo a look of agreement and reassurance.
"Yes… I do suspect a trap, but I would like to make sure he's alright. At the very least I'm curious as to learning what, I'm assuming, information he has unearthed. However, if you should prefer it, I can search for Lupin alone. I would rather not place you all at risk by participating in a task you do not approve of."

Though the captain wasn't staring at him, Skinner could tell what Nemo had said was because of him. He was going to risk going alone due to Skinner's protests. "Hey, no. You're an idiot if you think we'll let you go by yourself," Skinner said quickly.
"Exactly, you're one of us. If you want to go then we're with you," Sawyer interjected with a smile.

"Of course, but what should we do if there is, in fact, a trap waiting for us?" Jekyll wondered, quietly fidgeting with his pocket watch.
"We'll be prepared for such an event. Besides, Jean Robur and I have a score to settle. If the Mysterious Men are intending to ambush us then that will shorten the period of time I will have to wait for justice," Nemo answered bluntly.

"Do we intend to fight the Mysterious Men if the opportunity arises?" Mina asked.
"I care not for Les Hommes Mysterieux, Mrs Harker, only Robur. I hold very little against the others. They only followed orders, his orders."
"Then we will do our best to give you that chance," Mina answered. She looked at Nemo reassuringly in her dignified, elegant manner. Nemo had more right than any other to fight Robur. Mina would expect someone to give her the same opportunity should something as atrocious as that have happened to her son.

Nemo smiled softly, grateful for the League's loyalty to him. He hadn't even known them for half a year and yet they were willing to go halfway around the world to save him. Even now they were willing to go and check on Lupin, someone who would be considered an enemy by most, merely because he wanted to. They knew how important it was to Nemo and they respected his wish. Though the League couldn't replace what he had lost, they were, along with his crew, as close as Nemo could get to having a new family. That was a more reassuring thought than anything else could be. He wasn't alone.

The White Horse, Dover: Continued

The League made it to Dover the day after they received the message. It was starting to get late but the League were ready to try to find Lupin. With any luck, he would see the Nautilus and come to find them. The late October air was gnawing at Skinner's skin from under his coat and hat. He crossed his arms as he waited impatiently near The White Horse with Mina. Jekyll and Nemo were also waiting outside, though at the opposite side. They were watching the old public house very closely, ready to help if they needed to.

The White Horse was a good-sized pub on the corner of a street. It was about nine o'clock at night and so, for now, it was still open. Skinner was tempted to abandon his post and go to get warm by the fire. Seeing smoke dancing out of the chimney didn't help. He was getting impatient in just waiting out in the miserable cold.

Quatermain and Sawyer had gone in The White Horse to see if Lupin was actually there. That was about an hour ago. The four of them outside were beginning to feel anxious. The idea of the message being a trick was brewing in their minds. It was too late to back out now. They had already swallowed the bait, but willingly at least. Skinner had guessed there'd be a trap from the beginning, though he didn't actually want to be right. He hoped Lupin was telling the truth for the sake of the League. Skinner didn't want to see Nemo betrayed, not after all the trouble his decision of saving Lupin had caused.

"What's taking them so long? If those two are having a pint then they'd better fetch us one at least," Skinner grumbled,
"We can head back once it closes for the night. Try to have patience," Mina said quietly.
"Easy for you to say, I'm freezing my- uh, kneecaps off."

Mina cast Skinner a good-hearted scowl, which made him chuckle.

A gentle quiet began to fall upon the two friends; despite the cold and dark, it was peaceful. They stood under the halo of a streetlamp, but Mina decided to bring up a less comfortable topic.

"Skinner, I need to speak with you," she said. "I'd rather it did not wait any longer, seeing how the night is developing."
"Alright... what about?"
"I'm afraid it is about when we were back on the island… At first, I didn't realise. I was too keen on getting back to the others to see how upset you were after I had been stabbed on the Albatross. I didn't pay attention to how badly you were affected... Looking back, I'm ashamed to say I didn't see it sooner."
Skinner cleared his throat and turned his entire body sideways away from her and leaned against the streetlamp. "You don't need to worry about it. We've talked about this; you're alright now, so there are no worries."

Mina reached out and put her hand on Skinner's arm to get his attention, making him turn around. "That's not the point I'm trying to make, Skinner. I need you to promise me something."

Skinner stood up a little straighter, still facing Mina. He could hardly look her in the eye. "I'll do my best," he smiled, trying to mask his sudden embarrassment at her seeing right through him.
"A fight is becoming more and more imminent by the moment. If anything should ever happen to any of us, never blame yourself. Despite you telling Sawyer the same thing earlier, you clearly haven't followed your own advice."
"What can I say? I'm an idiot," Skinner remarked, feeling the slightest bit more comfortable.
"You may be an idiot as you say, but you're an honest one at least."

Skinner smirked and turned his head back to look at the public house. He was pleased to finally see Sawyer and Quatermain making their way out of The White Horse.

"Come on, we'd best go see what they've found… and thank you, Mina. It's good to know you're looking out for me."
"I only did what any other friend would do," she answered, walking with him to the middle of the street. Skinner smirked and mockingly offered her his arm to walk with. Mina shot him a warning glare, which made him chuckle and drop his arm. Looked like he would have to settle with just being friends for a while longer, not that he would stop trying- hopeless or not.

Jekyll and Nemo had also made their way across to the middle of the street.
"What did you find?" Nemo inquired.
"Lupin wasn't there but someone just passed us a note," Sawyer reported.
"What's it say?" Skinner asked.
"Meet at the white cliffs. I'm being followed and they'll kill me if they get the chance. I'm sorry for all this vagueness but I've opened quite the can of worms. There were too many people here to show myself to you and I don't want others to get hurt. I have information about Nemo and Robur. Please come immediately, time is running out. - A.L."

"Are we suspecting the very obvious trap yet? The Lupin I've heard of isn't worried about being followed. He just disguises himself. Hell, he'd show up anyway just to spite them," Skinner remarked. "And, there's nothing by the cliffs but grass if I remember right. Sounds like a perfect battlefield to me."
"Mr Skinner is right. Lupin isn't the kind to keep changing plans. I still wish to go, however. Should the Mysterious Men be there then I would like to find Robur," Nemo answered.
"Then we're with you," Quatermain said. "We'll be there in less than an hour with the automobiles."
"Well, let's get this over with," Skinner sighed.

The group carefully made their way over to where the two automobiles were hidden, waiting for them.
"Don't suppose I could have a quick pint and warm my bones," Skinner muttered, looking at the public house.
"No," Quatermain grumbled.

Skinner's shoulders dropped in disappointment. "Charming, and I doubt anyone is going to offer cuddles for me to warm up. Sawyer? Not even you?"
"You'll be fine, Skinner," Sawyer smirked.

Skinner opened the passenger door for Mina with a smirk. She inclined her head towards him, noting his manners as she climbed inside. Nemo was to drive that automobile, which was to also carry Jekyll in the back. Skinner was to sit in the back of the other automobile, with Sawyer driving and Quatermain in the seat beside the young agent.

It was a quiet wait as they made it to the cliffs, which wasn't a long drive away. Sawyer took the lead, as together, Skinner and Quatermain were able to figure out which way to go without getting severely lost any stage. The last thing they needed was to be delayed.

Skinner decided to wipe off his grease paint with a towel he had brought with him whilst they were on their way.
"I hope you realise if I'm right about this being a trap, you owe me a shilling," Skinner said.
"Don't push your luck. You can have a halfpenny and that's it," Quatermain grumbled.
"Sixpence?"
"Penny."
"Thruppence?"
"Fine, just don't push your luck," Quatermain argued.
"Hmph, it's more than I thought I'd get. You're feeling very generous for once," Skinner remarked.
Quatermain shook his head as he smiled to himself. "Don't be getting used to it."

The Nautilus
(*Meanwhile*)

Ishmael knew something was wrong when Nemo and the League didn't return within the first few hours. His orders were to remain and wait for a flare if there was any trouble. Nemo didn't want to risk any of his crew to Robur again.

Left with little else to do, Ishmael paced. He walked for what could have been hours, until his hip, still healing from the rescue at Island X began to scream at him and forced him to sit down with an agonised wince. He kept his hand against the flaring pain. Jekyll would not be happy about him exerting himself, but then again, Jekyll was not the one worrying about what was taking Nemo so long to return. If Robur killed Nemo or even took him again, he didn't know what he'd do.

He shook the thoughts out of his mind as one of the crewmen, Nasim, came into the room. He was an older member of the crew, he had been with Nemo and Ishmael since they were first taken and he understood the gravity of the situation. At once he noticed the sweat on Ishmael's brow and his haggard breathing.
"Sir, are you alright?" he asked, coming closer.
"Fine," he winced. "Is Aarav still on the conning tower looking for the flare?"
"Yes, sir."
"Have someone take over from him, two at a time and take it in short shifts. It's cold tonight."
Nasim nodded but took a moment to consider Ishamel's condition. "You're worried?"

Ishmael looked up at him and rubbed at his forehead, "Terrified… and there's nothing I can do but wait. Knowing Robur could be setting up a trap. Nemo's wounds haven't healed enough to be fighting, not something like this."
Nasim smiled sadly, "If I may say so, I would not underestimate the Captain, sir. He is strong and full of many of a surprise. Besides, I am sure the League will protect him. He's not alone."
Ishmael smiled gently and nodded. "You're right." He smiled softly, "The League has certainly proved themselves… Thank you."
Nasim bowed and left to carry out his duties.

No sooner had Nasim left, someone else replaced him, rushing in. "Arjun, what's going on?" he exclaimed.
Arjun stood to attention. "There is a man outside wanting to speak with the League. His name is Sherlock Holmes- I recognise him from Belgium."
"The detective who helped to find us?"
"Yes, sir. He said he has urgent news."

Ishmael grimaced. "Bring him in, quickly now."
"Yes, sir." Arjun rushed off.

Ishmael took a deep breath and stood up, trying to get used to the pain before Holmes arrived. He had to settle with not having his full weight on his leg. He was able to hide enough of his pain before he arrived.

He managed a half-hearted smile as Holmes entered the control room. "Mr Holmes, can I ask what you are doing here?"

"As I hope you were told I have an important message. Is there any way for you to get into contact with the League- I am assuming they have already left?"
"There is no way to contact them," Ishmael sighed. "Although I can track the automobile they went in."

Ishmael approached the tracking system, forgetting to go slow. He winced as his hip buckled. Holmes' hand shot out to steady him but he stayed upright. Ishmael cleared his throat. "It's fine, thank you." He went slower and set the correct signal. "They've moved a few miles," Ishmael said.
"Then my warning has come too late."

"Why? What warning?" Ishmael asked impatiently. "It's a trap? They're prepared for that."
"It is far more than that. It is a trap for both the League and the Mysterious Men. Fantômas is planning to kill Captain Nemo and Captain Robur. He is a traitor."
Ishmael groaned and leaned against the machine. "Fantômas… I. I don't understand and there's… very little I can do. Nemo gave strict orders for me not to send reinforcements unless he sends the flare."
Holmes lowered his head, "I am sorry I was unable to get here sooner."

Ishmael nodded, "how did you find this out?" he asked.

"I had searched the men at Belgium but missed one. Monsieur Poirot was able to send me a copy of the message once his officers found him. It read 'Plans have been finalised. The shell should be ready to follow the bird. Les Hommes Mystérieux must fall, as must her sister. Await further instructions to carry out at the nest'. This has all been planned to lead to their downfall. I continued to follow the trail as Mr Sawyer asked me to find the paintings that been stolen. I discovered far more than I anticipated, including that Fantômas knows you are here, following the bait, only I do not know why he doing this."

Ishmael could not hide his frustration. He forced air into his lungs. "All we can do is hope and wait for that flare," he said. He sighed and looked out of the window to the fog that was rolling in. "What have you gotten yourself in for this time, Captain?"