Chapter 59 - Curtain
Continued

Robur was struggling to walk and hide his pain by the time he'd walked to the door frame. The gash on his side kept bleeding and stinging due to all the movement he was making but his back carried the greater injury, he could feel the blood pouring out of both wounds. With a deep breath, he straightened up, trying to appear like the wounds didn't phase him. It was an old habit that he had no intention of breaking, especially in front of the company ahead of him.

The saloon was never usually this full. Aside from him, there were eleven others, perhaps twelve if the invisible man was there. Extra chairs had been brought in from the dining hall. It was a lot of people to fool over his welfare and he knew he wasn't going to manage to hide his wounds, but he was determined to seem unaffected by them. Most of them were too busy to notice his drooping face, something he was somewhat grateful for. He needed to pull himself together- quickly.

Champeau, released from his room, had just finished checking Nyctalope. A few stitches here and there and some ice for his head was all he seemed to be able to do for him, aside from close supervision, which Degains and Coqui provided. There were others to treat, and so Champeau offered to assist Mrs Harker in helping Zenith, she accepted. All Nyctalope could do now was rest.

Robur owed him an immense apology, one that he didn't expect him to accept. For the time being, Robur decided to leave him alone. He would speak to him tomorrow so he could rest tonight. Nyctalope was left to sit next to Degains and Coqui on a few chairs in peace. They spoke quietly to each other and paid everyone else little attention.

Close to the three was Mr Quatermain. Mister Sawyer went beside him now Robur was inside and standing steady. Quatermain was sitting down to make sure he didn't knock his injured arm, but it had been treated enough for now. Mrs Harker and Champeau were working hard to save Zenith, who was lying on the couch and trying to stay awake. He had bad injuries. As he winced, Mrs Harker quietly apologised for what she had done, Zenith dismissed the apology as if she had only stepped on his foot.
"It was a fight, Mrs Harker. You did what you were meant to. Though I must say you have no small degree of skill in sword fighting- I congratulate you."

Dr Jekyll had seen to Armand's leg and was just starting to bandage it up. The boy was sitting down with his leg raised through the use of a stool. He had been brought a new shirt to wear, but the big thick blanket was still keeping him warm. At least he didn't appear anywhere near as weary of the doctor as he did before.

"Da, are you alright?" Armand asked with concern, seeing his bleeding side.

Well, that did it. Twenty two eyes were focused on him and his injuries. Robur tried not to look at any of them, especially Captain Nemo. He almost hadn't seen him standing by the fireplace, leaning against it.
"I'll be alright, Armand," Robur reassured him.

Lupin offered to take over from Jekyll, which meant he could focus on the captain. It was intriguing as to how rapidly the doctor could change. He shifted from being shy and quiet to being in control. Robur didn't bother to resist as he was led to a wooden chair. He had to sit straddling it so that Jekyll could see to his back and side. He partially took off his shirt, so that his arms were still in the sleeves and the material was covering his front. He opted not to care for manners. He didn't have the energy for that. He let his head fall forward to hide the expressions of pain he made.

For a while, it was an uneasy quiet. Nemo stood by a wall, occasionally rubbing his neck and clearing his throat. Anxious glances between the League were exchanged. Nemo seemed lost in his thoughts as he watched Jekyll stitch up Robur's cuts, the wounds he had caused. Armand seemed startled by the state of his father and glanced at Nemo but said nothing. He eventually watched Lupin as he wrapped the rest of the bandage around his thigh with great care. It was a nicer image to focus on.

It was then that the door opened and Skinner entered, with his hat and coat on. "Well, Lupin, you promised us answers," Skinner pointed out. Robur watched as he sat down on the floor casually. He collected a blanket from the floor where he must have been sitting earlier and put it over his lap.

Lupin finished seeing to Armand's leg and then sat down beside the boy as he explained all. His presence seemed to comfort the boy. From the very beginning all the way to the end, Lupin left no question unanswered. It took a while to finish everything that he had to say. During this time, the chef had brought them all hot drinks. The offer was welcomed by all. A spare shirt was also brought for Robur.

"So… all of this was for money?" Armand questioned. During Lupin's talk, he'd gotten tired and Lupin let him lie against him, resting his head against his shoulder.
"Mostly, though he also hated seeing a mission unfinished. He wanted Robur and Nemo separated for good. The other reason is, Fantômas was able to reach quite an impressive age for someone of his occupation. He was old, much older than me that's for sure. It's difficult to safely leave that kind of job. The offer of Germany was ideal for him. For his own sake, he had to accept the task."

"So that's why he was so passive with all the attempts," Armand guessed. "His age?"
Lupin nodded with a smile. He ruffled Armand's hair gently. "Yes, well done. In the end, he knew Nemo had the best chance to defeat Robur, or at least weaken him enough so that he had an opportunity himself. That's why he made us fight. As well as why he fought dirty against me on the Island- he knew he no longer had the physical advantage. His lifestyle simply caught up to him. This was to be his final, his greatest game. His only problem was that he forgot who else was in the Mysterious Men."

"Now he's gone with his tail between his legs and we ain't never gonna catch that rat again," Sawyer said.
"That is a torment we will have to learn to endure," Nemo answered him quietly. Robur was surprised to see him just… accept it.

"Well, I feel a lot better about 'pooning him in the backside," Skinner said, trying to lighten the mood no doubt. "And the lesson to learn from all this? Don't trust the lifelong assassin."
"Or, even better: Listen to Lupin! I know what I'm talking about," Lupin grumbled good-heartedly, looking in Robur's direction. The captain sighed. He knew he'd not be able to live this down for a while, and for good reason. He had been a fool. He should have trusted Lupin as he always had.

"So now what?" Sawyer asked.
"It's too late to do anything now and you must be tired. Why don't you stay for the night?" Lupin suggested.

Robur winced but was able to make it seem as though it was his injuries. He knew what Lupin was up to; he was making them all stay in contact so that no one could bury their head in the sand about this. By the time Lupin finished talking Jekyll had almost finished with Robur's wounds and it was only the bandages which needed to be applied. His side was much more painful than his back, probably from the movement.

"The Nautilus will be expecting us back. I do not wish to worry the crew," Nemo said.
"You can send them a message if you like. I'm sure Robur can set it up for you," Lupin offered, though he put no pressure into his voice. Still, he was deliberately making it as difficult as possible to have the League leave.

Nemo looked at the others who showed very little reluctance. Besides, it appeared as though Jekyll and Mina needed to stay to keep an eye on the injured overnight. Nemo nodded hesitantly. "If it is no trouble to you, that is."
"Not at all," Robur answered honestly. Jekyll soon finished seeing to his injuries and Robur put on his new shirt quickly. He sent a questioning glance towards Lupin. He was up to one of his little tricks again no doubt. Oh yes, that infamous gleam was in his eye. "I'll take you to the telegraph," Robur said.

Nemo followed Robur out apprehensively. Robur had to keep putting a hand onto a wall as he walked to stay steady. He didn't want to show his weakness but it was unavoidable. He needed rest; it didn't escape Nemo's notice.

Nemo wanted to say something, Robur could see it in the pitiful expression on his face. Perhaps he wanted to ask if Robur was alright, but such words likely would have sounded sarcastic and insincere coming from him, whether he meant it like that or not. Neither man knew what to say, nor how the other would react if they began to try to build bridges. There was nothing but a cold and piercing silence which preyed greatly upon their minds.

Robur led Nemo to the cabin that contained his telegraph. Nemo closed the door behind them and found the Nautilus's frequency. When it was time to send the message it took a while for Nemo to explain what was happening and longer still to prove it was he who sent his ship their surprising message. Robur waited, leaning heavily against the wall whilst Nemo was busy. He shook his head to try to get rid of his tiredness.

When Nemo was finally finished, Robur stood straight and went to open the door. It didn't budge. He tried with both hands, shaking it powerfully. Nemo frowned, not understanding.
"Locked," Robur muttered. He went in his pocket for the keys only to find air. Of course: he'd given them to Lupin...
Lupin.

Robur's eye twitched. He made a gesture of annoyance and pounded his fist against the door, ignoring the pain in his side.
"Lupin?!"
"Yes?" he said innocently from outside.
"Open this door," he demanded.

"Not until you both start talking to one another and try to come to an agreement. If you start fighting, then so help me I will tie you both to chairs. I know you're tired Robur but there's a perfectly good chair in there for you. Now act like men and talk this through."

Robur let out an exasperated sigh. "I'm going to throttle him," he muttered. He turned to face Nemo who didn't look all that surprised by Lupin's antics. "Captain, was he like this with you, or does he just have the sole preference of annoying me?"
"Just you, Monsieur," Lupin called out. "Now sit down and try to be civilised."

Nemo offered Robur the seat by the telegraph, knowing that he couldn't stay upright for the duration of this talk, and it really was time that they talked, even if only hours ago they had been so keen to kill one another, but… where to start?

The two looked at each other, unsure of who should start and what should be said. What should be said? How could they mend the damage of over thirty years of semi-misguided hatred? An apology, no matter how well worded, couldn't replace everything that had been lost. It wouldn't repair the damage; it could only stop the edges fraying even further. Robur took a deep breath. No matter how hopeless, someone was going to have to go first. They had to try. Robur opened his mouth to speak but Nemo spoke first.

"I'd like to thank you… tonight, you and your son saved my life and the Leagues'." Nemo half spoke half-whispered.
What was Robur meant to say to that? "And I wish to thank you for saving Lupin. Without you, I fear Fantômas may have killed him and of course for helping us when you all could have walked away."
More silence. It was time to bite the bullet. At least they were both on talking terms.

"Nemo, I owe you an apology, though I know how little of a consolation it will be-"
Nemo raised a hand to stop him. "I think we can agree that we have both made mistakes which we shall forever regret. Words will not remedy the past."
Robur nodded. That much was true.

"Though there are… questions I must ask," Nemo continued, forcing eye contact with Robur. "You have had in your possession the blueprints to the Nautilus all this time. Yet, it appears you never made a ship for yourself... Why?"
"There can only be one Nautilus, Captain, and that is your ship. I have never made a copy of that vessel or anything remotely similar, save for the concepts from the ship's engine. I much prefer the air."

A thin wave of relief passed through him. Nemo felt somewhat safer. It was sad to think that even now, there was part of him that feared Robur. Nemo had to delicately pick his way forward. "And… do you honestly not know what became of my daughter?"
Robur shook his head slowly. "She disappeared without a trace… I fear that perhaps Fantômas moved her body but I do not know. I can look when I get back if you wish?"
"I… I would appreciate it."

"I have my own question, however," Robur said. "There was someone else who was never accounted for. Fantômas may have killed five, not four. I'm hoping you had the boy under your employ."
Nemo narrowed his eyebrow. Who else was missing?

"Do you recall John Ashleigh? He was only young, around ten? His father was a doctor? His father left the island after you claimed your ship. There was no sign of his son. Did he go on the Nautilus with you?" Robur asked.
It was Nemo's turn to shake his head. "No, not Ashleigh. I remember him well but he never came aboard."
"Poor soul," Robur muttered as he looked away. He was yet another victim of the assassin. He was just another name drowning in blood, to be forgotten.

There was more silence, though this time it was more lukewarm than ice cold. It didn't make talking any easier.

Nemo cleared his throat "I must be honest with you, Robur. I will never be able to forgive you for what you have done. For taking me by force, not once, but twice for my skills and getting others hurt and killed as a result," he said with a sharpness in his voice. Robur looked at him and subconsciously crossed his arms. What was he leading to so suddenly?

"But," he continued softly, "I think it is time to forget… I cannot allow the ghosts of my past to push me from living in the now. The future holds too much at stake for this conflict to continue as it has."
"I understand what I have done and I am grateful for being able to earn another chance. I won't take it lightly… Yet, I must ask, speaking of the future, I know you have those plans you were working on. What is to become of them?" Robur inquired, somewhat carefully.

"Nothing is to become of them."
"Will I get them back?" Robur asked.
"No. I also advise you to do your utmost best to withdraw any work you have provided the French with so far."

"I'm afraid I don't quite follow you," Robur said curiously.
"The English, the French- the whole world is growing desperate and frightened of what is to come. Robur, if I were to give you back the designs so you could give them to the French, they would feel much more inclined to use them- any nation would. Things will be blown far out of proportion. All it would do is buy France time to further arm herself. That way millions more will perish through war. Intimidation never works- it never has."

Robur sighed and looked away. He wasn't the kind to admit the others were right. But it wasn't that easy to just withdraw work. That had been the whole point of this mission after all. A lot had gone into it. Robur also knew Nemo had personally lost a lot more because of those plans. Pavan was one of them. Robur elected not to say anything. He could already tell Nemo had noticed his hesitation.

"I realise I owe you this and I'll do what I can, but I cannot guarantee this will go as you wish... But I can guarantee that the League does not need to fear an attack from the Mysterious Men again. I will disregard orders if I must."
Nemo inclined his head "Thank you. I am sure the same can be said of us."

There was a knock on the door and a grating of a key in the lock. Lupin was letting them out now at least. Robur carefully stood up, leaning against the back of the chair. It was growing much harder for him to retain his mask of strength as Lupin poked his head out from behind the door.
"Well, you're both in one piece at least. Have you come to some sort of agreement for the time being?"
The captains looked at each other and nodded. It was a start.

"Magnifique. You can go back to the others now," Lupin grinned, opening the door wide.
Robur walked past the thief "I'm taking this out of your pay."
Lupin bowed mockingly "Please do, It will give me something to do when I steal it back."
"Keys," Robur ordered, hand outstretched.
Lupin smiled and returned them to Robur. Robur counted them to be sure.

Lupin walked on ahead with a hastened step. The two captains walked almost side by side, still speaking to one another.

"I understand you will want time away from the Mysterious Men, but should you ever need us, no matter the time or the obstacles ahead, we will help." Robur's voice was serious and commanding; it wasn't an offer to be taken lightly or ignored. "The world is changing… I only hope it is for the better."
"Indeed. I'm sure the League would be equally willing to assist."

Nemo didn't understand why Robur was being so considerate. Robur was not the kind to offer out as much help and he certainly wasn't one for apologies. Was he frightened of offending him? Did he know he was in the wrong? Nemo didn't know- and he doubted he ever would. Either way, the captain had for once in his life swallowed his pride and focused on what was important. Perhaps his son changed things after all?

Lupin was at the unopened door to the saloon when he saw Robur stagger with dizziness. It was Nemo who steadied him.

"Go to bed, Jean," Lupin said. "Now that everything is sorted for the time being, you must rest."
"I need to see Armand. I can hold."
"I doubt it. Besides, Armand is asleep in the saloon. He's quite comfortable where he is. Now sleep when you are told."
"Remind me who is in charge of this ship, Lupin?" Robur pointed out.
"Tonight? Me, while I sort out this mess that you caused. Don't try to play that card. Go on, I mean it. I'll have Turner carry you if I have to."

Robur didn't have the energy to argue further. He looked at Nemo and extended a hand towards him "Should I not see you tomorrow," Robur explained. Time seemed to stop for a moment. It was Nemo's move to clarify that he really did want to try to move on from this bloodshed. Much to Lupin's relief, Nemo accepted it and shook Robur's hand with a good grip. There was no cheer, no celebration. Robur simply headed off to finally rest.
"I'll check on him later," Lupin muttered. "You should go and rest as well. It has been a very long day for all of us."

"Thank you, Lupin," Nemo suddenly said.
"Hmm?"
"Thank you. If it weren't for you things would be very different, and not for the better either."
Lupin smiled, taking a handkerchief to clean his sapphire ring. "All in a day's work. Now go, see to your League. I'll carry Armand to bed once I've tidied his room up and I'll have Zenith put in his own room so you have some space to sleep. I'm sure there'll be some blankets if you all want to stay in the same room. If you need anything, I'll be in that cabin on the right if I'm not in Armand's."

Nemo said his thanks and Lupin went to Armand's cabin. The captain looked up into the sky, where he could see the stars. His mind wandered back to Maliha and Janni, his mother and father, his lost crew, and the newest pain to his chest, Pavan. He missed them all, but the pain was... diluted somewhat. He didn't know if learning the truth could be considered justice, but it still brought him some degree of relief.
"Be at peace," he brought himself to mutter to them, smiling ever so softly.

With that, he went inside where the League, his future, was waiting.

The Albatross: 19th October

The League didn't all rise until late the next morning. They breakfasted heartily and prepared to leave. Uncomfortable farewells had already been exchanged. Robur managed to wake up in time to at least see them off. The Albatross had landed close to the Nautilus and was unloading the League's car.

It was then Turner approached, looking much brighter than he did the night before. Robur was standing close to the rail with the League as they waited for their transportation to be put onto the ground.

"There you are, Mr Robur. Two cars have been unloaded. Mr Lupin said for me to give you this note when I came to see you."
Robur took the envelope which was handed to him and read it, as he did so he said "Two cars? I thought I'd asked Lupin to have one-"

There was a great roar of an engine and suddenly, one of the automobiles took off down the road at a dazzling speed. Lupin was in it, saluting the captain as he sped away.
Robur breathed in deeply "I'm going to throttle him."
"Is he meant to be doing that?" Skinner grinned.
"No," Robur grumbled.
"You're not going to get that back either, are you?" Sawyer asked.

Robur handed Sawyer the note, complaining under his breath.

I'll take this as my bonus payment for my services.
I'll meet you in Paris on the 5th of November,
I have some business to see to and I've earned a holiday.

A.L