I immediately picked myself off the ground, fearing the worst.
"Who is this?" Quartermain asked.
"I was pondering the same thing." replied M.
"M-my name is S-Serine, sir," I stuttered. They all just stared down at me. I don't blame them. I must be a sight to see after running in the rain all night, and then falling through a door on top of that!
"Where did you come from?" Quartermain interrogated.
"And why are you here?" added M.
"I was running away," I said, barely above a whisper.
"Running? From what?" Nemo wondered.
"A murderer trying to kill me, but killed my mother instead."
"Why would someone want to kill you?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Skinner implied. "She's not normal."
"What does is that supposed to mean?" asked Quartermain.
"Well, for one, she just fell through a wooden door."
"Yes, I suppose that is out of the ordinary,"
"But that still doesn't explain why she came here." M observed. Their attention was focused on my once again. I had to admit, that question was one I could not answer.
"Well, I, uh…well, you see, it was…just-I…"
"No need to explain. You're going straight to the orphanage after we're through here anyways," M informed me. My head shot up at that and I was sure my eyes were as wide as dinner plates. The orphanage? Please, no, anywhere but there.
"Wait just a minute," Mina objected. "Maybe she could be useful in this venture," she added, walking towards me.
"How could she possibly be of help to us? She's just a girl!" Quartermain doubted.
"Maybe so, but I think she has potential. She could be just as strong as any of you," she pointed out. Thank you! "And besides, I'd rather not be the only female on this league." It seemed that Quartermain could not object.
"Alright," he surrendered. "She's in. But if she causes any trouble-"
"I don't think it's her you need to be worrying about. I assure you, Allan, that all the trouble making on this trip will be my doing!" Skinner proudly announced, making me smile. But it looked as though M was not fond of this decision.
"The fate the world is at stake," he noted. "And there are still two more members to recruit. The clock hands turn, Gentlemen."
"Kickin' us out already? A moment ago it was sherry and giggles," Skinner commented as he turned up the collar of his coat and striding out the door. The rest of us followed suit, and M glared at me as I filed out the door with the rest of the League.
When we had exited the building, I could see that a few pedestrians had stopped to stare a large white machine waiting on the cobblestone street.
"What in God's name is that?" Quartermain questioned.
"I call it an 'automobile'," Nemo answered.
"Yeah, but what is it?" Skinner repeated.
"The future, gentlemen. The future."
"Amazing," I whispered.
"This is my first mate," Nemo said, motioning to a man waiting outside the 'automobile', as Nemo called it.
"Call me Ishmael. Please." the man insisted. Each of us took out turns climbing into the automobile. It was a bit cramped, seeing as the back seat was only meant for 3 people. But me being smaller than the rest, we managed. We could hear the engine roar as Ishmael started it up, and we were off.
There was an uneasy silence hanging in the air, but Skinner made sure to break it.
"So, how did M get you?" he asked Quartermain, and he stuffily replied, "None of your business!"
I looked towards him in surprise, as did Mina. It was only a question.
"You're a little testy, Mr. Q," she informed him. Just a little?
"Mrs. Harker, I doubt you measure danger the way I do,"
"And I imagine you with quite the library, Mr. Quartermain. All those books you must've read merely by looking at their covers." I stifled a small laugh.
"I've had women along on past exploits," Quartermain enlightened. "And I found them to be at best…a distraction." With this statement, I glowered at him.
"Do we distract you, Mr. Q?" she asked, referring to her and me.
"My dear girl, I've buried 2 wives and many lovers…and I am no mood for more of either," he clarified. I looked at Mina and she gave me a little nod.
"You can send 'em my way if you like-"
"Skinner, shut up." The rest of the ride was silent as we drove along the dark London streets.
well there's Chapter 3! Please Review! It is greatly appriciated! Thank you! tru