Laermont
Member
The hidden room at the back of the Spinning Cog was richly paneled in fine-grained, dark wood. A large, round table with ornate carvings of gears and mechanical devices sat in the centre of the room. Four people sat around the table, each finishing up a plate of food that had left a lingering scent of reduced ale and meat stock.
Professor Craxtus was leaning back in the overstuffed chair which he favoured, puffing contentedly on his curved, bone-bowled pipe. Aeria sighed in relaxed comfort as she finished the last of her amber-coloured ale. Laermont was also leaning back, seemingly happy to watch the others, as he had no real need to eat or drink. The newest member in this group was Professor Eduard Tersius who had his long legs stuck out under the table, his inquisitive gaze assessing each of his companions.
Once everyone seemed satisfied, Laermont pitched his voice gently but with a low weight to it, as if not wanting to startle his friends. “I am happy to see that you enjoyed the meal our gracious host have provided. I believe that we ought to get down to business now. Craxtus, Aeria, Eduard...please go ahead when you are ready. I am eager to learn about your conclusions and suggestions regarding this situation.”
It was the young, energetic spurii who spoke first as her bright violet eyes flitted to each of her companions. “It’s pretty clear to me that the device I built for Prince Caput’s going to work fine on the Outside Ones. I just need Eduard’s numbers in terms of frequency and we’ll get the device to jam their communication signals.”
Eduard unfolded one long, slender hand and tugged a notebook from his satchel that was slung over the back of his chair. He set it on the table in front of Aeria. “These are my observations regarding what frequencies the Outside Ones use to transmit their messages. I have also added a few additional ideas.”
The young woman snaffled it with a quick hand and looked it over. A grin spread across her delicate features as she did so. “Perfect! It should be pretty straightforward now!
Craxtus had been sitting back but now he took one more puff of his pipe and used it to gesture at the other two. “I’ve been at work too. I think I’ve found a way to amplify the jamming signal so we can extend our range. It’d be good not to get too close to those things!”
Tersius’ face was grave and the mirth didn’t seem to penetrate through to him. “It’s no laughing matter. If one of those creatures manages to exert influence on you, you will be lost. I’m not trying to scold you, mind, They’re just so dangerous that we’ve got to be serious about their threat.”
The more grizzled, elderly ingenarius nodded slowly. “Quite. It’s not something to fool around with, I agree. Perhaps you’d advise us on what precautions we ought to be taking, Professor Tersius?”
Eduard Tersius cleared his throat and gave a sigh. “Yes. It’s probably wise as we’re on the topic. I would advise you to find a way of shielding your device from electromagnetic interference. I would advise not approaching within 20 metres of the beings. I believe that vigilance is crucial. If you begin having thoughts or ideas that don’t seem like your own, resist them and come speak to me.”
After a moment’s thought, he went on. “I would also suggest that we speak further to those who have magical abilities that relate to mental manipulation. If we can find someone with a good grasp of them, we should have them along when we go to deal with the creatures.
Laermont leaned in now. His vast bronze bulk demanded attention. Four pairs of eyes met his eyeplates and he swept his gaze between the various members of the group seated around the round, dark wooden table. “I have an additional caution for all of you. I am quite certain that we are under potential surveillance. I must admit that I haven’t seen many signs, but the person who is watching has competent agents.”
Aeria’s fine eyebrows knit together and her face clouded. “As if fucking TorBru wasn’t bad enough! Who is this person and why are they watching us?”
The quaestor’s tone remained even and calm. “His name is Lux and he is an integral part of the Impraevitas. I believe he and I can be beneficial to one another and by extension, to what all of us are attempting to do.”
Aeria let out a low whistle. “You sure you wanna mess around with that lot? I’ve heard some pretty hinky stuff goes on with them.”
The metallic-skinned detective would have given her a piercing look, if his mask-like face would have allowed it. “Are you saying that it’s any more of a risk dealing with the Black Cats?”
The younger spurii pursed her full lips for a moment and blew out a breath of air. “Well when you put it like that...no, I guess not.”
A nod of his head was Laermont’s only acknowledgment as he went on. “Just be aware of the fact that you’re under surveillance. I think Lux is the sort who won’t trust a soul. In his shoes, I probably would not feel inclined to be trusting either.”
Now it was the weatherbeaten, craggy face of Craxtus that began to crinkle into a frown that rucked his skin up like an old mountain range. “How d’you know that the Impraevitas isn’t gonna feed back information to TorBru?”
Laermont paused for a moment. “While the Impraevitas may be questionable, they are not likely to be allowed to work for an organization that finds their presence galling. TorBru is unhappy with any organization that intrudes on their territory or has any control of the underground in this town.”
Silence fell around the table, pressing down on everyone there, as Laermont gave the little group one more round of confirming glances. Seeing no other questions he gave a perfunctory bob of his huge metallic head. “I believe we have again concluded our business. There is now no need for conversation, but a need for action. We’ll convene again herer in one week. I’ll contact you as to the precise date and time.”
As the rest of the group filed out, having said their farewells, the quaestor stayed sitting. He felt a sense of satisfaction but it was a satisfaction tempered by caution. Plans at this stage were apt to be fragile and changeable. He had done all he could, so now all he could do was wait.