[IC] ~*The Orient Express*~

[SgtEasy]

Bob

Location: San Fransisco, USA
Interacting with: The Delivery Man, Captain Wilkerson and Natasha Brinne @Lady Amalthea
Date: March 14^th

---

Bob waited patiently in front of San Fran airport due to his Delivery Man arriving late, playing his golden harmonica to the tune of "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong. He didn't feel stressed, worried or even angry, he was just excited. This was the day of departure, the gateway out of this damn country. Don't get him wrong, the United States was better off than most countries and he knew that. But years in prison and homelessness made him slightly bitter and he was happy to leave. Not that he thought this would be permanent, there was no doubt in his mind that this was a temporary set up, "his" money taken away and sending him back to mope around in Hunter's Point.

But hell, this has been one hell of a beginning to a journey of a lifetime. He was content now, jittery with excitement and a permanent smile on his face the whole day. As the Delivery Man came up to him, he almost jumped in joy. Dressed in a finely made, loose tuxedo and burdened with a backpack and a roller bag, it would've been absolutely ridiculous. He couldn't stop himself from hugging the man in front of him however, beard still as bushy as it had been before all of this (though significantly cleaner), grazing the man's shoulder. The Delivery Man coughed, pushing him away before fixing his tie.

"Come with me, Mr. Thompson." He grabbed his luggage and headed off into the airport. Bob followed him, making sure not to get distracted by the busy crowds around him. He had never gone into an international airport before, but he had gone into a domestic airport to fly to Dallas to meet his cousins. From what he remembered of the experience, they weren't supposed to be flying through like this. 'Guess this is what being rich for a long time gets you.' He shrugged as the Delivery Man led him to a private plane, gesturing for him to enter.

He was greeted by an elderly captain, along the same lines as himself. He grinned at the man and the man grinned back. Extending his hand, the Captain welcomed him "Welcome Mr. Thompson. I am Captain Wilkinson. I will be flying you and the others today. Would you like anything in particular?"

Bob shook his head before smiling once again, accepting the extended hand. "No thank you, Captain. I'm fine thank you." He paused, dwelling on the previous statement. "There are others?" The Captain merely nodded, gesturing to the rest of the plane and saying "One is already there."

Nodding back, he entered the plane, seeing the space that he would be in for the next eleven hours. It showed the opulence and wealth of the person that made the contest and it slightly scared him how a man or woman could be that rich. At first he didn't notice the other occupant but set his eyes on his fellow contestant. Approaching her, he grinned and extended his hand. His eyes twinkled, a grandfatherly aura about him. It was time to put the mask on. "Hello, m'lady. It is lovely to fly with you today. It is Natasha, isn't it? I am Robbie J. Thompson but most people just call me Bob. If it isn't so rude to ask, would you mind if I sit here?" His eyes twinkled even more, gesturing to the seat in front of her.

[SouffleGirl123]

José Bloomer

At: The airport, plane
Interacting with: Box deliverer guy, Pilot
Date: 14th March

---

---

The days couldn't have gone slower and excitement bubbled inside of José. Her days had come and gone like clockwork. She worked 5 days at her full-time job, which was not very busy at this time of year, practiced with the guys 3 times a week, played a small gig. Nothing too out of the ordinary but the box sat there, awaiting for that special day as José was. Often she would again read over its contents reminding herself it wasn't a dream. Finally, though, the big day arrived. José had her suitcase packed and repacked... and repacked again and gone over a couple of things she needed to buy when she was in Paris, which she had saved the black card for. Her black suitcase sat on her bed, holding clothes and other holiday essentials and the wooden box, papers still inside, her large baby blue handbag leaning next to the suitcase. She placed the handbag over her shoulder before yanking the suitcase of her bed, extending the handle and dragging it to the font door, turning off all the house's power points in the process, before stepping out the door with her suitcase and locking the door to be greeted by the many flightsof stairs was to descend to get out of the building.

As she lugged her suitcase down flight after flight of José wished for the hundredth time in those 3 minutes that the building had an elevator. She reached the bottom of the steps to the lobby, the electric doors opening at her presence, and she dragged her suitcase to her small white car.

José had lifted her suitcase halfway up into the boot of her car when a taxi parked in the spot next to her. A middle age man with thinning brown hair stepped out of the car.

"Miss Bloomer?" he asks.

"Mm-hm?" José inquires, resting one corner of the suitcase on her raised leg and the opposite corner on the edge of the boot of her car.

"I'm here to take you to the airport," At this José turned to the man, the suitcase starting to feel heavy partially sitting on her leg.

"I'm sorry, what?"

"I've been paid to take you to the airport, and I've arrived just in time it seems, here, let me take that for you," and without a reply he swiftly walked over to her and lifted her suitcase with ease.

"Uh, thanks," José says gently, closing up and locking her car before slipping into the front seat of the taxi.

The ride the the airport was made up of small talk and awkward silences, as most taxi rides did. José decided not to mention when the driver veered of the course for the international flights and drove onto the private area. Soon enough the Swedish man who gave her the box only 2 weeks before came into view and the driver stopped in front of him. Thanking the Driver the bright-haired adult extends the suitcase's handle and follows the Swedish man to a close-by plane. Admittedly the pair probably looked quite odd. The German man tall and buff with his close cropped, natural blonde hair in his simple black and white suit next to the short, slim José with her brightly coloured hair and her unique pink, silver and black tank top under her unzipped leather jacket and black leggings.

The Swedish man took José's case as she boarded the plane. Upon reaching the doorway she couldn't help but hold her breath. The plane was one of luxury with its few comfy seats and its mini bar and everything else it had to offer. This was a plane for the rich, not for a lower average income-earning adult, as José was. Finally she took a step into the plane not noticing the pilot who was approaching her.

"Miss Bloomer, welcome, I'm Pete and I'll be you're pilot today," he introduced himself, giving José a slight shock, and extended his hand.

"Oh, uh, hi Pete," she says, a smile widening on her face as she took his hand in hers, "Just call me José. Will anyone else be joining us?"

"José," he says, shaking her hand slightly wildly, "Nope, you're the only one flying in from Hartford, but make yourself comfortable, we have a bit of a fight ahead of us and we take off in 5 minutes," and with that the pilot left José to her own devices, She settled into one of the comfortable seats, this will be a good trip.

[Nevix]

Edric Laybourne

---

Location: Tacoma International Airport
Interacting With: N/A
Date: March 14th

---

Edric still wasn't fully convinced that this was happening. As the man who had given him his letter lead him to a private jet on one of the smaller runways of Tacoma, his mind began racing. What if it's a trap? he thought, don't be an idiot. There's no "traps" in real life.He was so deep in thought, he hardly noticed that the man had stopped. The sleek black private plane lowered a set of stairs with a satisfying hiss.
As the silent man led him up the steps and into the plane, he involuntarily gasped. "There's no way this is happening".
"Sir," said the delivery man in a soft voice "You have said that for the eleventh time now, I'm a patient man. You are beginning to get on my nerves Doctor." The man had a smile on his face to show Laybourne that he was kidding. "Shall we be off to Paris now, sir?"
Edric was silent for a moment. "Well I can't see a fair reason not to," he cleared his throat "to Paris, my good man."

[Lady Absinthia]

Claire McManus

Location: Paris
Interacting With: Mr. Lewis
Date: March 15th

---

---

For Claire the flight was long but it wasn't too bad. She danced, drank a bit and slept a lot. Before she knew it, they had touched down at the International Airport in Paris and the plane taxied to a private hanger; the rest of the incoming winners planes falling in line behind hers.

The plane pulled into the hanger by itself, with the others waiting in line outside. The door opened and the pilot wished her well as she stepped out. Looking around she noted the stretch limo and an older gentleman stepping out dressed in jeans, a blazer and button down shirt.

"Greetings Miss McManus!" he said joyfully as she stepped down the stairs. Claire perked a brow, it was Mr. Lewis. Someone she of course had never met before but had seen in the tabloids. So he was the one funding this? Curiouser and curiouser.

"Yo!" she said stepping over to him, skipping slightly as she shook his hand as it was offered to her.

"Well aren't you a firecracker you Irish Rose you," he laughed, shaking her hand jovially. "Welcome to Paris!"

"Ay, glad to be here, thanks for the lift, really posh stuff," she laughed.

"Glad you enjoyed, nothing but the best for my winners. My I do love that South Boston accent of yours. Low brow but tons of fun," he said as the plane taxied out and the next one pulled in. "Ready to meet your fellow winners?"

"Damn Skippy! You?" she answered excitedly. Mr. Lewis chuckled and nodded as he took the young woman's arm.

"Damn Skippy indeed."

*You have arrived, each plane will taxi in and you'll unload to meet Mr. Lewis, whom I control, and those that have disembarked by now.

[SouffleGirl123]

José Bloomer

At: The airport, plane
Interacting with: Pilot, Mr Lewis
Date: 15th March

(This post was completed with @Lady Amalthea)

---

---

José found herself sleep more than anything else on the plane, from the idea of what was to come she didn't get much sleep the night before. Then again she barely slept for long periods of time and often lived by with only a few short hours of sleep a night, however, she seemed to often slip in and out of land of sleep, often having a snack or a drink before falling asleep again for half an hour or so.

There was only an hour left of the flight when José was convinced she was not going to fall asleep again in that flight and instead watched the clouds sail by out of her window as the plane flew past them with such ease. With a sigh she dug out her phone from her handbag, which was placed on the seat next to her, and pulled out a pair of simple black earphones. She connected her earphones to her phone and allowed music to stream into her ears. She tapped along to the beat on the arm of her chair as she hummed along with the music (although she did start singing at random moments without really noticing) while she continued to watch the window.

José watched as the buildings of the city below slowly come into view. Initially they were only clusters of concrete and brick despite the Eiffel Tower, it made a statement of it's position towering over the rest of the buildings. José couldn't help but hold her breath for slightly longer than natural as they descended closer to the concrete jungle. It was beautiful and, as well as that, it was Paris. She had wanted to go to France for years and, in a few short minutes, she would land on it's capital city.

The planes of, what she assumed to be, the other winners taxied to a private hanger. Each fell in line. José only spotted one in front of her but was unsure if that meant she was second to arrive or if other planes had arrived earlier and left already. Thanking the pilot as her bid her farewell José shouldered her handbag and tugged at her leather jacket slightly as she descended the steps.

Down below was an older man next to a younger brown haired woman in front of a stretch limo. The older man, José identified him to be Mr Lewis, well-known for many achievements. So he was the mystery man behind this. Makes sense, not many people could invest so much in so many people. The girl next, to him, José had seen her on that website. She's the MMA fighter, right?

"Miss Bloomer! You prefer José right?" Mr. Lewis said extending his hand to hers to shake.

"Yeah,José," She replies, gripping Mr Lewis' hand, the large smile stubbornly set on her face

"Welcome to Paris, I do hope you don't mind taking a break from Outway Street for this little trip. Oh and let me introduce you to Miss McManus, heaviest hitting South Paw that side of the pond," he said with a charming smile. Before José could fit a word in the woman next to Mr Lewis, whom he had introduced as Miss McManus, had already started talking.

"Nice to meet ya, love the hair," she greeted José truthfully as she stood there, an excited smile playing on her lips, José was glad she wasn't the only one who couldn't help but wipe the smile from their face.

"Thanks," José replies, running a hand through her hair. This would've been the point she would smile if she wasn't doing so so widely already.

"This is pretty radical isn't it?" Miss McManus continued. José racked her brain in an attempt to remember the girl's name. It was, most definitely, said on the video but José was never good with remembering names when she only met a person once or twice before, let alone see them in a video.

"Radical indeed Miss McManus, how what your flight José?" Came the voice of Mr Lewis, catching José slightly off-guard.

"Oh. It was quite comfortable, well at least comfortable enough to sleep without getting too sore." She replies, biting her bottom lip before saying, "Very fancy. A lot more luxurious than I'm used to truthfully, but it was nice."

It wasn't long before José's plane had left the hanger and another taxied in. Soon enough a bald man, whom José was sure she had seen a video of, descended the steps and made his way to the trio.

"Hello, it's a pleasure to meet you all, i'm Joel," He greeted the three of them softly with a smile, giving a respectful nod to each one of them before placing his attention on Mr Lewis.

"And these two lovely ladies would be Miss McManus and Miss Bloomer," Mr. Lewis had said, motioning toward Claire and José.

"Hey ya Joel," José replies with a smile, extending her hand to shake, "Nice to meet the man behind the video," Claire then greeted him, before asking if there was anywhere for a beer and a fight. José gave a slight chuckle as the other 3 conversed, leaving the trio to their own devices as she drummed on her leg softly with her fingers, her mind wandering slightly. She'd never been much of fighter, or a drinker for that matter and it was quite obvious Joel and Claire would become fast friends. She silently prayed that they'd be at least someone she'd get along with well enough that she wouldn't be that awkward person in the corner.

[Pundii]

Joel Grau

Location: Charles de Gaulle Airport
Interacting With: Mr. Lewis, Claire
Date: March 15th

The flight was a very short one for Joel, living so close to France already, he had barely finished his second drink by the time they were beginning their descent. Letting out a sigh as he settled in for the landing, Joel watched out the window as his plane began to taxi along the runway toward a private hanger, along with - what he assumed - were the other winner's planes.

Once they'd stopped, Joel began to undo his seat belt and move to stand, taking his duffel bag from the stewardess as the stairs over the door were lowered, and the door opened itself. After a brief thank-you to the pilot, Joel shifted the bag over his shoulder and moved out of the door, standing at the top of the stairs as he looked around the hangar, running a hand over his bald head.

He could see two women, from the videos he'd seen he knew they were two other winners, Jose and Claire, he'd made an effort to remember their names. As for the third figure, the older, bald man, he did not know him. Making his way down the stairs, he approached them, giving them all a somewhat awkward nod.

"Hello, it's a pleasure to meet you all, i'm Joel," He spoke softly and with a smile, a respectful nod to each person as he set his eyes on the bald man, holding out his hand. "I don't believe we've met."

"Honor to meet you Mr. Grau, you do your nation proud I am sure. I'm Emanuel Lewis," he said with a cordial smile, shaking the man's hand.

"And these two lovely ladies would be Miss McManus and Miss Bloomer," Mr. Lewis said motioning towards the young women.

"Nice to meet ya," Claire said with a grin as she waved at him, bouncing on the balls of her feet some. "Hey, any place in town to get a beer? Or fight? Or both?" she asked Mr. Lewis.

"Real firecracker this one Mr. Grau," he chuckled. "I hope your flight was comfortable even if it was shorter than many of our guests."

Joel shifted on his feet in slight discomfort at Mr. Lewis' initial comment, but he smiled all the same as he shook the man's hand. "Nothing so grandiose, but I appreciate it."

Smiling, he shifted his gaze over to the other two, giving them a slight nod and a wave, his eyes shifting between both of them for a moment, chuckling at Claire's comment as he turned back toward Mr. Lewis.

"It was, short, but comfortable, give my compliments to your flight staff. And, should you find somewhere that fits Claire's description, mind letting me know, as well?" He chuckled, professional as Joel usually was, he was still a soldier, and if there was one thing they enjoyed, it was beer and a fight, not necessarily in that order.

"Paris is the city of love, not fighting," Mr. Lewis chuckled.

"Ay, but how can any good love story not begin with a good drink and a good fight? Was me mum's left hook that caught me pop, right across his chin. Knocked him head o'er heels for her it did," Claire laughed putting her fists up and jabbing in the air a few times.

Joel chuckled as he looked back over toward Claire, watching the woman, he'd gotten a good feeling about her from the video he'd watched her put up, but he figured now even moreso that he would get along with her during their time aboard the Orient Express.

"I can't remember any starting that way, but I can certainly imagine it." Joel laughed along with her, shifting his gaze back to Mr. Lewis. "Don't worry though, we'll try to avoid any bad press for you."

[TheIrishJJ]

Wolfgang Kasimir O' Conor

---

Location: Charles de Gaulle airport
Interacting With: Mr. Lewis, pilot, José, Claire, Joel
Date: 15th March

---

Wolfgang was looking out of the window when the pilot began his announcement, "We will now be beginning our descent into Paris Charles de Gaulle airport. We should be hoping to let you out within about twenty minutes." Wolfgang sighed. He liked planes, and was slightly upset that his flight had been so short. If only the train journey started in America, he thought to himself. The flight attendants came and collected his empty drink cup, and to tell him that he had to put his seat in the normal position.

As the plane finished nearing the ground, and then bounced up and down a few times when it hit the runway. The plane slowed down as it went down the runway, and then taxied to the hangar, before coming to a complete stop. One of the air hostess came to Wolfgang, who was still looking out of the window, and told him that he needed to follow her. "Oh, yeah, sorry," he said to the air hostess, and began following her.

After a couple of minutes of walking out of the plane onto the ground, and then walking along in the windy conditions, Wolfgang found himself by three people, whom he recognised from the videos, and an old man that he did not know.

"Hello," he greeted them, "I'm Wolfgang, and you must be José, Claire, and Joel," Wolfgang then turned his attention to the old man, "I'm afraid I don't know you."

[Lady Absinthia]

Natasha Brinne

---

Location: Plane -> Paris
Interacting With: Bob, Mr. Lewis, and the rest of the newly formed Scooby Gang
Date: March 14th - 15th

---

Tas smiled over towards Bob when he entered the plane, she had seen his video and he seemed like a friendly enough person. Extending her hand to his she shook it and motioned towards the seat across from her.

"Nice to meet you Bob, just call me Tas, most everyone else does," she said in a friendly voice as she got comfortable in her seat. "And by all means, have a seat. Though I don't know how much company I will be, work has been hectic, I'll probably sleep most of the trip," she chuckled slightly; but she wasn't joking. Work had been a lot, as well as other things going on in her life recently; adding to that the fact she basically always fell asleep during flights didn't help.

Once all three of the passengers flying out from San Francisco were loaded up the plane was off and headed non-stop to Paris. Tas hadn't lied, by the time they reached cruising altitude she had stretched out on one of the couches and was sleeping peacefully. Normally she would have felt bad leaving someone with no one to talk to on such a flight but there was Brendan there as well; whom Tas has introduced herself to before she decided to lay down.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

As the plane started its final decent Tas was woken by one of the stewards and yawned slightly. Sitting up she smiled at the two men before grabbing her stuff and running a brush through her hair. "Well, that was a well needed nap," she laughed as they taxied into the hanger.

"Hope I didn't miss anything," she quipped as the door was open and they were ushered out of the plane, thanking the pilot and staff for everything as she stepped out onto the platform. She took note of those standing down there and perked a brow when she saw Mr. Lewis. She had never met him before but much of his technology was used in the hospital she worked at. This was a surprise.

Mr. Lewis in the meantime looked over towards Wolfgang and shook the mans hand as he came over and introduced himself. Claire looked the man up and down, noting the accent; this would be interesting.

"Welcome to Paris Mr. O'Conor, I am Emanuel Lewis, host of this event and these are some of your other winners," he said as he motioned towards the group. Claire kept bouncing on her the balls of her feet as she stood there. The group was rounding out nicely as far as she was concerned. Jose seemed like she could be fun and Joel seemed to be on the same page as her.

"Hey there!" Claire said with a slight wave as the next plane pulled up and the door opened. "Looks like we got more."

Tas took a deep breath as she stepped down the stairs and over to the group, shifting her bag on her shoulder before she shook Mr. Lewis's hand.

"Mr. Lewis, pleasure to meet you. Your tech has been invaluable with our emergency medicine, especially the updated software for the portable ultra sound unit," she said cordially.

"Glad to hear it Dr. Brinne," he said with a charming smile.

"Please, just call me Tas, I'm off shift," she giggled. "And let me see if I have these right... Claire, Jose, Joel," she said reaching out to shake each of their hands. As she reached Wolfgang she was at a loss, she didn't remember seeing a video upload from him. "Sorry, I don't seem to know you," she said in a friendly voice as she held her hand out to his.

[SgtEasy]

Bob

Location: Paris
Interacting with: Mr. Lewis and the Scooby Gang
Date: March 15^th

---

Revealing the soft, brown eyes beneath his lid, the light shone in his eyes making him groan a little. Bob had followed Tas' lead in sleeping the whole flight, a smooth ride at least from his minimal experience in being in a vehicle. He realised why the doctor wore such comfortable clothing however, his tie was killing him. As he woke to the world, he almost jumped in his seat. A martini on a finely made oak table, the lavish windows and stewards dressed to the nines were things he would've never expected to wake up to. It took him a few seconds to register where he was, blinking wildly. Soon, he remembered the events of the last two weeks and smiled before yawning, stretching his arms and legs. He looked up towards one of the stewards and smiled once more. "G'morning sir." The steward responded in kind before telling him that they had landed in Paris.

He nodded before getting up from his seat and raised an eyebrow when he saw the empty seat in front of him. Noticing the subtle gesture for surprise, the steward was kind enough to tell him. "Ah yes, Mr. Thompson, Dr. Brinne has exited the plane already. We will take care of your bags so why don't you join the group outside?" He nodded once more, straightening his suit, dusting his shoulders and walked out of the door, thanking everyone for the wonderful flight.

He stepped down the stairs only to see the others outside. He waved and grinned widely, his eyes twinkling at the group, specifically at his compatriots in the plane. He excitedly shook the hands of Mr. Lewis, grin growing larger and larger. "Thank you for this opportunity of a lifetime, Mr. Lewis!" He gripped his hand tightly before moving onto each member before pausing at Claire. 'Told you Irish girls were hot as fu-' the thought was crushed almost instantly but too late, his pause in shaking hands was very noticeable but he continued to shake Claire's hand, slowly and carefully.

[Pundii]

Joel Grau

Location: Charles de Gaulle Airport
Interacting With: Mr. Lewis and the Justice League
Date: March 15th

Shifting his gaze over his shoulder, Joel watched as two more planes began to taxi toward the hangar, this whole thing was remarkably well timed and set up, though so far Mr. Lewis seemed like the type to have everything just so, though at the same time he got quite the 'Willy Wonka' vibe from him, but perhaps that just came with the whole golden-ticket lottery thing. Watching as the first plane came up, Joel watched Wolfgang emerge, taking a moment or two of watching the man, he remembered him from his video, giving him a nod as he approached and shaking his hand once he introduced himself.

"Guten Tag, Herr O'Conor." Joel gave him another firm nod as Mr. Lewis began to introduce himself once more, Joel idly watching as the next plane came in, three people came off this one, all of whom he recognized from their videos. Glancing over to Claire as she exclaimed that more had arrived, Joel chuckled briefly, her excitement was infectious. Nodding his head to Tas as she came down and introduced herself yet again, Joel shifted the duffel bag on his shoulders.

"It's a pleasure, Doctor, er... Tas, apologies." He chuckled in a somewhat awkward moment, Joel stood, moved and even spoke stiffly, he was out of his element here, and his discomfort was more than clear. Shifting his gaze over to Bob as he moved up the line, shaking everyone's hand, Joel gave him a kindly smile, shaking his hand firmly.

"It's nice to meet you, Mr. Thompson." Joel watched as Bob moved on and lingered on Claire, raising an eyebrow idly for a moment before he took a step back slightly, out of the rapidly growing group somewhat. Having some room to breathe, he shifted his bag once more, simply looking for something to do other than contribute to conversation, there was such a variety of people here, he just looked forward to getting to the hotel, and then finding a bar appropriate for the drink and fight Claire had been discussing.

[TheIrishJJ]

Wolfgang Kasimir O' Conor

---

Location: Charles de Gaulle airport
Interacting With: Natasha, Joel, Bob, Mr. Lewis
Date: 15th March

---

Wolfgang listened as Mr. Lewis spoke to him, "Welcome to Paris Mr. O'Conor, I am Emanuel Lewis, host of this event and these are some of your other winners," he said. "Thank you, Mr. Lewis, I can't wait to get on the train and to get to know everyone," Wolfgang replied.

"Hey there!" Claire suddenly said, and waved. Wolfgang turned around, and saw more people coming from the same plane. One of them was a girl with dark hair, who introduced herself as Tas and then welcomed everyone, but paused on Wolfgang, "Sorry, I don't seem to know you," she apologised. Wolfgang shook her extended hand, and reminded her of his name, "Not to worry, I'm Wolfgang."

After Tas, an old man followed. He told everyone that he was called Bob, and then greeted everyone, which Wolfgang returned. The next person to greet Wolfang was Joel, "Guten Tag, Herr O'Conor." "Ah, yes, you're the German one. Wie geht es Ihnen?" he responded.

[Lady Absinthia]

Natasha & Claire

---

Location: Hanger
Interacting With: The Motley Crew & Mr. Lewis
Date: March 15th

---

"Nice to meet you," Tas said as she shook Wolfgangs hand. Claire kind of stood there, looking at Bob oddly. It was obvious something else was going on with the man but Claire being Claire was anything but smooth about the situation.

"Yo Bob, breath," Claire said quickly as she shook his hand and then laughed. Tas perked a brow and then shrugged as Mr. Lewis greeted the rest of the winners in turn and then ushered everyone towards the limo that was waiting for them.

"This will take you to the hotel, I will see you again the day we leave on the Grand Orient Express! Have fun and just try not to need bail money," he laughed as he looked over to Joel and Claire before he made his way towards the last jet that had pulled into the hanger and boarded. Giving the crew a slight wave before the door was pulled closed and the plane taxied out of the hanger.

"Come on peeps! Time to party!" Claire exclaimed as she ran over to the Limo and dove in. Moving to the side so others could get in she giggled as she bounced in her seat a bit and then noticed the bar. "Drinks! Joel, we have part one of a good time!" she yelled as she grabbed a couple of beers and popped off the caps, taking a long pull from one as she held the other out to Joel once he entered the limo.

Tas adjusted the strap of her bag and smiled slightly at the gang, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Making her way to the limo, she climbed in and slid over; leaning back and relaxing. She had wanted to come to Paris for sometime and now she was finally here. Even though she only held a small smile on her lips, she was just as excited as Claire was. This was going to be amazing it seemed and she couldn't want to drop her things off at the hotel and actually get out and see the city.

*Okay, climb in folks! My next post will be us at the hotel.

[Pundii]

Joel Grau

Location: Charles de Gaulle Airport
Interacting With: Mr. Lewis and the Justice League
Date: March 15th

"Mir geht es gut, danke" Joel commented toward Wolfgang with a nod, shifting his gaze over to Mr. Lewis once more as he spoke to the last of the winners and brought them all over toward the limo. Joel was still finding some difficulty in enjoying all of this luxury, it wasn't that he didn't like it, he just had never experienced it before, and didn't particularly feel it had been earned in any way. But from those around him, he figured he'd have no trouble enjoying the trip at least to a degree.

Watching Mr. Lewis as he moved off, Joel couldn't help but chuckle as Claire leapt past him into the limo and called out that she had discovered beer. Moving toward the Limo, Joel moved into it far more carefully, and shifted over beside Claire, taking up the beer she offered him, looking over it for a moment, he smirked.

"Just a few more and we can get to part two." He chuckled, reaching over to clink the neck of his bottle against hers before taking a long drink, settling into his seat as the other winners climbed into the limo. Once everyone was in the limo, he set his bag down onto the floor, resting one foot ontop of it idly as he took another long drink, looking over the others. Perhaps he would let go a bit, or at least try to, for the sake of enjoyment, the beer would help with that at the very least.

[SouffleGirl123]

José Bloomer

At: The Paris airport
Interacting with: The X-Men.
Date: 15th March

---

---

Each plane brought a new winner, one of them bringing 3, and the group that started with only Mr Lewis, José and Claire quickly grew. José greeted each person and took offered hands and shook them. Her smile was not as wide as earlier but still present and still unable wiped of her face.

After greeting each person Mr Lewis then ushered them all toward the limo
"This will take you to the hotel, I will see you again the day we leave on the Grand Orient Express! Have fun and just try not to need bail money," with that he gave a laugh, looking toward Joel and Claire. José was pretty sure she gave a chuckle too at this.

She wasn't too surprised when Claire was the one to yell "Come on peeps! Time to party!" before diving into the limo and giving a triumphant yell at finding beer. José slid into the car after Tas and seated herself across for Joel and Claire.
"We're going to have to keep an eye on you two, aren't we?" she jokes, getting comfortable in her seat. She doubted she'd be able to unpack before racing out the door to wander the streets she's been longing to see for years. The smile widening on her face at the thought of it, excitement jittering through her, a feeling that only tended to show up when she was about to do a gig for a large crowd had decided to make its appearance. Oh this will be fun

[Lady Absinthia]

Claire McManus
Natasha Brinne

Location: The Limo --> Hotel
Interacting With: The Group - Kind Of??
Date:March 15th - Roughly 1 P.M.

---

---

Once everyone was loaded up and ready to go, the door was shut and the driver proceeded to take the group out of the hanger and into Paris itself; taking his time and the more scenic route as to allow the winners a time to relax a bit after the plane flights, some which had been longer than others, and some time to get acquainted with each other.

Claire was more than happy to fill the entire ride with conversation, she was a mouthy one she was. Clinking her bottle to Joels she chuckled. "Ay, that we can! If anything, maybe there is a mime or two around we can shadow box with," she exclaimed before taking a long pull off her drink.

Tas on the other hand just kept quiet for the most part, looking out the window and marveling at the scenery. It was truly beautiful but she could only imagine that it was much more spectacular during the night; it was the city of lights after all. Perking a brow at Jose comment she smirked slightly.

"I say we stand back, let them do their thing. Should be a good show at least, though I wonder if those cards we were given will cover bail money if needed?" she said with a soft laugh before she went to looking back outside.

"Maybe I start with you? Least I know you can patch yourself up," Claire taunted as she looked over towards Tas. The doctor rose a brow slightly but didn't seem threatened by the remark.

"One, never get involved in a land war in Asia, two never get into a battle with a doctor when death is on the line," Tas said smoothly as she cracked her knuckles. Claire glanced down and noticed the scars on her first two knuckles and busted out laughing.

"You fight? Well damn girl, why didn't you lead with that on your video?" Claire asked, now all excited that there was the prospect of another female fighter in the group.

"No, I defend and why tell all my secrets? I prefer to keep somethings, most things, close to my chest as it were," she replied as she went back to looking out the window. Claire shrugged, this one was going to be a little bit tougher to crack but man, to be able to have a sparring partner while on the trip could prove useful; least she wouldn't go soft while on vacation.

Claire was about to pipe up, see if she could get the doctor to talk more but then they pulled up to the hotel and her mouth went slack jaw as she mouthed wow!

---

---

The hotel was beautiful, beyond extravagant and Tas just couldn't get over the fact that this is where they were staying for the next two nights. If this was just the stop off, what in the world did the train look like? They had already been given so much luxury; Mr. Lewis obviously spared no expense when it came to this little endeavor.

As the door opened Tas stepped out, quickly followed by Claire. "Holy crap..." Tas said under her breath as she just stood there looking at what could have been a mansion for all she would have known from the street.

Claire quickly grabbed her bags and darted inside, only to have the shock on her face grow as she looked around. The outside was beyond reproach but the inside was like something out of a fairytale.

"If this is the lobby, what the hell will our rooms look like?" she asked no on in particular as Tas stepped in next to her and gawked as she looked around.

"I have no idea but I can't wait to find out," the doctor exclaimed as she adjusted the strap on her bag and waited for the rest to join her and Claire inside before seeking out the check in desk.

---

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[SgtEasy]

Bob

Location: Paris
Interacting with: Scooby Gang, specifically @Lady Amalthea and @Pundii
Date: March 15^th

---

"Oh my shit fuck." Now, Bob doesn't mean to swear in front of polite company. One of the few things he had taken from his days in a devout Christian family was manners. The importance of a first impression was essential for people to look at you the right way. He didn't want to seem like a dumb thug from the ghetto who got lucky, he wanted to be a gentleman. Hence the suit and polite conversations in the car. But he really could not help it, the mansion was absolutely insane! Better than anything in the whole of San Fran, the home of rich people who have nothing better to do! It was absolutely astounding at him on how wealthy some people are. He glanced at Mr. Lewis and nodded appreciatively before going to Joel.

"Are all ya'll Europeans this rich 'cause hot damn." He joked, raising his arms and doing a "behold!" pose at the large house. He chuckled to himself before coming back to the limo, picking up his bags. He paused to look at the bottle of warm, honey mead half full, laying on a seat. He looked around before quickly snatching it, grinning as he stashed it away in his bags. He then walked into the mansion, creeping up behind Tas and Claire. Looking behind him and putting a finger on his mouth, he silently brought out his harmonica and went right up behind the astonished pair. He then began to play "Red Flag" by Billy Talent, no doubt scaring the socks off both of them.

Bob's eyes merely twinkled at the disapproving faces, dropping his bags to the side before swinging his heavy arms over their shoulders. He grinned widely and prepared his best 'proper accent', clearing his throat loudly. "Does anyone want to get intoxicated with a bottle of absolutely lovely alcohol?" He jerked the thumb on Tas' shoulder towards his backpack, hiding the alcoholic liquid gold.

[TheIrishJJ]

Wolfgang Kasimir O' Conor

---

Location: The Krelboynes
Interacting With: Limo and hotel
Date: 15th March

---

Wolfgang got into the limo, and his eyes immediately went to the bar. He leant over, and grabbed a bottle of beer, pouring it into a glass. He took a big drink at first, and then decided to drink it more slowly. He didn't want to seem like a raging alcoholic or anything in front of everyone. Wolfgang sat next to Tas, the doctor. She seemed nice, and not like someone who only drank, like Joel and Claire did a bit. He didn't really talk to her in the limo journey, though, as he mostly stared out the window, taking in Paris's beauty.

When the limo stopped, Wolfgang followed everyone else's lead of leaving the limo, and stood in awe at the hotel that they would be staying at for the night. "My God..." Wolfgang muttered under his breath, as he saw the sheer size and magnificence of the hotel.

"If this is the lobby, what the hell will our rooms look like?"
"I have no idea but I can't wait to find out,"

@Lady Amalthea

Wolfgang stepped forwards so that he was standing next to Tas, before saying, "I don't know, but why don't we find out?"

[Pundii]

Joel Grau

Location: The Limo --> Hotel
Interacting With: the Justice League
Date: March 15th

Joel exchanged on and off conversation with Claire as they sat in the Limo, enjoying the alcohol as he quite easily finished two beers on the way to the hotel, he figured in their night of celebration, they would be the first of many. He was pleased with those who had been there so far. As they arrived at the hotel, Joel climbed out of the Limo, looking up to the building which was before him, Joel let out a sharp whistle, taking it all in. He didn't say anything, he figured his whistle gave off enough about his impressions as he glanced over to Bob, simply chuckling to the man's quip and giving him a gentle shake of the head.

"I'm afraid not, though I certainly wish." Moving inside, Joel glanced around the lobby, taking all of the luxury in. This could have been the entirety of the reward, no need for the train or trip, he could have stayed there and been quite happy. However, while the others were rightly interested in their rooms, and even he was, he was more interested in Paris itself, he wanted to make the most of their time there before they left, after all. Shifting his bag over his shoulder again, he moved over to the group forming by the check-in desk, tucking his free hand into his pocket as he allowed one of the others to take charge.

[SouffleGirl123]

José Bloomer

At: The Paris airport
Interacting with: The X-Men.
Date: 15th March

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José marveled at the grand elegant structure laid before when she exited the taxi.
"It's beautiful," she states with a content sigh. This trip seemed to be getting better and better every second. The limo ride had shown her some marvelous sites now this? What luxury would behold the group on the Orient Express. It then hit José it hadn't even been 12 hours since she left her hometown, what would unfold over the rest of the trip?

Soon enough the group entered the hotel. If it looked like luxury on the outside it must be heaven it was holding. It was beautiful, glorious even. José took in the high white wall and first class furniture.
"I don't think I'll want to go home after this trip," she jokes, eyeing the blood red curtains. In all honesty José felt slightly homesick, not that she minded homesickness, she often felt it for Sweden or, when she took time off to go there, America. However, she didn't let it show, or she tried not to at least. All she had now was beautiful and she was not going to give up on such an opportunity!

She swiftly strutted to the desk alongside the doctor. José shouldered her baby blue handbag as she approached the desk those hundreds of thousands of possibilities flying through her mind.

[Lady Absinthia]

Claire McManus
Natasha Brinne

Location: Hotel -> Rooms
Interacting With: The Group
Date:March 15th - Little After 1

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Tas smiled at the rest of the group before heading over to the desk, Claire just skipping around and ducking her head into side room after side room to see various things. There was a main dining hall that looked to have been a multi story study before its conversion; the walls were lined with old books housed on oak and cherry shelves built into the surroundings. A bar area off to the other side that looked very similar and then there was what could be described as a recreational area that had various dart boards on the walls, billiard tables, poker tables and chess sets; all beautifully designed and off the most lavishiness that the rest of the hotel had.

"Welcome, welcome!" the concierge said warmly to the group as they came over. "You must be the winners of the Orient Express lottery. I must say, I am envious of you but very happy to meet each of you. I am Davis, I will here to help you with anything you may need or desire while you are staying here with us in Paris. If you have any questions or concerns please just ring the front desk and I will do everything in my power to help," he added as he started setting out key cards along the marble counter.

"When does the bar open?" Claire pipped in from the back of the group, jumping up and down every do often so she could see and be seen. Tas just smirked, seemed this one was going to be a bit of a handful. She was not exactly sure if the woman was already drunk from what all she had drank in the ride over or if this was just how the MMA fighter was.

"Soon my dear, but if you do wish to drink sooner than later; there are fully stocked bar areas in each of your rooms that come complete with various snacks. We also have a full kitchen at your service twenty-four hours a day that have a wonder wine selection to go with any meal you may order," Davis said kindly.

"And our rooms and itinerary?" Tas asked, wanting to clean up after the long flight from San Fran.

"Yes, each of you have your own rooms on the second floor. Each room has a remarkably comfortable king sized bed, a large bathroom suite with sunken bath tub and separate shower. You also have a sitting room for watching TV and lounging or eating. Though I doubt you will want to do much sitting still. Paris is the city of lights! We have a group dinner planned for all of you this evening at 7, black tie please. Until then you are free to do as you please and we have a driver for each of you if you wish to head off alone into Paris. Each of the drivers know the best places in the city for any tastes," Davis said with a smile as he stepped out from behind the counter and handed each of them a key.

"Our bellboys will escort you to each room with your luggage. Please enjoy yourself here!."

*Rooms are up the main staircase pictured in the previous post. The rooms are around the main open area above. You are in control of your driver and bellboy.