[IC] Guardians of History

[Azena]

"Sir, the new recruits have arrived. The boat is coming in to dock now." A casually dressed man stands at the doorway of the study and quickly salutes the middle-aged man reading over a map on the desk. He stands up straight and looks out the window. The sun shines over the clear blue sea washing up to beach of the island. The average size fishing boat is only a few miles out. It carries the new team of recruits for the Time Keeper project.

"Thank you, Franklin. I'll be downstairs in a moment." The young soldier salutes again and disappears. The older man goes back to his map and whispers something about not like others. Outside, the rough waves beat against the dock. Franklin has awaits the boat and their new team.

"Ya'll best gather your things. I'm bringing her in." Jade eagerly ran to the edge of the boat and looked ahead at the island. The large mansion made up most of the grounds and was clearly visible. It was old, and definitely looked it, but she wasn't sure what year it was built. The other structures of the island were also visible. The glass if the greenhouse reflected the bright sun and the lighthouse towered over the rest of the island. It certainly wasn't what she expected when she signed on.

The boat cut across the waves rather smoothly and only slowed down when approaching the dock. There was already someone waiting for them. The old ferryman tossed a rope to the young man on the dock and they both worked to tie up the boat.

"Morning, Ash, fair trip?"

"Couldn't ask for a better day to sail." Franklin secured his end of the rope and climbed aboard. He looked around at the team that Ash had ferried over. They were an odd bunch. Every group was. Their new line of work called for a diversity of skills.

"Well then, welcome to Ferris Island. Please, gather your things and I'll show you to your rooms." Jade picked up her rucksack and eagerly stood by. She packed light as she always did. The job said they'd be traveling all over the world and she learned it was always best to pack light when crossing borders. Too much luggage just became a hassle.

[Jannah]

Despite his paranoia about many other things, Stefan actually enjoyed boat rides and this one was no exception. In fact, it was taking him to something he had anticipated for days. He was supposedly on his way to some island, home of the Time Keeper project. It was a nifty little thing and had managed to spark his interest right upon discovery, but he never actually imagined himself becoming "one of them". A Time Keeper. Surely he had just intended to make use of the project for his own informative purposes, but apparently Dr. Frank found something more useful in him and what it was he was soon to find out.

"So this is it? It better be worth it." Stefan uttered to himself as he disembarked from the boat upon arrival on the island that was to be his home for as long as he was part of the project. It didn't look like much from the outside but surely the inside would be filled with all sorts of fascinating artifacts. The man could only hope. At least in the case that there wasn't he had some interesting company. Naturally most of those present appeared quite a bit younger than himself, but perhaps that was desirable for those being recruited for combative purposes. Stefan knew where his place lied and it wasn't on the battlefield, for he served a much more direct purpose as one of the team's historians.

"What do you want? Why are you here? Stefan found himself shouting at the door as an unfamiliar stranger had shown up. Naturally he had hesitated to let the man enter but he clearly had business, and a gun. Luckily though he had lowered it as he took one quick glance around Stefan's apartment in the heart of Berlin. All around had been various security measures, the most peculiar being the blacked out windows. Along with that there were countless displays of memorabilia from various eras of German history, particularly from Stefan's own childhood. But that was a Germany of another time and this was the present, a place that Stefan only physically resided in.

"I saw your application. For The Time Keepers. The boss wants you on the team. I would have contacted you first, but with a man of your...nature, it was difficult. The man had sincerely explained his reasoning for showing up, leaving Stefan all the more intrigued. He had definitely been listening. Everything he had ever known about the world was just about to be challenged, for history was always written by the victors.

But that had been weeks ago. Now Stefan really was about to live out a reality he hardly even imagined would happen previously and was anxious to meet the mastermind behind it all. "So is this where Dr. Frank actually hangs out? He asked as he was then escorted from the dock to the building. Upon entering it didn't look like much, but surely beyond the lobby there was more? He could only continue following the man guiding him, hoping to find out.

[Mr_Wiki_96]

Jonathan stands patiently on the poop deck of the fishing boat, waiting for it to arrive at its unknown destination. He stands silently smoking a cigarette and just staring blankly onto the deep horizon of the ocean. His thoughts were in bewilderment as to what he has signed up for. It’s all been very hush-hush. The boat itself is smaller than what he expected and it smelled like backend of a fish’s arse. The only reason he could think of for the size is that the people here don’t want to attract attention. The whole journey reminds him of the last time he was on a major boat journey. He doesn't even remember it. He was a baby and was being smuggled out of Cuba by his mother.

Mother. A painful name to ring through Jonathan’s mind. He then shook his head to get rid of the pain but only temporarily. He finished smoking the last of his cigarette and pinged into the ocean. He turns around and faces towards the front of the ship. In the distance was some sort of mansion, a hotel almost. It was seated comfortably on an island. If this is where we’ll be staying, then what kind of travelling are we doing?

The island was getting closer and closer, so Jonathan picked up his old worn out sports bag and started to move towards point of exit. Just before the boat started to dock, he looked around at the rest of the invitees. They were a strange bunch. Some old, some young, some looked combat trained and some looked like they had never held a weapon in their lives. Jonathan didn’t spend too much time analyzing. The one he learned at the SFPD is never to make assumptions based on old perceptions. He’ll get to know the team in due time.

Jonathan made his way onto the dock from the boat. He and the others were met by an unknown man who seemed to be their guide in some sense. The group followed the man unto the mansion. It was quite an old but large building. There hints of plants growing on the walls. He can tell that someone has spent awful amount of money to restore it. The ‘posse’ entered the lobby. It lobby was nothing special. It looked like the inside of another hotel, just like he expected. I’m not sure the renovator wanted anything special. This gives him the feeling that, even though he and the others will be living here, they are probably not going to spend much time here.

Once everyone was directed to their rooms, they were all told that instructions and directions will be revealed to them the following morning, for now we had make ourselves acquainted with our new rooms. Jonathan opened the door to his new living space. It was a simple bedroom. A double bed with white sheets, pillows and a colourful, patterned cover. It had a wardrobe, a desk, some chairs and its own personal bathroom. The only word to describe was straightforward. Jonathan threw his bag onto the floor and fell backwards onto the floor, staring at the ceiling. What will tomorrow hold for all of us?

[Azena]

"Dr. Frank is on site at this facility. You'll be meeting him in the morning." Franklin was under strict orders to keep the team in the dark for the time being. Most of them had not been told the details of the project. To his understanding, it was for the benefit of the project. The less their targets knew about the Time Keepers, the better. If word got out about the project, then it would cause a problem for their goals. Instead, he answered questions as vaguely as possible and led the group up the dock and back to the mansion.

Jade followed quietly. She was taking in the sights and smells of the island. There was so much history to be told. The mansion had been touched up for its new guests, but the vines along the side of the house and the old walls kept countless stories wrapped up on the property. It didn't help that she was a bit of a paranormal nut. An old and expensive place like the mansion was bound to have some good ghost tales. Inside was just has she had hoped. Like some of the outside, it had been renovated, but the Victorian feel was still abundant in the architecture and furniture.

"This mansion will be your home for the duration of your time on this project. You have free access to the rooms upstairs, as well as the den, kitchen, lobby, dining room, and parlor of the first floor. However, we must ask that you do not enter any of the other rooms marked private on the first floor." Jade glanced over at one in the corner of the lobby. A door with the word PRIVATE in bold print on it was tucked away under the grand staircase. There must have been a few others around since the building was so large. "Failure to comply with this rule will result in your termination from the project.":

Franklin spoke the last part slowly to make himself clear. He really didn't want to have to bring in more recruits to replace terminated ones, again. It was a time-consuming hassle that he often had to deal with personally. As long as the team did as they were told, then there would be no foreseeable problems. "If there aren't any more questions, you are free to head upstairs and pick out a room."

"Get settled in and meet in the dining room for dinner in an hour." Jade headed upstairs, ahead of the pack. She had planned to find the biggest room she could. She packed light, but loved her space. However, her easily distracted mind got the better of her. She stopped halfway down the hallway and examined a painting of a family. A mother, a father, two boys and a little girl that looked out of place. They could have been the original owners of the building. She wondered if their descendants were still here, graciously sharing the space with them.

[Seravee]

An approaching stranger caused Melinda to pause mid-sentence, and glance up from her lecture notes. She studied the young man for a moment, as if trying to place him. Was he one of her students? Finally giving up, her face relaxed into a soft smile. “Can I help you with something?”
“I have a letter for you.” He held out a white envelope, with nothing more than her name written upon it in black ink. Melinda merely stared at it, and as she opened her mouth to ask why he could not just place it in the box outside of her office, the man spoke again. “I was told it was urgent.”
The lecture hall was suddenly filled with the sound of muffled voices and shifting bodies as the students reacted to those words. At first, Melinda’s brow furrowed with concern. Then her blue eyes widened as realization swept over her. She took the letter from the stranger’s hand.
“Thank you,” she mumbled, and with a nod, the man took his leave. She watched him disappear, before turning back to her students. The smile that she offered them seemed real enough, though those seated in the front row could see that it was slightly strained.
“Now, where were we?”
The hands which held the envelope were shaking.

The young woman with long blonde hair and stunning blue eyes stood alone in the abandoned lecture hall. An hour had passed, and her final students had left the lecture hall. None of them had dared ask if she was alright, or worse yet, ask what the note had said. They had simply regarded her with sympathy, giving her a wide berth as they made their way through the door. The stranger had delivered her a mysterious note, one which had shaken their professor up quite a bit. There was only one thing that it could have meant. Professor Reynolds must have received word that her mother had finally died. It was no secret that her mother was in the hospital with cancer, and that she had been for some time. Their professor often spoke of her mother, the fun the two of them had had together, and the many adventures they had embarked on. But her voice would always trail, as she ended with “and then the cancer came,” “and then she got sick,” or worse still, “and then she began to forget me.” Her mother must have died. That would be the only logical explanation.

The professor inhaled deeply, closed her eyes, and exhaled. It was time. With trembling fingers, Melinda opened the envelope, withdrew the folded piece of paper, and opened it. Immediately, her gaze dropped to the bottom of the letter, where the sender’s signature would be located. The Time Keepers. Her entire body relaxed. Not Mount Hope Hospital. “Thank goodness,” she breathed. But then her eyes narrowed. If it was not a note from the hospital, who was it from? Melinda began to read.

So the students went on with their lives, moving to their next class, or if they decided their next class was not worth their time, back to their respective dorms, apartments or houses. But Melinda stayed. She read the letter again, and again, until the cryptic message was burned into her vision and onto her brain. The first time she read it, she had looked about the room for the culprit of the joke. Some mean student, perhaps. Or hell, maybe Ashton Kutcher and his camera crew. She waited for the words “you’ve been punk’d” to come from some corner of the room. But the words never came. She stood alone in the lecture hall, with a letter in her hands and a quizzical expression on her face.

---

The ride to the island had been pleasurable enough. She enjoyed the rocking of the boat on the waves, and the feel of the wind on her face. She did not speak to the others, though part of her longed to. Why was she here? She had not applied for this job, yet she was being invited to join their team. Had others applied? Was this a mistake? But she remained silent. When the boat slowed to a halt, and the others began to move ashore, she scooped up her suitcase and followed. The mansion that they approached was breathtaking. The history nut could not help but appreciate the sheer beauty in the building, and the years of secrets it must hide within its walls. The trip suddenly grew a bit more interesting. Even if she learned the trip was a complete waste, at least she could stay in such an incredible building.

Franklin's warning to stay out of the private rooms was quickly stored away without hesitation. Though Melinda was intrigued by the building, she had no desire to violate their privacy. She remained silent through this discussion as well, and gave Franklin a smile and polite nod as she moved past him and toward the bedrooms. The bedroom that she came upon first was exquisite, and she fell in love with it immediately. Dark woods, crimsons, and deep, royal blues made the small room warm and cozy. The bookcase in the corner called to her, but she knew she would have to explore it later. She had only an hour until dinner.

The woman wasted no time slipping into a short-sleeved grey dress with a thin, simple, dark blue belt. She ran a brush through her hair, added minimal makeup, and donned a thin black jacket. Satisfied with her appearance, she shouldered her black purse and moved into the hallway. She would arrive early to dinner, but that only meant more time for her to explore.

[Raven_Operative]

The boat rocked gently in the waves, as it glided through the surf. Ryan was standing near the bow, holding onto a metal bar as he leaned over the side, observing the island they were approaching. An island. Isolated. Perfect for keeping secret the kind of work this group did. A mansion. Large. Spacious. Enough room to house the members of the team, while providing places to set up equipment, store supplies, and conduct training, without the same amount of attention that a warehouse would attract. Greenhouses. Made sense. An isolated island with a secretive organization probably avoided contact with the outside world. Could grow their own food. Medicinal herbs. Required little energy to maintain. Self sufficient.

Satisfied with his analysis, Ryan stepped down from the side of the boat and walked to the rear, glancing at the group as he went. Older man. Probably Mid 40's. Low chance of recruitment for physical abilities. Most likely knowledge related. Possibly historian or archivist. Seemed nervous. Younger woman. Similar in age to me. Seems perplexed. Contemplation. Exudes air of authority and wisdom. Possibly a supervisor, teacher, counselor or course instructor. Must be of high standing. Younger man. Similar age. Smoker. Smoking is common in high stress occupations. Based on job description and requirements, as well as muscular build, possibly military or similar field.

As he arrived at the rear, he reached down and picked up the rucksack he had dropped there, before slinging it over his shoulders and staring out over the water behind the boat. They would arrive soon, and he'd best be ready. He thought back to how he had tried to predict exactly what would be needed here, so as to maximize his packing efficiency, to no avail. There was simply too much he did not know about this place, and as such he simply brought his usual traveling gear, as well as the equipment (minus the firearm) he carried with him while on duty at his security firm. He assumed that would be a close enough estimate to cover most situations.

When the boat docked, he was one of the last to get off, though he wasted no time following their guide. As he walked, he could not help but admire the architecture of the building, and the beauty of the scenery on the island. Despite his attempts, what made something beautiful to him had yet to be successfully analyzed. When they walked through the doors into the mansion he noted the renovations, realizing that the costs to perform such construction, particularly on an island, must have been exorbitant. This organization must have a significant amount of funds at their disposal.

When their guide ordered them not to enter the rooms marked 'private' Ryan immediately repeated this in his head several times so as to never forget while he was here. This was too good of an opportunity for him. He did not wish to ruin it due to a slip of the mind (He also did not like how they used the word 'Terminated'). Once they were dismissed, he quickly set about locating his room and depositing his belongings there. After organizing his possessions, setting out some writing materials and books on the desk, and making sure that the gear he currently had with him was still where he expected it to be, Ryan decided to leave and wander about the grounds. It would be beneficial to get to know the layout of the mansion and the location of the islands facilities as quickly as possible.

[Jannah]

Stefan became uneasy with the way the guide had used the word "terminated", but he didn't question it. Clearly there were secrets in the building that he was not to know about and as long as he wanted to remain on the team he would abide by that. He considered being chosen for the team as a sort of honour so he didn't intend to mess that up. Already he was liking the seeming isolation of the mansion too. It was a change from the rustle and bustle of Berlin, perhaps something he needed.

Once the little "tour" ended Stefan headed up to choose a room. There were several and naturally he just settled for something simple. He didn't need extravagance, just a place to do his work and to sleep and much to his delight each room seemed to contain a desk. It was there he set down his smaller bag that contained his laptop and other work materials while his larger suitcase was set down on the bed. Unpacking would come later as now he was anxious to explore what was to be his home for the duration of the project. He still knew little about his actual part in it, but he suspected he must have been important due to the effort taken to seek him out.

Supposedly the others were going down for dinner so adjusting and straightening his clothing, Stefan too went down to join them. Finding the dining proved to be a challenge, but after a bit of struggle he managed to find it and noticed that many of the others were already coming down. Once again he saw that it was quite a diverse group, no doubt recruited for different skills and abilities. Whatever Dr. Frank had going was definitely big. Noticing that he was growing fatigued though, Stefan just sat down and awaited the others. Perhaps somebody would even take the initiative to begin conversation as it was never a strong suit of his.

[Mr_Wiki_96]

Jonathan went to his sports bag and started taking out important items and making sure that he has got everything that he needs. He takes out a gun, some binoculars, a pocket knife, some cigarettes and a picture of his mother. Jonathan picks up the picture and smiles. It has been two years since his mother was found dead and shot outside of her home in San Francisco. She was a brave woman who went against the odds to bring herself and her child all the way to America for a better life than one on the streets of Havana. A tear rolls down his cheek. It pains him every day that he did not manage to bring closure to her death. The lives he was meant to take were already claimed. Jonathan puts it back into a small compartment in his bag, almost hiding it from himself. He shook his head lightly to snap himself out of it. It was time to move on and he had to focus. He reached into his bag even more to see what else he could scramble. The bag was able to vomit up some batteries from the bottom. Jonathan was lucky he brought some because he is very doubtful of a Wal-Mart being located on this island; as populated as they may be.

Jonathan also took out a gun from the inside of his jacket pocket and examined its current efficiency. It was a SIG Sauer P226. It was a 9x19mm weapon that he used to use during his time in the SFPD. It was standard issue by SFPD police officers and Jonathan took one many years before he left the department as a back up gun. When he left he had to hand in his current P226 but he had another at his apartment. The SIG was clean and still efficient. He then went on to make sure that it’s innards are full and that it isn’t hungry for more bullets. He checked that the safety was off and he stored it back in his internal jacket pocket. He turned towards a mirror and made sure that his look was neat and fine. He was wearing a casual navy and black jacket with a white shirt underneath. He had dark blue jeans on and some colourful trainers. It was a very casual wear for his relocation to the dining room. Lets what his new team-mates are like.

Jonathan locked his bedroom door behind him and adventured down the hallway in the direction of the hint smell of food. He traveled down the stairs but stopped all of a sudden on one of the floors. This was the floor where the “private” rooms were located. Jonathan was overcome with an innate feeling of curiosity. What were behind those doors that they wanted to protect? Jonathan was about ninety percent willing to act on this dangerous questioning but he didn’t want to jeopardize his stay here. He doesn’t want to lose his job and return back to the past in San Francisco. This job may be vague but he wanted to take a step forward and not backwards. He ignored this interest with great strength and moved on towards the dining room.

He entered the dining room to take his seat amongst the rest of the crew. He was apparently a little early as only a couple of people are in the room. The rest are probably still unpacking, late or lost. It’s not a confusing mansion, mind you, so they would have to be idiots to be lost. He looked at the dining table and noticed that there was no food. It was just cups, cutlery and napkins set out amongst the places. Jonathan went and sat down beside one of the people he saw from the boat. This told him that he was part of the team that has been hired to come here. The reason for everyone's arrival still remains unknown.

The man he was sitting down next too looked quite to be an academic man. His posture, clothes and fitness seem to give it away. He wasn’t an overweight man but he wasn’t at the height of physical fitness, so this tells Jonathan that he isn’t a combat sort of person; which leaves academic. His hair was medium-ish, wavy and he had hazel eyes. Jonathan decided to initiate conversation with the man. It would be best to get along with his new workmates.

“I wonder what they’re serving. I haven’t had anything since breakfast.” Started Jonathan. He extends his arm out towards the man to greet him. “The name’s Jonathan.”

[Jannah]

There wasn't yet food present as Stefan sat down, but he figured there would be something shortly. Judging by the mansion's interior he could only guess that whatever food was going to be served was going to be top quality too. He was certainly dealing with some high class people which became of further interest. He recalled that his father had been born into a family of high class Germans, but that was a past seldom discussed as he was growing up. Allegedly already being monitored for having Nazi connections was more than enough for the man to bear so he didn't take risks. Still, with his father long dead and his mother in some unknown location it left many unanswered questions that would likely never receive answers. Fortunately it didn't bother him much as history was his first passion.

Stefan had been deep in thought by the time others began taking a seat at the table. One of the first had been one of the oldest looking men that had been on the boat with him. He seemed fit so Stefan could only guess he had been recruited for some kind of physical expertise. Clearly Dr. Frank had been searching for quite a diverse group for his little project. Either way his purpose was likely to soon be revealed. The man seemed eager to make conversation too, perhaps to get to know each of his colleagues better. It was reasonable, given the fact they were now expected to work together and even stay together in the same building.

"My guess is as good as yours. It could be anything." Stefan responded as the man began speaking. He displayed a noticeable German accent but he assumed that the project also included people of various nationalities as well, leaving him with some relief that he was likely not alone as the only seemingly Non-American. "The name's Stefan." He then proceeded to introduce himself just as the man had. Jonathan was his name and Stefan knew he'd take care to remember it.

[Azena]

After probably a moment or two too long of staring at the painting, Jade continued on her search for a room. The rest of the team had already laid claim to most of them. It left her with only a choice of a few rooms, but she didn't mind. Each was just as exquisite as the next and she felt a little bit like royalty. She found a simple room with a green floral job on the walls and pale wooden furniture. It kind of reminded her of the puke green walls and white plastic chairs at her apartment in Boston. Home sweet home.

She tossed the bag on the bed and turned back around. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her long, black hair was a tangled mess and covered parts of her face. Then there was the tears in her favorite brown leather jacket that covered a slightly dirty blue top. There was some caked on dirty on her white jeans. Well, that's what they get when they pull a girl straight out of the field and on to a plane the next second. She shrugged at her tattered look and headed down the hall. She stopped at the top of the staircase.

She saw one of the others staring at one of the PRIVATE doors. She knew what he was thinking because she had been thinking the same thing. What was behind the big secret doors? What weren't they supposed to see? She figured they'd reveal it all in time. It seemed they were taking it step by step. First the team, then the island, now maybe their hosts and why they're here. Baby steps, Jade.

After the man continued on to the dining room, she willed herself to move and follow him downstairs. Halfway down the staircase she was hit with a plethora of delicious smells. Dinner was well underway and she was licking her lips at the thought of a decent home cooked meal. Her healthy rations of beans, bread, and canned corn was only so appetizing for about a week. Then, it gets old real fast.

Jade actually caught herself running down the rest of the stairs and had to catch herself at the bottom. She straightened out and tried to act civil. With whatever grace she could still muster, she marched into the dining room. It was as beautifully decorated as the rest of the mansion and just as empty. Aside from the rest of the team members that had already arrived, there was no staff or personnel in the room. In fact, aside from Franklin, the mansion seemed to be abandoned. Renovated and then left for just them?

She sat down at the far end of the table. The grace she managed to must went right out the window. She slouched back in the lavish seat and threw her feet up on the table. The dust scattered off her boots and covered the white table cloth. She didn't really realize it. She was more interested in another family portrait that hung over the fireplace. It was the same family she was looking at earlier,. but they looked a few years younger and the girl wasn't in the painting. She shrugged and picked up the cup. Glad to see it at least had some water for them, she took a drink and peered at the other men as she tried to listen to their conversation.

[Mr_Wiki_96]

The man sitting beside him was a German man by the name of Stefan. His voice had a strong German distinction that easily gave away his nationality. Jonathan has never met a German man before but then again, San Francisco isn't exactly crawling with Europeans. Jonathan noticed at the side of his eyes that another person had entered the room. Another team member from the looks of it. She seemed quite independent and resilient. Her clothes were quite worn and mucky. This tells Jonathan two things: Either she's a slob or she wasn't given any time to change. Considering the work someone went through to round up people to some sort of vague and secret island, option two seems the most likeliest. She sat down not so far from Stefan and Jonathan. She too is waiting for their host to reveal himself from the mist of confusion.

Jonathan shook Stefan's hand to continue the greeting. "Nice to meet you, Stefan." He then stopped shaking his hand and adjusted his own seat. "So Stefan. We've been all rounded up like sheep, brought to a mysterious island and we still have very little knowledge of why we are here. Sounds something out of a murder mystery game." Joked Jonathan. He enjoys making jokes as much as the next guy but in all seriousness, the method for bringing everyone here was very odd. "Where's the butler? It's usually him." He then patted his jacket pocket to make sure his gun was still there. He liked to make sure he was prepared. It wouldn't be the first time that Jonathan was in an ambush. He's been on both sides but the most probable chance here is that this host has a flare for melodrama and mystery.

"So what is your occupation?" Asked Jonathan towards Stefan. This might give him more clues as to what he'll be doing here on this island.

[Raven_Operative]

Ryan successful managed to murder a few hours of spare time exploring the island. Everything he had seen confirmed his previous hypothesis, as the island did indeed seem to be (or at least mostly be) self sufficient. The greenhouse was well stocked with all sorts of things, and he thought he spotted some water treatment systems in a secluded spot. The number of doors and areas marked 'Private' really interested him, though. What could possibly be behind them...

Moving along before the temptation got the better of him, he continued exploring, eventually coming to the lighthouse. It was a big, old lighthouse, similar in age to that of the mansion, but despite it's age being plainly visible, it had not lost any of it's splendor and was still a beautiful, towering landmark. Taking a seat against it's base, and looking out over the waves, Ryan began to think about what might possibly be to come from this job. No doubt it would be dangerous, of that he was sure. One did not simply hire an Operations Coordinator for civilian work. However, this island, while self sufficient and isolated, did not have anything on it (that he had seen so far) that stuck out so as to mark it as belonging to a paramilitary, or security organization. Everything here seemed... peaceful. The beauty of the island, the welcoming and well furnished mansion, the fact that they rode on a fishing boat rather than a zodiac or patrol boat. Something told him that the peace would not follow them when the time came for them to truly start their jobs, but for now, Ryan say there and enjoyed it, nearly falling asleep under the warmth of the sun, the rhythmic lapping of the waves, and cheerful calls of seagulls.

The only thing that stirred him from his rest was a beeping coming from his alarm. He had forgotten to turn it off, and it usually marked the end of his shifts back during his time at TacNet, but right now it called his attention to the fact that it was approaching dinner time. Getting up from the ground and dusting himself off, he stretched before heading back to the mansion and making his way to the dinner table. A delicious smell was already perforating the area, and he had no doubt that dinner would be excellent.

Walking through the doors, he noticed that a few others had already sat down, and had begun to converse. After nodding politely in greeting, Ryan took a seat, listening in to the conversation since it didn't seem especially private and might be interesting.

[Jannah]

Jonathan seemed friendly enough, which came as a relief to Stefan. As much of the team appeared quite a bit younger than himself he had been expecting at least somebody on the team to be a bit judgmental due to his age. He was bound to stick out like a sore thumb too, but he genuinely didn't mind as he often preferred keeping to himself anyway. Even as a child, particularly after his father's death, he would often escape into worlds of his own. He had liked books for that reason. They had provided an opportunity to escape and that was key for the adolescent to cope with the passing of his father. Despite the Stasi's distrust of his father, the boy hadn't blamed them for his death. Even from a young age Stefan recalled him being quite unstable. That especially showed in his last days.

Later on in life Stefan began to look back on his father's death and wondered if perhaps it had helped shaped him into the man he was today. The books had been more than an escape, they also helped him discover his love of history and literature which he grasped firmly even today. It was that which certainly brought him to this mansion in the first place and into this discussion with Jonathan. He hardly knew the man yet, but he seemed trustworthy so far and trust wasn't something Stefan gave out easily. Somehow he felt he could trust Dr. Frank would recruit only good people though. "A murder mystery? Interesting. Reminds me of Sherlock Holmes. Interesting literature by the way. I spent hours reading as a child, whatever I could get my hands on." He responded, even letting out a chuckle at the man's comment about the butler. It suddenly made him wonder. Certainly such a fancy establishment would have at least one around? Dr. Frank was definitely not a poor man by the looks of it.

"Me? I'm a journalist historian. Although my main field is history I mostly work in journalism. I have since first getting hired to work on a publication regarding life in both West and East Germany. After that I kind of just stuck with it, realizing I was good at the whole journalism thing. Now I work on much broader subjects." Stefan explained as Jonathan casually asked what his occupation was. At least the man appeared to be friendly in his attempts to strike up conversation. Perhaps his sense of paranoia even had little purpose here since each of the recruits were now isolated on an island in godforsaken nowhere. Nobody would be watching him from there, surely. There was the other recruits, but they were working with him now so likely had some level of professionalism. Still, to be on the safe side, doors would be locked and windows would be covered. It was now pretty much habit for the man that was viewed as rather eccentric by many.

[Mr_Wiki_96]

Stefan went on to mention that he read a lot of literature as a child and even made a reference to Sherlock Holmes. This brought Jonathan back to a far memory from when he was a child. His mother worked many jobs at once just to support family life but there was one job where she would be a cleaner at some elementary school in downtown San Francisco. There was a library in the elementary school for the kids and when it is evening and she's cleaning there, she would take a few to read to young Jonathan when she got back. She would have to get up early in the morning for another job but she would read to Jonathan all night. One of his favorite books was The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S Lewis. It was a magical book for little Jonathan Rodriguez. He would be amazed at the thought of being in a completely different world, right at the back of one's wardrobe. It has been a long time since he has reminisced about such a memory. It's good to expose yourself to a piece of nostalgia now and then.

He nodded politely at Stefan's mention of literature. During the time that Stefan was mentioning it, another person had entered the dining room. He seemed to be quiet a strong man, a fit man. Someone who seemed to have seen combat. The hair gave it away as it was very, very short and had the infamous mark of military barbers. This man was a soldier, but what did he do? He took his place at the table like everyone else who had arrived so far. The team was nearing full from the looks of it. There may be more people but he remembers most people from the boat and this might nearly be it. The size of the team tells him of a massive operation that could be commencing. Jonathan was more curious by the minute to find out. The only one he has spoken too so far was Stefan, who seemed dependent and polite. A key step in working together.

Stefan continued by answering Jonathan's question. His answer was a surprising one. He was a historian. He wasn't objective to the job itself; it's actually quite an interesting occupation to Jonathan but it was the fact that a historian has been called to this mysterious island in a group mixed with combat and, now, academics. What is this strange job that they have all been called to do? Who is the person organizing this? His intrigue grew wild as he continues listening to Stefan. He mentioned that he has lived in both East and West Germany. Quite impressive thought Jonathan. As a teenager, he had read on the cold war in Germany. He finds it quite amazing to meet someone who has experienced life on both sides.

"Wow, East Germany. I have always read about the cold war as a teenager but it's quite impressive to meet someone who lived right in the middle of it." Says Jonathan. "I worked as a detective for the SFPD for many years but recently I left for...a personal reason." He hesitated with trying to mention a reason. He's only known the man the man for five minutes, he isn't going to mention that he had a personal vendetta on the people who murdered his mother. "Now I work as a private investigator. Been doing it for a couple years. It's low pay but it provides freedom, I'll give it that." He then started tapping his fingers on the table as a sign of waiting and very minor impatience. His inquiring mind was starting to overpower his patience. Who is the host?

[Jannah]

Stefan shook his head. "No, It was a joint project. I'm from the East. My mother eventually fled in '89, while my father...well he had a history... He died when I was quite young though." He then proceeded to correct the man. The man seemed quite intrigued, but certainly delving into German history or his father's background wasn't a topic one typically discussed at the dinner table. Fortunately the man had managed to quickly shift the topic to his own occupation, even if it made the man uneasy. Supposedly he was a detective, and detectives generally worked with cops. Not wanting to bring up his own disdain for law enforcement officers he just silently nodded in approval. The whole situation quickly reminded him of his own experiences though.

"Frau Merzdorf?" The two officers had been banging on the door of the flat, hoping to get an answer while young shy Stefan who had been playing outside proceeded to hide behind some bushes. He had mostly been oblivious to everything, but one thing he knew was that officers generally didn't come knocking on one's door unless there was something serious going on. "Frau Merzdorf, your husband is dead." Those had been the first words young Stefan had managed to take in while eavesdropping. His father dead? How? It had been a lot to take in and so sudden, but it was the next word he had heard that left the young boy in shock as the two officers left his doorstep. Nazi. So they knew about his father's past? Surely it had been filtered from somewhere as the boy knew his father was unstable, perhaps partially due to past actions.

It had been that same afternoon that too prompted changes in the young Stefan. He had realized there was so much he did not know and would intend to get to the bottom of. "Mother, that man called father a Nazi. How would he know such things?" Naturally, Stefan's mother had given him a puzzled look, but proceeded to answer her son's question anyway. There had perhaps been some things not worth hiding any longer.

"Stefan, That was the past. You know your father is not like that, but apparently not everybody believes it..." Stefan's mother had gone on to explain many things to her son such as how authorities liked to monitor them, but perhaps at the cost of his sanity too. Paranoia. It was dangerous road to walk down, yet it had begun to infect more than one of the Merzdorf family. At not even thirteen years old it had begun consuming him, leaving him to withdraw from much of the world he knew.

"Well this should be good. I can smell it." Despite being deep in thought, Stefan had been interrupted once the scent of food began flooding his nose once again. This time various scrumptious dishes began being lined all down the table, prompting others to sit down for dinner. Surely there would be other introductions over dinner, much to the man's relief, not wanting to reveal anything too sensitive at this point. His father's past was one he was ashamed of himself and one he realized it was probably smart not to draw attention to. Somehow many of the people on the island seemed like misfits though so at least he knew he likely wasn't lone. Certainly the others had skeletons in their closet too.

[Mr_Wiki_96]

Jonathan listened politely to Stefan as he corrects him. He started to mention his family and that his father had died when Stefan was a boy. Jonathan could easily sympathize with him. He too knows the excruciating pain of losing a parent. He knew that he was lucky too lose his mother when he was an adult and not as a boy. When you lose a loved as a child it is harder to take in and it can cause prolonged effects one one's emotional stability and, in some cases, psychological ability. Even though Jonathan was a fully fledged adult that has aced the psyche evaluation at police academy and has also seen a cop-buddy or two killed in his precinct, he still can't handle his mother's death. She was innocent in everything. She has given her life and soul to her family and has never majorly sinned anyone without reason but she still got killed in a gang attack that she was oblivious of. She deserved a better death than that. She needed one that would have honored her effort to her loved ones but instead she was gunned down like a pig without dignity. His understanding of Stefan's loss made him nod at him in sympathy.

"I am sorry for your loss. I too know the feeling of losing a parent...I lost my mother a couple of years ago." He then takes a quick drink of whatever was in the cup in front of him. It was unfortunately not alcohol. He continues. "It's not easy handling the death of a parent, isn't it? Someone who took time to raise you, teach you right and wrong and tell you to stop chewing with your mouth full." He gave a small smile at the very end of his sentence but it disappeared as he continues. "Parents who took time to teach us these lessons deserve a long and healthy life. It's harder to handle their death when you know it isn't what they deserve and it becomes a fucking anvil on top of your head when you have to bury them. I have great condolences for you Stefan. Men should be burying their parents. Not boys."

He raises his glass of water towards Stefan and nods at him. It was a thankful nod. He hasn't emphasized something like that to anybody for a while now. He feels Stefan is a good man and he hopes he can trust him in future. "To parents." He then takes a drink of his water.

The room was then met when a barrage of waiters came through to the dining room from the kitchen with plates and bowls full of food. They led it on the table in front of everyone. It was quite a delicious sight. It was a mixture of meat, vegetables, fruit, fish, bakery, dairy etc. It was a very broad range of food that contains nearly everything to everyone's taste. Quite clever of the host thought Jonathan. The host would have been unsure of what everyone's preferences are when it comes to dinner, so he brought a wide variety for everyone to choose. This tells Jonathan that the host wants to comfort his guests and be prepared for them. It tells him that the job must be either so important or so difficult that he has the need to butter the guests up. Speaking of butter, he has noticed a large dish of ham and chicken pie was right in front of him with a savory looking butter melting on top of it. Jonathan licked his lips in minor excitement and took himself a slice of pie for his plate. Others seem to be sitting down as well. This may be the first time that everyone is in a room together on this island and this hopefully may prompt our mysterious host to reveal himself.

[Jannah]

"I'm sorry." Stefan responded as soon as Jonathan mentioned also losing a parent. Certainly it wasn't the same as losing parents at a young age as he had, but in any case such things were bound to be tragic. Luckily Stefan's mother had been caring even after the loss of her husband, one advantage he quickly realized had perhaps stemmed from the regime's collectivist mentality. At least it had been the case until she ultimately fled. What had prompted it he still wasn't sure, but once the borders opened she was gone, never to be seen again. He had no way of knowing if she was even still alive. It was at least a bit likely, considering she had been much younger than her husband. Supposedly they had met during the war and quickly fell in love, eventually settling down in Berlin which had been her hometown. It was there in the spring of 1970 that Stefan was first brought into the hard hard world that was Cold War Europe.

"After my father died I mostly withdrew into my own world. I mentioned my love of literature earlier. Well that was it. That was my escape. Not even my own peers could get much of my attention." Stefan then let out a light chuckle, mentioning his own eccentric behaviours that had first manifested from childhood. Looking back now a lot of it almost seemed comical, but between the constant monitoring and the mourning the young Stefan had indeed been lost and confused. Allegedly they had been worried about the young boy growing up with Nazi ideology, something that was supposed to be taboo. It certainly was, and even within his own family at the time, something that many hadn't realized. One's past didn't fade away easily, that much was clear. That was something that Stefan did well to remember too, realizing that even his own country of birth was still tainted by past events. "Those who are ignorant of history are doomed to repeat it. Wouldn't you agree?" He then proceeded to blurt out, staring straight at Jonathan.

Jonathan proceeded to offer a toast, which Stefan too accepted as he picked up his glass. "To parents." He replied, turning towards the others, only hoping that their families were still intact. Most of them seemed younger so he could only hope that was the case. Nobody deserved to lose family at such a young age as he had; twelve and nineteen were both ages in which one was still very much maturing. Jonathan at least seemed to had turned out alright, even if he was a cop by trade. That was an ingrained fear he didn't make known, however. Not yet. The man tried to believe that actions are what determined the value of a human being, but at this very moment none of that matter. There was food! Lots and lots of food and he was certainly starved.

"None of us will be eating light here. Whoever our host is sure knows how to accommodate." Stefan commented as he glanced at all the various dishes that were offered. Naturally, he went straight for the ham, it being a favourite of his. There was quite an impressive selection of various vegetable dishes as well, prompting him to fill his plate with several. Almost immediately he began digging in and found the food to his liking. He suddenly hoped that these feasts would become a daily occurrence in this mansion, but he suspected they would. The host wanted his guests comfortable, he was sure. That of course reminded him of what was to come. The host. The man had still not introduced himself. Certainly he was the mysterious type, maybe even a bit like Stefan in some ways. That alone made him feel like he could get along well with Dr. Frank or whoever it was who owned this mansion.

[Azena]

Jade kicked her feet off the table as the staff surrounded the table. Her stomach immediately began to rumble against the smell of the food. Anything was better than the freeze dried rations she had on the dig sites. A properly cooked meal was only ever used to celebrate a successful excavation, which came about every couple of years at least. The waiter that came to her hesitated for a moment. He eyed the dirt she had left on the fine cloth with disgust. She glared and at him and pointed to the table. He gave a heavy sigh and gently placed her plate in front of her. No way she was missing out on this meal.

"Sorry I'm late. We had a mix up in the lab."

"I'm glad to see you are all enjoying the meal." Jade tried to catch the potatoes she had been shoveling into her mouth when she looked up. Two men had entered the dining room. One was a military man. He was in well-pressed uniform with quite a few medals on it. He was probably in his late forties and his hair was starting to gray. He was rather tall and well-built for his age. Next to him was a more familiar face. "My name is Colonel Van Pelt and I will be your host and commanding officer for your time on the project. Of course, you all know Dr. Frank."

Dr. Frank was just as he looked in all the media articles about him. He was the famous scientist that created time travel. His face was well known. Jade hadn't expected that they'd get to work directly with him. He actually reminded her of her own grandfather. In the way that he looked as though he would babble nonsense from time to time. She gave them a curt nod when they made eye contact and went back to eating. She figured the others would kiss their butts and be all gracious enough for her. There would be plenty of time for introductions and questions as the meal went on.

[Mr_Wiki_96]

Jonathan was enjoying a delightful taste of a roast chicken leg when some door open to reveal two men who gave off an aura of importance and status as they enter the dining room. One appeared to be some sort of military man. He had the natural dark green uniform with an array of war medals placed neatly on his uniform. His war was aging but it still had the distinct and noticeable military haircut that is sported by most G.I. Joes. The other man was a scientist of some sort but Jonathan recognized him from somewhere. He was very familiar and Jonathan squinted his eyes when looking at him to try and figure out why he has some sort of significance. Jonathan the stopped figuring out and laid back on his chair with great realization. The scientist was Dr Alfred T Frank, the man who invented Time Travel. From just looking at him, he can see flashbacks of himself sitting in front of his TV years ago watching the both the opportunities and controversies that Time Travel had given birth too. It had caused way too much trouble for the U.S government and he remembers the infamous entrepreneur Malcolm Benedict who ran from the law when he after he buggered up a major scientific creation for some big bucks. He disappeared years ago and he remembers seeing his face on the FBI's top ten most wanted list back at his old precinct. The government said that the time machines were destroyed, so why would Dr Frank be here?

The military man revealed himself to be Colonel Van Pelt and he mentioned that he was the commanding officer on the project. This sentence bewildered Jonathan. He couldn't believe the seriousness of what he is doing here. The project must be very serious when a Colonel from the United States military is basically your boss. It must be where all the money is coming from. The food, the cooks, the security, the island, the building etc. It's all coming out of the pocket of Uncle Sam. Many of the others must be quite surprised themselves. They were in the presence of a high-ranking military officer and a Nobel Prize winning scientist. Their mere existence in the room is enough to make anyone truly realize the potential and power of this project. Jonathan isn't a man to be so easily humbled when his curiosity is at all time high. For all he knows it could be a trick. He doesn't like making assumptions based off old perceptions; that's how you get killed. If no one else was going to address the Colonel with what they were all thinking then he'll do it himself.

"I think I speak for everyone when I say thank you for this extravagant meal but the truth is: what are you buttering us up for?" Jonathan didn't care if it sounded cheeky or not because he has a right to know what he is being paid to do. He's never cared about authority since he left the precinct they wouldn't let him handle the case of his mother and they gave it to a couple of newbie detectives. Ever since then he doesn't care about how he spoke to higher ups. It's just a title and a bigger pay to him now. He speaks to them like he would any other person and he knows he is entitled to an answer.

[Jannah]

Dr. Frank. The man himself had finally made an appearance much to the surprise of Stefan. He was beginning to think that he wouldn't be seeing much of his host, but right in the nick of time there he was. The man himself who had managed to perfect the science of time travel. Naturally, that had driven Stefan's interest in the man, but he never expected he would actually be working for him on anything. That had come as a surprise and clearly whatever it was he wanted his expertise for it was huge as he also happened to be accompanied by a military man of some sort.

Jonathan was the first to speak, being seemingly just as baffled about the situation as Stefan was. "Agreed with the man. What is this all about? It must be pretty serious if the military too is involved. Not to mention that you dragged us from all over the world to here." Stefan asked, somehow expecting he wouldn't get a straight answer. It was worth a try at least though. More than anything he had cause for concern if the military was going to be hanging around. He hadn't recalled that happening anywhere in Berlin since the end of the Cold war so it came to quite a surprise it was happening here on an isolated island. Time travel and the military. An odd combination and Stefan could only hope it wasn't some plot to develop some kind of military weaponry involving time travel. That certainly had potential to fuck over much of everything if ever used in combat, as he could already guess.

Awaiting at least one of the men to give an answer, Stefan just set out on eating the rest of his food. He could only hope that the rest of the people who had been on the boat would introduce themselves along with the host. There were too many unanswered questions and Stefan didn't like unanswered questions. Certainly it would become a new goal of his, as long as he remained on the island, to pry some information from those in charge. Of course it was easier said than done.