Demimonde Logs Cont - Dec 16/18

(Dec 18) 12:50:22 [Edmond] The sun had set at exactly 3:52 pm, leaving the streets bathed in twilight by the time the intended meeting hour rolled around. Edmond had not set up any demonstrations throughout the facility, preferring instead to give the Lady Buchanan the most candid view he could and, perhaps, sway her to toss some backing their way. Or, failing that, she might advocate the place and procure backing from some of the rather important friends she hinted at. He didn't doubt for a second that her alliances, based simply upon her social status, would be greatly beneficial if the cards were shown properly. The building itself was located just off of Victoria Street. It stood squat and square, rather unobtrusive in its plain design. A simple sign hung upon a pole above the door that read R.A.P.I.E.R. and nothing else. The door was rather unobtrusive as well, in appearance, being a simple wooden number with a buzzer on the left side and a network of gears running from a mechanical coded locking mechanism appearing as a series of differently collored levers of brass. Inside, one would find a series of cubicle styled offices, generally empty no matter the hour of the day save a lone receptionist who sat up front, a bespectacled little man who passed the gruelling 5 hour shift of every day reading erotica. He had such a vivid imagination, that he truly placed himself within the role of those strong, masculine protagonists who would always woo and win the maiden in the most carnal and exquisite fashion. They were all the rage in the streets, these novels, though they remained mostly faux pas and, as with most other things that everybody did that nobody admitted to knowing anything about, people simply did not talk about it to one another. The impressive part of the facility existed beneath the ground, though, where one would find the basement. Though there was a radiator in a carefully manicured room off to one side of the building, this was a place of various interview and observation rooms. RAPIER had within their
(Dec 18) 12:50:53 [Edmond] facility, an average of 7 criminally insane individuals at a time. They did not go through the hard work of procuring these miscreants, but rather paid government run facilities to allow the professionals at RAPIER to house and care for a number of them. Some wise gentleman in the beaurocratic mess had come up with the bright idea that it would actually be benificial to them to offload some of their more trying cases, especially if someone was willing to pay them money to make this happen. Just how much money actually made it to the government coffers after the many greedy and grubby hands had passed it by was negligable. The contractors who supplied the food for the psychiatric patients, and the drug companies that provided the potions and pills still charged the same amount whether it was two or fifty that they were supplying. Beneath THIS floor, there was another sterile halway with a series of doors branching off at either side. At any time, day or night, one could hear the whimpering or the manic speech of one patient or another, and the amount of people who chose to play in their on excrement was astounding. Each room, stark white and padded, was cleaned exactly once a week on a rigid schedule that started from one end of the building, and worked its way back in a continuing loop that had not a single end in sight. The overall reason for these facilities being underground was that it was much easier to control every aspect of the environments of a patient and thus learn further the causes of their particular disorders. Edmond would usually be found in observation, taking notes, and occasionally conversing with one of the patients. He was no jailor, nor was he a clinician of any sort, but simply a researcher, there to compile the knowledge and evidences collected throughout the course of study. Today, he stood off to the side of the reception desk, pointedly ignoring the bespectacled little man who had a very obnoxious habit of taking his glasses off and tapping their wire frame against his teeth. By the
(Dec 18) 12:51:09 [Edmond] seventh minute of this behavior, Edmond was tempted to walk over and stick his gun beneath the man's chin and threaten him until he stopped. Or just pull the trigger. The vivid image of the man's head rocking back, his skull exploding upward and outward to send a fine mist following the bloodied chunks to the floor and to speckle the back wall, ran through Edmond's head. He shook it off, wondering what this said about his own psychological state. He had not thought this way a year before, when his world was more normal, save for his dealings with the scum of the streets. But, sincerely, who would miss the tiny little smut reading man at the front desk? His only purpose was to look like someone worked up top, after all. Gritting his teeth, Edmond girded himself and stood tall, awaiting the Lady Buchanan, and hoping that she was not nearly as annoyed by the clicking and clacking of glasses on yellow-tobacco stained teeth as he was.
(Dec 18) 12:51:53 [Elsie] FANKS
(Dec 18) 12:52:11 Edmond funks for fanks.
(Dec 18) 12:54:53 [Elsie] Urgh.. so full now. -rolls of to type-
(Dec 18) 13:02:23 Edmond rubs yer belly
(Dec 18) 13:07:44 [Elsie] The black carriage rolled to a stop before the RAPIER non-descript building, the horses somewhat chafing at the bit due to the damp tepid air though the Coach master soon had them under control. Alighting the craft, Lady Buchanan was met by a footman who offered his hand in assistance as she stepped down. “That will be all Jacobs..” she eyed the man knowingly who nodded in response. “Yes Ma’am.” That knowing look implied far more than most would considering but working with Elsie for many years he understood her quips and quirks and silence spoke louder than words. Indeed while she was to be entertained within the building he and fellow ‘Purgis would be off and around the building seeing if they could gather further information on this rather reserved, quiet society. It wasn’t that Elsie was privy to information or that she felt there was something strange about the group on the whole, but everything warranted an investigation - such was her life. Adorned in a gown of blue silk, it was elegant but plain over which was a wool coat designed to fit the shape and curve of the gown, the skirt of which flowed elegantly down to the ground where upon boots trod over the ground, the hem a slight inch or so from touching. The conveyance rolled off - or so it would seem to the casual eye while the woman walked to the steps of the building and entered in through the door. Immediately jade hues would cast a wry glance around the given area. Nothing of import stood out and yet the atmosphere was most certainly one that riveted the woman on the spot for a -
(Dec 18) 13:07:53 [Elsie] moment. The sense of imprisonment shifted through her mind - certainly those within the halls of such a place who were used for experimentation, which was all the rage of this day and age. Though being held in such a place was not something one would aspire to do and she couldn’t help but view the inmates with a hint of sadness felt within. Approached by a young man with an older fellow at his side Elsie turned her head with a smile upon lips in greeting. “Ah Lady Buchanan, a pleasure indeed. Mr. Dagenhart mentioned you’d be arriving today. I hope your visit will be most pleasant. “ -- Elsie nodded with that same complacent smile upon full lips while several strands of hair fell loose around her face from the manicured bun atop her head. The effect of which added an youthful appearance to the young widow. “Dr. Garringer, thank you. Mr. Dagenhart had spoke highly of the research here. I’m here to see if I can be of assistance. Thank you for the welcome.” She nodded then glanced around anxiously - though not showing it, awaiting Edmond to arrive. Hopefully he wouldn’t leave her to the rapacious Dr. Garringer who was a known leacherer at least to the Society.
(Dec 18) 13:22:53 Elsie is marked away.
(Dec 18) 13:36:52 [Edmond] The strangest part about walking through the mostly deserted hall in the first basement was the echo of sound reverberating from wall to wall. It was as though each step was amplified, and then amplified again, so that the hard heels of the comfortable dress shoes that Edmond wore sounded almost as though they were stomping on sheets of metal positioned before a megaphone. He was late, caught up as a particular 'interview' ran too long and he had been forced to scribble notes a full twenty minutes longer than he had expected to begin with. No matter, the Lady Buchanan would likely forgive him, though it certainly would not look good in the long run. It couldn't be helped though. Perhaps a minute later, having made his way up the steam-lift, Edmond stepped forward into the front reception lobby. He didn't appear to be hurried, though the bags under his eyes did speak of the long night he had spent outdoors, seeking and hunting, before coming in to work the required shift at the facility. Moving forward quickly, his step hurried but not frantic, he approached the Lady Buchanan and their lecherous little friend at reception, his grin wide and cheerful, even charming were a word necessary to describe it. "Lady Buchanan, radiant as always" Edmond said, taking her hand and, again pushing the boundaries of fashion, brushed his lips over the knuckles. It wasn't unheard of to kiss the back of a ladies hand, even at this late date, but it was more generally accepted to bow over the hand, creating a handshake of sorts while pressing three fingers to the middle of the palm. It was a more subdued version of the handshake between men, almost a test of wills and bodily strength as eye-contact was required and a firm squeeze suggested. It was a way to come to quick and mutual respect, rather than subjugate one or the other, at least, ostensibly so. He bobbed back up, reaching up to tuck his hair away from his face and behind his ears. "I'm sorry I am late," he said, hands brushing quickly -c-
(Dec 18) 13:37:24 [Edmond] down the white front of his neck-to-toe lab coat. It was more uniform than it was necessity to remain clean from various fluids, though some of the more insane might throw feces at him from time to time, which was really a bother to get out of ones normal street clothes. "I was stuck in an unavoidably prolonged interview. I have not set up any viewings geared specifically for your pleasure, as we prefer to control the pace and time of the lives of our patients in a much more predictable fashion. Currently, routine is our goal. Will the strict adherence to routine help us to figure out where the mind of one man deviates from the mind of another?" He offered his arm, nodding once to the man at reception who was likely itching to get back to his story, and began to lead her toward the lift that would take them to the basement and, eventually, the sub-basement. Of course, he wouldn't be showing her everything. Everyone needed their secrets, did they not?-fin-
(Dec 18) 13:56:47 Elsie is back!
(Dec 18) 13:56:47 [Elsie] If she was shocked at his lack of propriety when it came to the touch of lips upon her gloved hand, she revealed nothing outwardly. Though she did try to pace that rising heat at the touch which had suddenly flared within her at the given contact with the man. Really !?- It would not do to have such machinations where the gentleman was concerned but there was something about him that drew the female in. To wanting to learn more. And indeed she had. After their last meeting she’d ordered whatever information she could find on one Mr. Edmond Dagenhart. Thus she was well aware of the loss of his Fiancé among many other elements that could be readily got at a moment’s notice by the network of information systematically created over the many, many years with the Walpurgis. It was, in some way, ironic that they had both been widowed, almost around the same time though she pushed that thought aside quickly for it led to deeper, darker thoughts. Guilt. Fear and betrayal all of which were dangerous counterparts to have and show. “Mr. Dagenhart. Like wise.” She reacted to his words with equal manner, allowing her arm to drop to her side. “I shall leave this tour entirely up to you. Of course you know what is best suited for your patients. The mind is a mysterious thing, is it not?” She questioned though it was more rhetorical as she took his arm and they began to move to the elevator and into the sub-levels of the basement. The lower they got the cooler the air while Elsie felt the cold chill of death permeate through her bones. Even so much as to shiver subconsciously though outwardly her appearance would remain one of interest. “After our last meeting, I hope you don’t mind my saying so but I took the liberty into learning
(Dec 18) 13:56:58 [Elsie] about you. Being that I may be investing either some of my own funds or those of close colleagues I have always prided myself on knowing who one is dealing with.” She was forthright woman, not one to play games on the whole or mince words. As a Lead Investigator she had privileges within the Society, even more so being a direct descendant of it’s founder. “Nothing overly personal mind you. But I must say I’m so terribly sorry to hear about the loss of your Fiancé. As a widow who has experienced a similar grief I can only imagine what you must have gone through. “ She paused as if in reflection while she continued to walk beside him, her skirts rustling with her movement. “It is a pain not so easily forgotten.” Glancing his way she offered a soft, gentle smile. “My marriage was arranged and not quite so much a love story..” A brief insight into the woman she gave and took accordingly. “And while I would not linger on such a horrific topic, I learned that her death remains unsolved to this date. I do.. “ She stopped in her steps turning to peer his way allowing those hues to meet his. “.. have friends, colleagues who may be of assistance if you so desire. Not.. “ she tapped him lightly on the arm with her other hand. “Not that you need make any decisions now, but if you feel you need closure, there may be a way I can help.”
(Dec 18) 14:11:57 Elsie is marked away.
(Dec 18) 14:19:23 [Edmond] The smiling, friendly communication continued for a comparitively short time before she admitted that she had been looking into him and learning about his life. Edmond remained calm, though he seethed inside at the mere idea of someone digging into his world. He was not a man in the public eye, much, and he preferred it that way. It wasn't that he had anything to hide, nothing that she would find, at least, but the concept still gave him a certain amount of chill and pause. When she mentioned the loss of his fiance... Dahlia... a hardness crept into his eyes and stayed there for a moment to be clearly seen, were she to look and notice. A sigh, more theatrical than real, followed a deep breath before Edmond shook his head slowly and sadly. It was all a game, of course. He DID feel the loss keenly still, truly he did, but he had found a measure of solace in his night time activities, destroying the scourge of humanity one beast at a time. Though he was reasonably new to the activity of murder, for, though the creatures were not humans, it could still be only slated as such, he had found himself to be quite adept at it, as well as quite passionate about every shot he took. "These things happen, even in our civilized piece of chaos. London is more and more refined each day, but there are always those who live on the periphery, unable or unwilling to adapt to the strictures and requirements of civilized community," he said, running a hand back through his hair and a distant look entering his features very briefly. The police reports as well as the newspapers had stated that it had been a mugging gone wrong, the brutality of the crime having been perpetuated by a deranged individual who had been startled by the fight put up by the woman and her escort. A very few people knew that there was no mugging, no attempt, but that it had really been a human predator walking the streets in search of death and destruction for the sake of it. "I was mutually pained to hear of the late
(Dec 18) 14:19:58 [Edmond] Lord Buchanan," he said, courtesy dictating that he reciprocate her sympathy, though he could not find it within himself to actually feel it. Man was a selfish beast, creating society, not for the gain of all, but for the gain of the individual. The fact that the individual was more successful and more likely to gain with the backing of societal creation was the singular reason that communities had grown and grown throughout the history of humanity. This was the theory as created by Edmond Dagenhart, at least, garnered from many texts and tomes of psychological import and research upon the growth of community throughout history. He led the Lady into the lift, sliding shut the iron-mesh gate before them, and pulled the lever that would release the springs slowly that the car began to lower itself with much squeaking and groaning. "I thought to show you a scheduled interview. It is quite fascinating. Our subject is a woman of early middle years who was arrested and convicted of strangling her three children because a devil had gotten into them. She claimed that it was self-defense," he was very matter of fact about this, almost shrugging off the horror of the crime. In fact, he felt nothing for it. No empathy or sympathy, as he was too locked within his own private misery to outwardly show anything of that nature. "You may have seen the reports in the paper a few months back. It cost nearly triple our usual fee for garnering her for study, for, as you well know, the fair sex has far less proclivity to commit such acts of deranged cruelty, even under the insistant pull of mental stressors." He had been watching her fact the whole time, gauging it for reaction. What would she think of a woman murderer? Further, what would she think of a woman who, under the stresses of the world around her, lost her mind and murdered her children? Perhaps, Edmond had thought, there might have been some truth to the woman's claim. Perhaps her children HAD been invaded by some fell force.
(Dec 18) 14:20:34 [Edmond] Perhaps she had been right in her actions, saving many others from the pain of loss and torture. He did not know, truly, and, truth be told, this was the reason he had taken on his position at RAPIER, to learn these things. The car swayed to a stop at the basement level, and Edmond pulled the grating open to allow them access to the hall before them. "This way, please," he said, leading her still by the arm he had not relinquished.-fin-
(Dec 18) 14:38:18 Elsie is back!
(Dec 18) 14:38:18 Elsie had touched something of a nerve by bringing up his Fiancé. Then again it would be the same with anyone. If he had not reacted in some fashion it would be most strange. Though she watched him closely - not with scrutiny but rather empathy she let the subject drop for the time being, not without stating first, however. “I believe I have offended you, Mr. Dagenhard. Please let me assure you it was not my intent. Only that if I can be assistance in some manner, please do not hesitate to ask.” Leaving the situation at that she allowed him to guide her further into the belly of the beast though Elsie wasn’t afraid. Not truly. She’d experienced with the insane before. In fact it was likely that some of the fellow Walpurgis were even in this institution, and most certainly were around others like it. Those who had felt the need to speak of the underworld. That felt the need to breech the secret that the Society would hold at bay for fear of who man would react. It was a carefully guarded secret this Demimonde and not one that was allowed to be unveiled. Those who had betrayed such a fact had thus been institutionalized by the will of the Society and by the mercy of the Queen who although knew nothing - actually knew much. Some people may find it ghastly that an innocent for all intense and purpose was put into such places and yet a balance had to be maintained for the good of all man. Elsie knew this and understood it well. It was why being a member of the Society was for life. Or death. At times it was a fine line to walk. After a few moments of silence they approached the interview he’d set up for the morning. That of a woman who Elsie, while intrigued reacted with mild shock to the story. Of course she couldn’t act complacent to such knowledge for it would give away her own truths and those were well suited to remain hidden. “How ghastly..” She offered feeling --
(Dec 18) 14:38:20 [Elsie] another chill ripple down her spine. There were such cases of those being possessed by Demons. She had seen it on more than one occasions and when Exorcism hadn’t helped - death, sadly was the only answer. Even then it merely set the demon free into the World to possess another. A pained look crossed her features as sadness flickered through her eyes at the thought. Memories of a past, distant - haunted her. Folding her arm under the swell of breast she tried to hold in the shiver again. Yes, Death was in this place. It hung like a resonance of filth. The cries of those long gone echoed in her mind - throes of pain, sorrow, anger.. evil. The woman’s tale was not one of a madwoman but of a woman desperate and how had to do what she had. Elsie knew before even meeting this ‘murderer’ that was, in case the truth. “After you, Mr. Dagenhard.” And assuming he lead her as much, she’d follow him into a cell.
(Dec 18) 14:53:21 Elsie is marked away.
(Dec 18) 15:09:55 [Edmond] The trip down the hall was rather short and they were preceded by the echoes of their footfalls into a small, darkened chamber. Inside sat a male and a female, both a year or three younger than Edmond. They were sitting extremely close, shuddering apart slightly to leave a chaste gap between their outside thighs as they looked down to their notepads and scribbled away. Edmond barely blinked, not caring if he had interrupted their sex games, not caring if he had disturbed their perceived privacy in the darkness. How sick were they, that they could sit there and grope upon each other while a woman, distraught and pained by what she had done, sat stone-faced and quiet in a small room on a couch, her eyes locked straight ahead, seeing all or completely sightless, it was impossible to tell. "Reese, out, this isn't even your observation and you'll only be a distraction to Miss Kaylock," Edmond snapped, the words sounding as if he had spoken them a time or two before. "But... but... my periodical is about..." "About you getting out of here before I have you barred from my program. I am the manager of the non-clinical branch of the research department, lest you forget. You won't be warned again. Out," Edmond had spoken coldly. There was no passion in his tone, simple pragmatism. He ran his small department carefully and with very little in the way of wiggle room when it came to the strict routine and procedures. As soon as the door closed, Edmond's eyes turned to Miss Kaylock. "The warning goes for you as well. Contrary to popular belief, this is a facility dedicated to learning about the human mind, not about that it feels like to have a man's hand in your skirts. Next time will be the last time and you will both be terminated with your stipend forfeit. I don't care what you do, where you do it, or with whom as long as it is not on MY time and MY pay, understand?" No doubt blushing furiously, the girl looked down at her lap and did not respond, her shoulders slumping-c-
(Dec 18) 15:10:31 [Edmond] visibly. "Take the day. Collect yourself, and come back for the interview with room 7 tomorrow. I expect that report to be concise and perfect. I will handle the rest of this particular meeting." The girl jumped up and scrambled out as well, the door swinging closed violently behind her. The woman within the room ahead flinched at the sudden sound and looked up, her eyes staring through the glass and to the shadowed shapes far in the background of the seating. "I am sorry, Lady Buchanan," he said, leading her to a seat where she might observe the procedings. "Sometimes, the students become a bit too interested in each other, and a bit too negligent about our studies. This is why, in most cases, we have a senior psychologist or clinician observing as well," he didn't say, nor imply, that the reason he himself had not been observing was that he was upstairs retrieving the Lady herself. "See," he said, waving toward the glass. "She is largely uncommunicative, prone to bouts of sudden anger and rage, or violence even," he finished, shaking his head sadly. "I am at a loss as to what causes these outbursts, but, well, that is the reason we are here, no? To learn?" As if on cue, the woman stood up and charged the thick glass window, leaping to land full body against it and rebounding away to lay breathless and bleeding upon the floor. She was growling low, her eyes dancing wildly about as if she saw shapes surrounding her.
(Dec 18) 15:27:59 Elsie is back!
(Dec 18) 15:28:00 [Elsie] The sense of embarrassment and lust permeated the room as Elsie entered her eyes immediately landing on the young couple. Visions danced in her mind of what they’d been doing and whilst Elsie was a high member of British Aristocracy she wasn’t without feelings. Her marriage had been arranged and she’d lacked in much by the way of experience when it came to such matters of lust and the exotic. Though certainly through her years with the Society she’d seen much - more of a voyeur than one who’d experienced such things. Regardless, a flush rose to her cheeks at the actions - and obvious miscalculations of the younger students who were readily caught. Edmond had a right to be upset and yet Elsie’s hand rose to her throat, gloved fingers teasing the neckline while a familiar welling heat rose inside her. One she tried valiantly to push away, her Mother’s icy tones resonating through her mind as a subtle reminded as to what women could and could not do. What was acceptable and what wasn’t. Unfortunately her Mother hadn’t the magic, the power or the presence other Bradley woman had. Elsie had learned all she had from her Grandmamma who had been a most powerful witch, despite Elsie’s mother’s insistence that the girl be sent away to boarding school, kept sacred from all this evil. Luckily her Grandmother had won but that cold voice of reason shattered her thoughts as she returned to the moment at hand. Rather than pointing out to Edmond that his apology was unnecessary she instead turned her full attention toward the woman behind the glass. Elsie, who by now had released her arm from him stepped forward as the mad female lunged at the glass. Knowing. Seeing. Elsie remained quiet for a moment but inwardly jumped as the woman lashed out, only to land on the ground in a heap, lips murmuring a tongue, words that -
(Dec 18) 15:28:02 [Elsie] were barely discernable and yet - the Witch knew that tongue. She was skilled at speaking it and it wasn’t something just anyone could do. A sinking sensation filled the Lady who swayed in her spot. Verbis Diablo - The Devil’s Tongue. A slight perspiration danced over Elsie’s brow while the language was spewed in a constant manner from the woman’s bloodied lips - words that were spoken directly to Elsie. “I know. I know.. “ A mad cackle from the prone female. “I know all.. I see what he does. I know who he is. I know what you did. I know..“ Elsie heart rate increased as she swayed forward to lay a gloved hand against the glass, the palm flat. The language was, to most indecipherable. Edmond unless knowledgeable of such arts would hear merely muttering and mumbles. But Elsie heard it all and she understood exactly what the woman spoke of. “I do believe a glass of water would be wonderful right now..” She spoke to Edmond, the only one remaining in the room with her. “If you don’t mind that is..” her voice was a mere whisper, her body limber, her eyes fixed on the form of the “mad” woman. “He killed ‘er he did.. He killed her. He kills em all. ALL of them. One by one, two by two. I’m watching you.. “ -- And Elsie’s knees felt like they were about to give way.
----missing posts
(Dec 18) 17:24:13 [Elsie] Leaving the facility would be a good thing at this point in time. Elsie had seen enough thus far to know that this necessitated further investigation. Not in to what Edmond was doing or any of his partners but rather that there could be a potential partnership between establishments going forward. Edmond, though simply a researched in Elsie mind might not be privy to particulars but his higher ups on the other hand may well be of some use to the Society. After all, if they housed one possessed woman, it was highly likely they possessed others of a similar nature. The society had such “Gardens” for these beings. Study of a possessed was of the utmost importance on how to battle demons and overcome them. Exorcism only worked so well and further study was required. Perhaps if the Society offered the funds required, the patronage to back RAPIER they could have access to any of these ‘patients’ who were far more than just mentally incapacitated. That was, however neither here nor there. For now, she was, wet. Cold. And shaken to a degree after her experience among being embarrassed at having succumbed as she had before Dagenhard. Luckily for all involved the man took it as her being upset at the site of the woman behind the glass and rightly so, to some degree. It had been disturbing but beyond a level he would know. However as the Doctor came bustling in, Elsie became more formidable in her appearance as well as stance. She knew what had happened and understood she did not need a Doctor’s care. Thus this invasion was readily take in stride as she spoke with a clear, concise voice. “While I appreciate your concern Doctor. I can assure you I am in the fittest of health and thus do not require any assistance from you or your orderlies. “ The tone was curt, pompous and quite rude. Eyes flashed with an angry forbearance at others intruding in her space while -
(Dec 18) 17:24:16 [Elsie] she regaled herself as one of the aristocracy with as much gall as one could. “Should I require any assistance I will seek it of my own Doctor on my own time.” Feathers ruffled she moved to stand after near being forced to sit. “Mr. Dagenhard. If you would do me the honor or escorting me home, I would be very much in your debt.” And with that the woman, for all her svelte figure and petite form set a tone within the room that left no one questioning just WHO was in charge. “Thank you, Good Doctor but your services are not necessary. I wish only to leave.” Arm extended, she hoped that Edmond would take said appendage and guide her out.
(Dec 18) 17:38:46 Edmond stared for a moment as the woman waved the doctor off and spoke to him as if he were an inferior, sending the pompous man staggering back in shock and, eventually, out of the door. He stared daggers at the woman, knowing that he was the educated doctor, he knew best, and the woman would likely die of bleeding on the brain or somethin equally as horrific. In this vein, he was able to content himself to go about his daily life, conscience absolved. Edmond, for his own part, had trouble suppressing laughter. The smirk was plain to see upon his face though he fought valiantly to subjugate it beneath a mask of solemn propriety as was indicated for this particular situation. "Yes, it has already been a trying day," Edmond said, smoothing his features with a great effort will. In a smooth motion, he unbottoned the three securing clasps on his coat and pulled it away, setting it aside upon a chair to be dealt with later, by himself or one of the orderlies. Likely, it would no longer be there when he returned, which bothered him not at all. Beneath the coat, he wore a simple button-up shirt beneath a grey vest and matching grey slacks. On his hip, sported fashionably as many of the younger males had taken to doing with word of the "wild west", was a legally carried pistol. His custom, 8 shot model made in modification to the Cold 1849, single action revolver. He was not possessed of any of his body armor, though, nor did he carry any further weapons beneath his clothing. He didn't carry it daily at work, no, but today had felt right to wear the thing beneath his coat and, really, it gave him a sense of stability and comfort feeling the weight upon his hip. Smiling widely, trying to add levity to the situation, he offered his arm to the Lady Buchanan and, given leave, would lead her through the facility and to the lift once more. As the heavy steam machinery began to run with hisses and growls, he began to speak. "I am sorry, Lady Buchanan," he said, looking abashed.-c-
(Dec 18) 17:39:52 [Edmond] "The facility is usually much quieter than this. The woman is obviously deranged, but it is nothing we can isolate. It is far beyond the scope of most of our expertise. Which is why we need to fund more research that we might further our own knowledge..." he paused and shook his head. "Sorry, you do not wish to hear this now. Forgive me. Do you have a carriage coming for you?"