“You know about each of the members of my team then?”

“Yes,” He said as a strange twitch lifted the corner of his eyes. So slight, but I caught it never the less and instantly knew a bit of information about our good doctor as well. “And I know about you to Rory Morrigan.”

I placed my hand on his arm and looked into it’s eyes, “Doctor, please let me talk for a bit, all of this must be very draining on your life source…”

It took him a few seconds, but a smile finally fitted on his perfectly aged face. It seems I’ve delivered on time once again. “Wonderfully done, I had faith in you.”

“You’re a druid, but no one around here seems to realize that, care to explain?” I crossed my arms in front of my chest.

“…simply wonderful.” He took a seat on one of the ornate chairs decorating the corridors. “Very few know, my dear. The real Dr. Shane Connor created me when the prison was first opened. We are, naturally, mental linked. Both ways in fact. I communicate with him, and visa versa. Although Dr. Connor has the ability to block my connection, but I assure you, he is very attuned right now.”

“Who else knows, and why the pretense?”

“I, we, had to be sure of your ability. The fact that you figured it out on your own…well to be frank, was unexpectedly wonderful. Forgive me Rory, it seems I have underestimated you. As for the others who know, I think it best that we present our terms to you and your crew first, if you wouldn’t mind.” He stood and offered his arm once more.

We walked arm in arm to a very large solid wood door with elaborate brass scroll work and intricate carvings. If my mind was reeling was possibilities, I would have marveled at it’s original craftsmanship and beauty as the druid doctor pushed it open.

My team sat in the middle of what could be only called a ballroom, at a massive dinning table, complete with six brass candle operas placed perfectly down the center.

Sven stood from his high back chair as we entered the room. “Rory, they took or equipment and weapons.”

“Where have you been, Rory?” Estaba preocupado, Juan muttered.

“Guys, I’ve been around the Manor with our host, Dr. Connor. There was no need to worry Juan.” I reassured him.

Dr. Connor cleared his throat to draw the attention to him as he spoke, first directly to Sven, then to the rest of the team. “Your weapons and equipment are in your suites, awaiting you. First we have much to discuss, so if you would honor me in joining me by the fire?”

The team seemed to be waiting on me to move first, so I followed after the doctor and seated myself on the lounge chairs by the fireplace. Sven and Juan were the first to join us, followed cautiously by the remaining members; Penny, Juilet , Jack and Ahmed.

“Before everyone starts throwing their two cents in, I suggest we let Dr. Connor fully explain himself and about some apparent terms we must accept or leave.”

Immediately, as I knew she would, Juilet started fuming in fluent French. “Conditions? Il n'existe pas de termes! Nous faisons ce que nous ne nous leav, rien d'autre!”

“Juilet, English please.” I asked.

She huffed and shuffled her feet, “Terms? We’ve never been asked for terms before. What is this? We come here to do whatever it is that must be done, we get paid, then we go!”

“Mon cher…would you allow me to explain?” Dr. Connor asked Juilet.

“Agh, very well, oui.”

Dr. Connor leaned back into his chair, nodded a thanks to her and neatly folded his hands in his lap. “I will say my piece then see you to your quarters for the night. I must have your decisions in the morning, understood?”

“Of course Doctor.” I answered for the group.

“Very well. As I have already begun to explain to Miss Morrigan, I already know quiet a bit about each one of you and possibility more than you know yourselves. Beside the already agreed upon monetary amount, I have but only one request and one offer. Each different, each important. The term is simply put: you must reveal yourselves to one another, your true selves, at least as much of it as you know. You do not have to do this publicly, of course. However, Connor Manor requires the truth… amongst yourselves.” He paused and looked me in the eye. “ Rory, do you wish to add anything before I go on?”

“Yes, uh…to clarify, each of you at one point or another have come to me and shared something with me. That is what he is talking about my friends.”

Jack scratched his bristly chin and said in his soothing southern drawl, “So what cha make of this Rory?”

“Honestly, it’s not my decision Jack, but I’m intrigued.”

“Hmm, so what the second thingy Doc?” Jack asked.

“Right, my offer. This is only acceptable if you choose to acknowledge yourselves to one another first. I offer to help your learn and develop parts of you in return while you are staying here at Connor Manor. Which…I assure you, no on else has the ability to do so as I do.”

Sven cleared his throat and stood to his full staggering height, “And what if we do not wish to amuse you whims?”

“Then you guys get to go on home with twenty percent of the agreed amount in your back pocket, we wouldn’t be needing you at the point.” announced a new voice in the room.

I turned around in my seat a simply stared at the most fascinating man I had ever seen in my life. He looked like a little like a younger version of Dr. Connor, but far more handsome and dangerous.

Dr. Connor stood and smiled warmly, “Ah-ha! There you are my boy!”

“Sorry took a while down on Level-4.” he sheepishly admitted. He looked like a sullen child with his hand caught in the cookie jar.

“Yes, yes, indeed. Miss Morrigan and team, I would like to present to you, Ryan Connor, my son and commander of security here at the Manor and at PRPF.”

Ryan Connor sauntered over to shack each person’s hand and greet them personally. When he reached me and reached for my hand, I caught a look in his eyes. One that whispered secrets of amusement, mystery, and allure. But when he spoke, his mouth had my complete attention.

“Rory Morrigan, it would be a personal pleasure for you to allow me to show you to your suite.” He bowed and kissed the under side of my wrist. “If you would all follow me, I’m sure you have much to discuss amongst yourselves.” Then he offered me his arm, which I have to admit , it was a much different experience then taking his father’s arm earlier.