[color=a187be][center][h1]A R S E N I O[/h1][/center][/color]
[hr][hr]

[color=a187be]"Lennard-Jones,"[/color] Arsenio added, choosing to divulge his surname. If they were all here for the same reason, his true nature would be found out sooner or later, though it wasn't as if his family name was much of a hint. After all, to cover up his existence, his father's company and assets had 'switched hands in good faith', so as not to create a huge scandal, since scandals createde gossip, and gossip got mouths flapping. The most that people not in the know would get out of the name was perhaps a hint of a company that had once existed that made exquisite luxury windup trinkets, though that fame was quickly being eclipsed by younger, more modern, [i]talented dollmakers[/i].

Arsenio allowed himself to be escorted away from the group by Professor Grey.

[quote=@shylarah]
"I'm sure you were kept equally in the dark about the purpose of this little gathering, though I suspect you've made a few surmises.  Here is what I would like to add to that.  Captain Kingsford may be trusted, within reason, though she is not keen on anything that breaks the law.  However she has invited several people from the Institute and Geraldine's and at least one person with definite criminal ties, so she is in serious need.  I came as a favor to her personally.  I'm glad now that I did.  This has the feel of something significant."[/quote]
[color=a187be]"Well, my existence breaks the law, so I believe the Captain shan't like me very much,"[/color] Arsenio said with a jovial cynicism. [color=a187be]I do wonder though, am I to be used as a weapon, or am I to be dissected?"[/color] Arsenio smiled a precocious, almost smug, smile, though pain was evident behind it, [color=a187be]"I apologize, Professor, I've said too much. Your...presence is reassuring, as is your faith in the Captain. My father and I were understandably put-off to receive a summons from the Supreme Commander, so it is good to know that the man, and this event which passes for a ball, is just a front."[/color]

Arsenio was put even more at ease as he saw the approach of The Lady of Dolls, a family friend, though as she called out to the rest of the 'honored guests', Arsenio involuntarily pulled the front rim of his hat a little lower and tilted his head down so as not to meet the gaze of anyone whose attention might have been drawn. He really did have to work on his acting.