"We're going to kidnap Progenitor's leader!"

For a moment, we are awestruck by what by what Lupin had just said.

"Uh... Sorry, I believe I misheard you. Could you say that one more time?" Victoria asks.

"We're going to capture the highest-ranking member of Progenitor, Britain's secret intelligence." Lupin says.

"Hold on, just a second! That's a pretty bold claim you just made! Are you for real?!" Nemo asks.

"We've made plenty of precautions and countermeasures. But I'm not optimistic enough to think we can hide here forever." Lupin says. "A protracted battle puts us at a disadvantage. We need to take a decisive action."

"That action will be ****!" I say.

Lupin nods with determination. "The head of Progenitor would be a central figure for many different plans. The most effective way for us to gain some ground on all the unknowns is to ask the one responsible directly."

"A key figure in all of us achieving our individual goals." Van Helsing says. "You believe that the leader of Progenitor is this very person."

Lupin quietly nods.

"I see. That's why you have decided on capturing this person." Doreen says this as casually as asking for a glass of water.

Lupin nods.

"But, wait. If we're going to capture this person, then you must have found some information about her." Van Helsing says. "This person is the head of an entire nation's intelligence agency. Lupin, how did you even come across this information?"

"Who do you think you're speaking to? I am the great thief Arsene Lupin! Treasure or knowledge, it's all the same." Lupin says.

"You stole information from Progenitor? From where?" Victoria asks.

"Oh, that. While I was walking through the city a while back, I sensed that someone highly trained was following me." Lupin says. "I figured that it was probably a Progenitor agent, and after I lost my tail I decided to turn things around and hunted him down. After that, I put on his stuffy uniform, and went around asking other agents. 'Good work today. By the way...'"

"Ahah, I see. So you gathered information using your usual tactic of disguise." Doreen says. "It's quite impressive that you were able to go unnoticed within the walls of a first-class intelligence organisation. There is no one who compares to you when it comes to outsmarting people."

"It's not just impressive, it's scary." Nemo says.

"Lady Luck had a hand in it. But a good thief always turns a lucky break into an opportunity." Lupin says. "From there, I just ran around trying to get proof of what I'd found. Last night, I finally knew for sure."

"You are aware that Progenitor is the most elite agency in the country, right? Not only did you catch them, you countered...?" Victoria asks.

"It's nothing to be surprised about. I've always had talent, and I received an excellent education." Lupin says.

Education? Like a thief academy? Perhaps she means something similar to the training I myself as undergoing.

"And? Where will this Progenitor leader be appearing?" Van Helsing says.

I take a breath in anticipation. Something about Van Helsing's expression gives me chills when our eyes meet.

"You look pretty scary right now. That person you've said that you're after..." Lupin says. "Does whoever you're pursing have something to do with this?"

"There's no need for you to know." Van Helsing says.

The air is tense, and my chest is tight.

The dining room falls silent for a while, and Doreen is the first to speak. "And, where is your target going to appear? I'm sure the difficulty of this plan will be affected by the location of this heist."

"A train." Lupin nods and continues. "Our target is supposed to be boarding from nearby Waterloo to inspect a military factory in the northern region. The information I've obtained regards her personal guards during the inspection. I'll share the details with you later."

"Did you steal any actual documents?" Van Helsing asks.

"Of course not. If they realise I'd stolen anything, they would change the security. I memorised the main points." Lupin says. "They'll be least likely to suspect us when the train is in motion. We'll hide on the train, and whisk the target off her feet."

"Did it ever occur to you. This plan might be a little too bold?" Victoria asks.

I agree with Victoria.

Lupin had repeatedly told me in my training that you should never commit to a battle that you aren't sure you can win.

"I think it sounds like fun. If this is the plan you're really going to execute, I will help in any way I can." Doreen says.

"Fun?!" Victoria asks.

"Although you say their guard will be down, we are up against great odds. I feel that our chances of victory are slim." Doreen says.

"How in the world are we going to steal someone off of a moving train? Are we just going to dive off a speeding locomotive?" Nemo asks.

"Don't worry, I have an idea." Lupin says.

"We should split into two groups. The first will create a distraction on the train, while the second makes the capture." Van Helsing says. "And, if we use the railroad, there is a way to escape with the target by using the branching lines on the railway. Arsene, your plan is to steal the entire train car itself, is it not?"

"The entire train car?!" Victoria asks.

"A bold idea. Ahah, this is getting more and more interesting by the minute." Doreen says.

"Whoa. I didn't think you'd figure it out. Basically, yes, it's exactly what Van Helsing said." Lupin says. "Once we have the target, it's a piece of cake. We'll have an automobile waiting by the railroad, and hop in for our getaway. It's not that it isn't dangerous, but there definitely a chance we can win. What do you think? Are you guys in?"

"Hmm... I do think it's a little hasty." Nemo says.

"I say it's worth the danger. I'll lend you a hand." Van Helsing says.

"I'm against it. The risk is too big." Victoria says.

"I'm fine either way. I'll go with whatever you decide." Doreen says.

"You're going to help, Doreen?" I ask.

"Yes, of course. How rare is it for us to have the opportunity to enjoy an outing together?" Doreen asks.

"Doreen? I don't think that's a very accurate description of the situation." Victoria says.

"This is a good plan that solves several of our problems at once. Caleb, what do you think?" Lupin asks.

"I agree with your plan." I say. "Because your chances of failing always zero. Isn't that right, Lupin?"

"Exactly." Lupin says.

"Hmph. It doesn't matter if Arsene is with us. I can accomplish this on my own." Van Helsing says.

"I think that's a bit of a stretch." Victoria says.

"Then everyone's willing to give this a shot." We all nod in determination, agreeing with Lupin's sentiment. "I won't let you down. I promise. I'd like to get into the details now, but there's one thing I want to say."

"To put our own lives first, right?" I ask.

"Exactly. You're catching on quick." Lupin says.

"It was all you said in training." I say.

Lupin gives me a small bow. "Caleb, we didn't skimp on your training. The best minds around helped you. Don't worry, it'll come in handy. Is everyone else all right with that?"

"Since it seems we're all in this together, I'll do whatever I can to help." Victoria says.

"The question isn't whether you'll help, but whether or not you'll be in our way." Van Helsing says.

"It's time for all my secret devices to release their fire. Just leave it to me." Nemo says.

"I'll be taking part in battle as well, though I hope that Nemo's inventions do not literally go up in flames." Doreen says.

"Doreen-G! How could you say that?!" Nemo asks.

"Great! Our chances are much better with us all taking part in the plan. Allow me to explain the details now." Lupin spreads a map out on the table.

We gather around it, and take in the highly detailed notations of it. Then we begin to make plans.