Failed Attempt (Reaper & Nomad)

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Leo followed a well dressed man, he knew who he was, the man was Thomas Jefferson. The same man who was soon to become the next President of the United States. Right now the man was ambassador to France for the young nation. Nomad was here because he wanted to make sure.. nothing was going wrong. He made sure that he was well hidden as his clothing was not of the late 1700's, it was more modern. But he really wanted to meet Mr.Jefferson.

Thomas Jefferson walked into a building, probably a house that he was staying at, Leo walked around to the other side, stopping just outside the garden. Looking around he saw men with guns, France was on the brink of starting a Civil War, an unsteady time right now, one wrong influence was needed and the war was started.

Knocking on the door he waited, then tried out his new device, it made it look like Nomad was wearing clothing more set to the late 1700's. A waiter or someone that worked at the huge mansion opened the door.

"How may I help you sir?" The man asked.

"I am here by the orders of the Congress for Mr. Jefferson." Leo told the man.

"Do come in." The man said, opening the door wider. Leo stepped inside, folding his hands behind his back, "Mr. Jefferson will be with you shortly." The man walked off. Leaving Leo to observe the room, it was well decorated.. perhaps decorated by Jefferson himself. The waiter was soon back with Mr. Jefferson, "Mr. Jefferson this is.."

"Leonardo McCollen.. you may call me Leo." Nomad said, holding a hand out in an offer of a handshake.

Jefferson shook the Time Lord's hand, "You said you were sent here by Congress." He said rather slowly with a hint of cold in it.

"Yes.. they were concerned about your safety as now France stands at the brink of Civil War. They sent me to be your guard." Leo told the man.

"Right.. Well then we better find you a room them Mr. McCollen.." Jefferson said, looking to the other man. Who hurried off to get a room ready.

"I am to.. stay with you at all times.. of course I will be some steps back to.. make you look more.. erm.. normal to the public eye." Leo said.

"Right.. well then.. perhaps we should discuss this matter somewhere more private then the entrance to a house." With that Jefferson gestured to a room down the hallway, "My study will be more fitting." He said and led the way to the room. Nomad followed. Stepping inside, Jefferson closed the door.

[Deleted]

Reaper quietly sat in what would pass for an artillery room. The TARDIS' previous pilot had been a weapon fanatic and avid collector. Swords, daggers, pistols, garrote wire, even spring loaded blades meant to be hidden in the sleeve.

Reaper's personal favorites were the rapier encased in a long black walking cane, the hidden blade for the sleeve, and a tiny blade he kept in his mouth. It was ideal for instances when he was very close and personal with a target, but unable to use his hands. He need only maneuver the little blade to rest in his teeth, bite down and Voila! a discrete little blade perfect for severing the main artery in someone's neck.

His gloved hands trailed over the instruments of death with an amused smirk. He found a single punch dagger, still stained in blood. It had been given a place of honor among the collection. The blood still clinging to the slowly rusting blade belonged to a Time Lord who had crossed The Reaper's path. In fact, that time lord had met his demise in this very room. Reaper's smirk darkened into a cruel sneer as he looked to the spatter of dried and aged blood against the wall.

The TARDIS hated The Reaper. And hate was putting it kindly. The TARDIS had often considered folding in on itself to crush The Reaper when he was still inside. But instead of killing itself to slay Reaper, The TARDIS simply shut itself down, using minimal power. The TARDIS did not even put off a recognizable signal that informed other Time Lords of their location. No, This TARDIS was only using enough power to disguise itself as a mausoleum in a cemetery and have a few lights on here and there within.

Reaper found The TARDIS' act of defiance amusing. The TARDIS refused to heed him, the controls on the main console tightly locked in place. The Reaper and The TARDIS had been locked in their silent confrontation for the last ten years. Noting made her respond.

Evening was closing fast and Reaper decided to take a stroll through the cemetery. He pulled on his long black frock coat, straightened the cravat about his neck, and placed the top hat upon his head and gently stroked the console, mocking the TARDIS. "Dont wait up, my dear.." A bulb glowed brightly and with a sudden surge, broke, sending shards of glass and sparks as to say to him "How dare you touch me? How dare you stand where he once stood??"

With that, Reaper stepped out of the TARDIS into the cool night air. He glanced down the walkway of the Cemetery to see a robed figure waiting for him. The young boy he had taken under his wing. The boy was a lot like The Reaper had been in his youth. In fact, that boy was the only living soul Reaper ever showed any kindness to. He looked to the human boy as the son he longed for. The boy i the black riding cloak silently presented a white rose, a black silk ribbon adorned it's stem and a bit of rolled parchment.

The Reaper had been commissioned an assassination. The young man was here to deliver the Death Notice to The Reaper.

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Leo sat in a chair, looking out at Jefferson as the man strolled the garden, the Time Lord could not be seen with the man. But it was also what Jefferson wanted as well. The Time Lord leaned back in the chair, letting out a long breath and folded his hands in his lap.

Jefferson walked over to the table and sat down, jotting down some notes, unaware that anyone was observing him, or that he was going to be a target. Yeah it will be a failed one but still..

Leo decided to go down and physically be with the man for a little while, maybe make it look as though Leo was a friend of the Ambassador. getting up he walked out of the bedroom, closing the door behind him. Making his way down the stairs, then out the back door to the garden. The Nomad walked over to the table, pulled a chair out and sat down, "Afternoon Mr. Jefferson."

The man looked up and looked over to the Time Lord, the man did not know that Leo was a human, "Good afternoon Mr.McCollen.. Did you rest well?"

"It was lovely Mr.Jefferson." Leo replied. Looking to a waiter as he set down a tray that contained a teapot and a couple of tea cups and saucers.

The figure that was watching them vanished.

[Deleted]

Reaper opened the roll of parchment and he arched a brow. The name upon the parchment was for the American Ambassador. Reaper couldn't help but smirk. A hit of such high profile, he was rarely awarded the pleasure. Usually it was petty arguments between nobles that were settled with a quick knife. But this?

This assassination commission was surely the will of revolutionists. Humans were such funny things. He looked to the teen aged boy and affectionately passed a palm to his cheek "Xander... I want you to gather what information you can about our.. 'Guest'. Remember the rules, 'Son'. Dont be seen if you can help it. Learn his routine, A man of his stature is sure to have... Protection..."

The boy replied with a quiet "yes Sir" and departed. Xander couldn't have been older than sixteen, but he and Reaper shared a similar childhood. Witnessing the brutal murder of their parents at a young age. Both were left scarred by the incident. Reaper became a homicidal gentleman due to the incident.

Reaper set out from the grave yard with a quickened step. He had to prepare for his hunt. And this meant finding out which functions that the American would be attending and possibly arranging a private meeting.

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Sometime later Jefferson wanted a walk in the garden, so with Leo just behind him with another man.. the two were talking to make it look as though the Time Lord was not there to protect the Ambassador, "You know.. they say now that when pregnant that women should take these things called vitamins." Leo said to the aid next to him.

"You don't say.." The man said looking to Leo with interest.

"Oh yes they say it.. helps the mother and the baby.. do you think they are right sir?" Leo asked, aiming the question to Mr.Jefferson.

"If doctors are saying that.. then yes they are right Mr.McCollen." Jefferson said as he came to a stop, "Mr. Gunnard will you head back to the house please.. Mr.McCollen please stay with me.." Mr.Gunnard bowed and left the two men.

Leo walked up to Mr.Jefferson who was looking to the grass as though he was studying every last blade, "Is something troubling you Mr.Jefferson?" Leo asked.

"Oh no.." Nothing is the matter at all Mr.McCollen.. I was wondering.. what you think about what is going on in France and America." He said looking to Leo with full interest of what the man was about to say.

Leo folded his hands behind his back as any 1700's man would, it was a form to show politeness, Leo sorted through his memories about the time era he was currently in, "Well Mr.Jefferson.. I have to say that things in America with the new government that is being put together is.. is not to your liking.. and as far as France goes.. I say sir that you should leave when you get the opportunity." The Time Lord replied.

The American Ambassador looked to Leo curiously, "Why do you say that Mr.McCollen?"

Leo shrugged, "Well Mr. Jefferson.. I do not trust that the men back at America are setting up the country the way you or I believe it should be because they are proposing something more close to that of the.. of the English Empire." He took a breath, "And as for the French.. I say if it gets to a certain point that even a man with your position is at risk.. a risk that our country cannot risk."

Thomas Jefferson nodded, looking away as though he is deep in thought, "Are you suggesting that someone is setting up to kill me?"

Leo shook his head, "I do not know the answer to that sir but it is possible." He replied. He gestured to the large mansion, "I should escort you back to the house sir.. we are losing daylight and.."

"I would like to see the owl that lives in that tree right there.." Jefferson said, pointing his walking stick to the tree in front of them, "If my timing is right the owl will be showing itself right about now or any minute." He said and looked to Leo, "If you no longer wish to be out here you are welcome to heading in."

Leo shook his head, "No sir.. I will stay out here with you Mr.Jefferson.. if you do not mind." He said.

Thomas Jefferson looked up at the tree just as the owl popped its head out of her hiding place, "There it is.." He said under his breath.

Leo blinked as he felt the two men were being watched, he looked over his shoulder to see a young man, probably no older than sixteen standing there then running off. The Time Lord raised an eyebrow, then looked back up at the large bird, "Remarkable creature that is sir." Then the owl flew off.

Jefferson looked to the Time Lord, "Now we shall head inside." The two men walked back into the mansion.

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Reaper normally didn't follow Xander when he sent him on an errand. But something about this particular assignment felt different. He could feel a complication. Call it a Time Lord's intuition but something told him that he was encroaching a fixed point. Whatever was about to happen, he could feel the fix was locked to upcoming events. Was it something to do with the American Ambassador? What ever it was, he felt the need to shadow the youth this time.

Reaper clung to the darkness of the dimly lit streets as he followed the boy to the estate in which Jefferson was staying. He observed them silently. The target was bird watching it seemed. His attention was slowly drawn to the other man. And his eyes narrowed. How had he not noticed him before? There beside his target stood another time lord. A dark smile appeared on his lips.

When young Xander stepped away to head out after his brief observation, Reaper remained. His eyes determined to lock with the other Time lord. And there it was, He had noticed Xander move away. Surely he knew that The Time Lord's eyes would travel for another other observers. Then.. Suddenly, Reaper's piercing blue eyes latched to the others. He knew that the other would recognize on of his own. He bowed his head, using the silver hilt of his cane to tip his hat in a casual but polite manner. Even in the dim light, his eyes flashed out a warning. His challenge had been set. Time Lords were not fools.

He smirked, knowing full well that the other would understand his meaning before slipping back stepping into the shadows. It was too soon to make his attempt on Jefferson's life, but there was a thrill in allowing someone to know they were being hunted.

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The Nomad knew that the other figure was in fact another Time Lord, but why was the other Time Lord there? Leo thought about the possibilities as he walked with Jefferson back to the mansion, Jefferson turned to speak to Leo, but everything was muffled until the American tapped his shoulder.

"Is everything alright Mr.McCollen?" Jefferson asked.

Leo quickly nodded, "Yes sir, was just thinking somethings through." He replied quickly looking back to where the other figure was before vanishing into the shadows, then back to the Ambassador, "I hate to say it sir but you will have to be closer to me tonight.. perhaps for a few days."

Jefferson looked to where Leo glanced at then back to the man, "I am going to trust your instincts.." With that the man walked into the building, closing the door behind him.

The Nomad turned to look directly at where The Reaper stood. He shot a warning glare in the direction. Mr. Gunnard whispered something into the Time Lord's ear, "Alright.. I will be right there." He gave the man a quick nod and smile. Looking back in the direction of the other Time Lord, bowed slightly, folded his hands behind his back and made his way inside.

When he got inside he was relieved with the feel of the warm air, it made his joints feel much better than when he and the American Ambassador were outside. The Time Lord looked into the study room to see Jefferson pouring over a book, possibly on birds or some other subject. Leo decided to sit in the living room by the fire to sooth his screaming joints.

He stared at the dancing flames, working on what to tell Maria when he goes back to her and the children, yeah they were visiting her father but still he had to come up with some story to explain his long absence. He will just tell her and their kids that he was protecting Thomas Jefferson. He leaned back in the chair, closing his eyes lightly.

Sensing something was not right, shot up and looked out the window that was right behind him. It was now dark outside but his senses were telling him something that caused the Time Lord to become concerned.

[Deleted]

These new circumstances changed the game plan dramatically. Another Time Lord was now involved. If he was to successfully eliminate the American Ambassador, the other Time Lord would have to be dealt with first. Armand smiled at the new challenge set before him.

He returned to the mausoleum, the disguised TARDIS and stepped within. He ran his smooth hands across the silent console and looked up at the inactive power core with a smirk. The last Time Lord he had encountered, The Whisper,(The previous owner of this TARDIS) he'd killed him and claimed the TARDIS as his own. But this Tardis refused to heed him and had shut itself down. If there was another Time Lord here, perhaps if he could acquire his TARDIS, he would be able to finally leave this God Forsaken planet.

The next day or so was spent sending his young companion, Xander, to observe The Time Lord and the American in their routines. Armand knew he could rely on the boy, for he was quite resourceful. In the mean time, The Reaper was set to selecting his preferred weapon.. The rapier hidden within the shaft of his walking cane. It was time for The Reaper to claim his quarry.

After several nights of observation, it was noted that the American seemed to enjoy a late evening stroll, his Time Lord body guard trailing close behind. He made his way out of the cemetery to finally intercept them, instructed Xander to remain in the TARDIS. He would risk no harm to his companion. He had not had an altercation with another Time Lord in several years and was taking no chances.

He made his way through the park, intending to find the Time Lord and The American and fulfill his contract. He leaned against a dimly lit lamp post and awaited their arrival, he was a few minutes earlier that he anticipated them to arrive.

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It had been a couple days now, and during them days it was mostly watching over the American ambassador on walks, meetings, dining with other diplomats and important people.. one of them being the king of France himself. Leo has had little contact with his family, but he needed to protect this American because he has a very important future ahead of him. Talking with Mr.Jefferson was mostly ones about Nature, science, and some politics, none of them bothered the Time Lord at all. What bothered him was the person who appeared almost everywhere the two men went, it has Leo almost to the point of Paranoia of where he just wants to run up to who ever it is and demand why they are being followed.

One evening Mr. Jefferson decided to stay indoors for the night, not a strange thing as the Ambassador was enjoying what seemed to be a very good book. But to make things.. not out of the ordinary, the Time Lord walked the same path he and Jefferson would walk every evening, more in the hopes of catching this other person. Hands behind his back, which was strangely aching, the aging Time Lord walked along in the cooling air. He glanced at the figure, the same one that has been watching him and the Ambassador for the past.. almost a week now. Stopping and putting a hand to his chin he wondered just how close the person will come if the Time Lord suddenly vanished.

Getting out of view, well hiding behind a bush, he slipped his TARDIS key around his neck, then sat there waiting, staring at the person. Like a Tiger waiting for his kill to make a fatal move. After what felt like hours, the person seemed to have jumped the fence and was creeping his way into the garden, and just to where Leo wanted the person to go. The Time Lord counted down in his head as to when to pounce.

The figure came closer... now? No.. the person was now closer.. no not yet. Then the person was so close that The Nomad could tell it was just a boy.. and what he was wearing.. NOW! Leo slowly creeped out of his hiding spot, with his key still on, being sure not to break the key's spell. Quickly he got a hand to the boy's mouth to muffle any yells or screams, then the other to keep the lad from lashing out at him. Only when the boy was secure in the Time Lord's TARDIS did he remove the gag from the boy's mouth, "Why are you watching the ambassador?" The boy seemed to either not be listening or seemed to not be able to understand. The Time Lord could not be fooled though, he leaned closer, "I know your game.. I can smell him.." He whispered, "Your friend.. is not a friend of this universe.. if he kills the ambassador.. it will mean a paradox that can destroy everything even you.. so please tell me boy." But the boy refused to speak, "Is he after the ambassador or are you just curious about the man?"

The boy finally told him that he was just curious, Leo smiled, "Good lad.. sorry that I troubled you." Secretly he was probing the boy's mind, of recent happenings. Only there he got the truth. He just held the smile, but for the boy the world will go black for just long enough for the Time Lord to get the lad to someplace else, but he will not remember the Time Lord nor what happened before meeting The Nomad.

Walking back, Leo spread a false rumor about the French Government.. of course it will be one that no one would remember on who started it, but will only know that it will cause something on the scale that will force the Ambassador to leave France before things got too violent.

Running into the house the Time Lord was breathing heavily as he closed the front door, putting a hand to his chest as his hearts raced, too much running.. but he did not anticipate the false rumor on working so fast.

Jefferson happened to be standing right there, "Mr.. Mr.Jefferson." Leo said as he came to a stand, "We have to get you out of here sir.." It took some convincing about the violence and just how much danger the man was in, but the American Ambassador finally agreed. After a good three to four hours everything was packed and Jefferson flee to an American ship that was preparing to leave for America. It was still pitch black when the carriage left so no one could tell if it was the ambassador or some high living French civilian that was fleeing from the violence nearby, and was able to safely reach the ship that set sailed the very next morning.

However, Leo did not leave with the American Ambassador, instead, he stayed at the mansion and acted as though Jefferson was still there. Patrolling the garden, sitting at the table by the garden and even sitting at his window in the bedroom he occupied when the American was there, even falling asleep in the same chair as he would usually do when the Ambassador would make his way indoors. Of course to anyone observing, it would look as though the American has fallen ill or is inside reading his mountain of books as usual or writing something or to someone.

That night of the very next day, The Nomad walked the garden as he usually would with the American.. just the Ambassador was not there with him. The Time Lord had his hands neatly behind his back, unknowingly walking straight to The Reaper.

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Armand waited silently and diligently under the dimly lit lamp post, unaware that his quarry, The American Ambassador was now long since gone, heading home. A nearby church tower tolled the hours away, indicating the late hour. He frowned as he heard foot steps approach.

The owner of these calmly approaching steps was not his target. The steps were light, confident, and the gait was far too long indicating the increase in height, compared to the man he was after. His icy blue eyes narrowed as he stepped away from the lamp post and into the walk path to meet the man upon the path.

That frown turned into a slight sneer as he recognized the man. The Ambassador's loyal body guard. He bowed his head politely, tipping the brim of that silken hat back. "Good evening, Monsieur." His tone was anything but welcoming. There was a certain air if annoyance and disdain in his tone as he greeted the other time lord.

"You are not who I expected to see. Certainly not alone, in any case. Is the ambassador unwell?" He smirked, as he scoffed. He almost could not contain his amusement as he asked the question of Jefferson's health. Ill or not, if hardly mattered to Armand. But he was perplexed none the less that This Body guard had come alone. Armand was no fool, after all.

"Let us cut to the chase Monsieur, I have a rather tight schedule to maintain. Where is the American?" While his features were placid and cool, his voice was the epitome evil as those deep dulcet tones inquired the Ambassador's whereabouts. "And please.. Dont think me a fool, I shall know if you are lying, Mon Ami"

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The Nomad's gait would tell anyone near by that he was for one, confident and that he was one that you do not really want to mess with. Although it will take a lot to get on this Time lord's bad side. Coming around the corner he saw a rather, tall, slim figured man step away from a lamp post. Leo kept his posture and his gaze the same, to look as though the Ambassador was still here and was doing his job to the best of detail possible.

That frown turned into a slight sneer as he recognized the man. The Ambassador's loyal body guard. He bowed his head politely, tipping the brim of that silken hat back. "Good evening, Monsieur." His tone was anything but welcoming. There was a certain air if annoyance and disdain in his tone as he greeted the other time lord.

The Time Lord came to a stop, stopping he returned the other Time Lord's bow with one of his own, "Good evening sir." He replied, but he caught a slight tone that was not welcoming at all. So much for the pleasantries.. at least this Time Lord was polite.. but who knows how long that will last. He straightened himself out, putting his arms behind his back as they last were.

"You are not who I expected to see. Certainly not alone, in any case. Is the ambassador unwell?" He smirked, as he scoffed.

Now the Nomad was going to play the next part, being the blind fool, "Not who you expected to see? Whom were you expecting to meet?" He shook his head, "I can' tell you the Ambassador has fallen ill with the Flu and has been ordered to strictly stay in bed.. He is not to leave his bed until his health improves." The Time Lord said, now he was just going to have to wait to see if The Reaper will fall for it.

"Let us cut to the chase Monsieur, I have a rather tight schedule to maintain. Where is the American?" While his features were placid and cool, his voice was the epitome evil as those deep dulcet tones inquired the Ambassador's whereabouts. "And please.. Dont think me a fool, I shall know if you are lying, Mon Ami"

The Time Lord blinked, shifting some on his feet, really acting as though he really wanted to get back to doing his job. Acting like a drunken fool again, "Oh I am certain that you have a tight schedule my friend.. The Ambassador is back at the mansion.. where else could he be?" The Nomad asked The Reaper, he looked up at the sky, "It is getting dark.. I better get back before someone comes out looking for me.." He gave the Time Lord a short bow, "Good evening." He beckoned before turning around and started the short track back to the mansion, there he will just have to wait. Keeping his gait and speed the same as he walked along the path, he could quite tell that the Time Lord was following him.

Walking up to the mansion door, he opened it, then stepped inside, purposely leaving the door partially open. No one was in the building, just The Nomad. Walking into the kitchen he picked up an apple and started eating it as he walked out to the living room, then up the stair and to his bedroom. Silently closing the door behind him. He knew that the moment the other Time Lord did not find this Ambassador that he would come looking for The Nomad.

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Reaper's icy blue eyes narrowed as Leo nonchalantly walked away from him. Something was out of place. That much was certain. If the ambassador was ill, then he was vulnerable. Why would the time lord have left his side? As the worled turned under his feet, he could feel a shift in the fix and flux of this world's time line. If he was to terminated Jefferson, he had to act now so that it could not be undone.

He made his way to the estate with a quickened pace, that long flowing blond hair trailing behind him. His silk hat fell off at the speed he was moving, but The Reaper didnt bother to stop for it. That hat was the least of his worries. Reaper prided himself on always being successful with his contracts. He'd never failed to eliminate someone. This upstart, Leo, was NOT about tarnish this prestigious record.

He caught up in very little time, and pushed the door open, noticing it was left ajar. His jaw squared in annoyance. He listened carefully and closed his eyes. The estate was empty save for himself and one other. The time lord. He could smell him. He draw his sword from the walking cane and called out. "I warn you, sir, I am not a patient man. Don't make me come find you"

[Deleted]

He draw his sword from the walking cane and called out. "I warn you, sir, I am not a patient man. Don't make me come find you"

Leo leaned back in his seat as the Time Lord continued to eat the apple in his hand, he loved apples, they were sweet and juicy, these ones were anyways. Crossing one leg over the other he could not quite hear what The Reaper was saying. Finished with the apple he tossed it into the bin and got out of his chair.

Putting his hand to his lower back he rubbed at it lightly as the pain slowly drifted away, "Alright.. let's see what the young man wants." He said to himself as Leo quietly strolled down the hallway to the stairs, walking down he sneaked into the other room.

"So.. you are here for the Ambassador I see.. well you wasted your time.." Nomad yelled from where he stood, "I am afraid that he has left." He told the Reaper, he could only imagine how angry the Time Lord was now, "Your lad told me everything that you were planning."

[Deleted]

Reaper's eyes narrowed at Leo's words and he squared his jaw. Not exactly angry, but obviously deeply perturbed. But after a moment, he'd taken a moment to calm and smiled, not a warm smile, mind you. This smile was anything but comforting. "Then you will simply take the ambassador's place, Monsieur." and leveled the blade at Leo.

Suddenly there stand off was more of a dance. Every step that the rival time lord took, Reaper matched and shadowed, almost anticipating him.

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Reaper's eyes narrowed at Leo's words and he squared his jaw. Not exactly angry, but obviously deeply perturbed. But after a moment, he'd taken a moment to calm and smiled, not a warm smile, mind you. This smile was anything but comforting. "Then you will simply take the ambassador's place, Monsieur." and leveled the blade at Leo.

The Time Lord carefully listened to The Reaper, "Well that is the plan yes." Nomad told the other Time Lord. Then to his surprise the blade was directly pointed at Leo's throat, he was not expecting to be found that quick.. especially in a dark room. He guessed the man learned a trick with all his killings on how to find his targets in almost total darkness.

With every move that Nomad made, the other Time Lord mirrored him perfectly, so now what? Well he was going to be coming up with any other plans. As Leo tripped on something and fell backwards, the back of his head hitting something hard enough to cause him to see stars and everything around him to be seen strangely.

Groaning Nomad put his hand to the back of his head. Then looked up to see Reaper standing over him, with a bad blur. The Time Lord closed his eyes and shook his head to try and clear it. Looking back up to the other Time Lord again, this time his vision was a little bit better.