Cairo, Kingdom of Egypt
Thursday, February 5th, 1925

---

Fredde ten Boom landed her airplane at the Heliopolis Aerodome, a journey that thanks to clement weather had taken only the better part of two days, with one leg from London to Athens, and a shorter one from Athens to Cairo, seeing their arrival in Egypt around mid day of the second day of their journey. Thanks to the Harry's engaging the outiftter in London and securing their permits, as well as their status as Europeans, their firearms and liquor both go without question. A short journey on the Express Railway saw their arrival into the bustling city of Cairo.

Signage in both English and Arabic seemed to dot the city as they saw it, but nearly all they heard spoken through the buzz of conversations that came unintentionally into their soundscape was Arabic. Natives and foreigners alike packed the streets and moved through in a manner of organized chaos. Vendors pulled carts that called out the goods they were hawking, and horse drawn carts and the occasional automobile slowly made their way through the streets, cutting a way through the thick crowd of milling pedestrians.

Near the station itself there were a series of horse drawn carriages waiting, as if for passengers departing the train and needing transport to a destination nearby. A request, recommended to Leo by his friend Lord Balfour, takes them to Shepheard's Hotel. Physically, Shepheard’s is impressive. It is four stories high, has a colonnaded foyer and portico at its entrance, and cupola towers at each corner. Very likely, a view from its upper floors would see out onto most of Cairo from this location.

As they arrived, porters rushed to assist with bringing their bags into the hotel, attending to the task with alacrity as they were escorted toward the front desk. A well dressed Egyptian clerk greeted them warmly.

"Good day, sirs and madams. What name is your reservation under?"

Although Cairo intrigued him, as most of the ancient cities of the Near East did, McNeil’s immediate concern was that he’d simply not had enough liquor to face the afternoon. Within the close quarters of the aircraft, he’d been forced to be surreptitious about his drinking, relying on short nips from his flask when the opportunity presented itself. As a result, he’d stepped into the streets of the Egyptian city with a touch of cold sweat playing at his neck and forehead, and being nowhere near the comfortable place of numbness that he craved, the alcohol soaked point of consciousness where he was able to freely apply logic to whatever puzzle presented itself, while his emotions fell, for the most part, blissfully silent. He earnestly hoped that the privacy of a hotel room would provide him the chance to catch up.

By virtue of the hustle of the porters, McNeil ended up at the clerk’s desk a few steps ahead of his employers. Summoning a polite smile, he said, ”I believe the reservation would be under the name Elias.”

"I have you down for three rooms, is that correct, sir?" he asked, addressing Dominic. The man had a light but noticeable Egyptian accent; from the surroundings of the opulent hotel and the faces of many of its patrons, he was clearly accustomed to dealing with Western clientele.

Harry Price was glad to have arrived in Egypt alive. While not afraid of flying it was not as comfortable as travel by train, and the absence of a bar made it downright uncivilized. Perhaps in the future, some bright fellow would come up with some means to deliver alcohol to passengers.

Having engaged Tiny proved genius as have the man's muscle handling Harry's quite heavy luggage. Harry could have packed lighter, but not having the proper attire was not an acceptable solution.

"Yes, we had wired ahead for three rooms with a request that they all be adjacent and at least one being a suite, and all with private bath if possible." Price said as he lit a cigarette.

Tiny enters the hotel with great enthusiasm, carrying five pieces of luggage. He is followed by several hotel porters lugging the rest of the groups luggage.  Talking slowly he explains, "BE CAREFUL WITH THE BAGS! SET THEM DOWN SLOWLY THERE. NOW GOOD LADS."

After he, and they, have set the bags down, Tiny takes out some cash and pays the porters a reasonable amount. He then joins Major Price at the clerks' desk. "Looks like everything made it major, and with no breakage."

The aviatrix bounds up the steps, carrying a worn kit sak slung from her shoulder and a cased shotgun under her arm. She stretches as she looks around the lobby for the hotel bar and the dining room.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:00, Fri 01 Feb 2019.

Leo nodded at the suggestion of what the reservation would be under, then took care of paying the porters for their work - with a little extra for having taken good care of their things. He next employed the bellhop staff to take over. He was too old to be lugging things up to his room.

He looked forward to getting a chance to sit a bit, think, and read. Though of course there would also be some planning. There was always planning these days.

"Yes, you are most correct, sir. This is exactly the reservation I have for you."

Even from within, the opulence of the hotel was notable, characterized by stained glass windows, Persian carpets, gardens, terraces, and great granite pillars resembling those of the Ancient Egyptian temples. And it was into this serene and pristine atmosphere that Tiny came tromping in, speaking slowly and loudly at the porters.

The man at the desk looked momentarily alarmed, as if the owner of a China shop in which a bull had entered, but quickly brought his face back to its previous expression.

"I'll have your bags sent up to the rooms," he said, placing two sets of keys in McNeil's hands, and handing one set to Price.

"We have plenty of porters on hand for this duty. Kindly inform your companion here that he need not trouble himself. We are quite accustomed to European and American guests. Please do let us know if there is anything else we can do for you."

---

A short walk to the elevator took them up to their rooms, which gave them a good view of the city. At their direction, the porters moved the appropriate items of luggage into the appropriate room based on who was rooming with who. After inquiring once more if there was anything additional they needed, the group was left to their own devices.

When asked if there was anything else required Harry nodded, and handed the porters a tip "Some bottled water please."


"Perhaps as far as arrangements, Tiny and I can bunk together, which leaves McNeil and Dr. Elias in another room. Might be best if the ladies were in the middle." Price suggested he looked the place over.

"I think I am in need of a hot bath. After that what is the plan?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:29, Wed 23 Jan 2019.

”I would suggest that we travel to the Old Quarter first. Locate the shop of this Faraz Najir, the merchant that had contacted Roger Carlyle,” McNeil said. ”There are several ways we could approach Najir, but it might benefit us to conceal our connection to Jackson, and to present ourselves as potential customers that are interested in the strange and unusual.”

"That sounds like a very good plan. Perhaps Mr. McNeil,as you are the one least likely to be connected to Elias and with a profession that would lead you into a shop of this nature, you would be the best one to lead such an excursion with one or two of us, while the rest could easily be standing nearby hopefully going unnoticed as nothing more than tourists shopping." Harry replied as he lit a cigarette.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:54, Fri 25 Jan 2019.

"Looks like we'll be roommates, Miss Elias," Fredde says to Rosalie with a grin, "I'm told I snore a bit. Hope there's two beds, 'cause I'm also told I kick."

Listening in on Dominic's idea, Fredde comments: "Sounds like we'll be needing some transport. I'll find out where one leases or buys automobiles in this town."

She crosses to the telephone and calls down to the concierge's desk to ask about used car (and motorcycle) dealers.

”I’ve no objections to being the one to contact Najir,” McNeil said with a nod, ”As you say, I can easily justify the visit under the auspices of professional curiosity. Though, I would be appreciative if others were nearby, in the event something unexpected unfolds.”

The concierge answers the phone call placed by Fredde, sounding surprised by the inquiry:

"You wish to buy an automobile, or a motorcycle, miss? Are you certain? It is very expensive to do so, and not the best way of getting around the city. Our recommendation here at the hotel is that guests interested in seeing the city hire a guide to help locate places of interest and navigate around the city. As far as getting around physically, there is a tram system - and we can provide you a complimentary tram guide. Better than a car, there are Victoria carriages that you can hire, and they can be found all over the city for an inexpensive rate."

Leo nodded at the plan that was being hatched. "That sounds like a good idea. We can have a pair of us in either direction should the need arise."

In reply to The Keeper (msg # 14):

"Do I understand that you cannot tell me where I might acquire a motorcar or motorcycle?" Fredde says in a frosty manner.

In reply to Fredde ten Boom (msg # 16):

"Insha Allah," he grumbled quietly before responding in an equally frosty tone:

"Not at all, Miss. If you wish to procure an automobile, which we advise against for reasons mentioned previously, we suggest that you contact the Eastern Automobiles Supplies & Transport Company. They are located on Sharia el Marasik, just past the mosque."
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:06, Sat 26 Jan 2019.

In reply to Dr. Leonardo Elias (msg # 15):

Tiny begins putting away his kit and says, "I'll be happy ta play a rich, 'onorable tourist or act as someones bodyguard. Just let me know what you want me to do." He continues putting away his kit.

"Well, a few foreign couples shopping nearby should not stand out too much."

"Who speaks like local lingo?" Price asked trying to figure out the best pairing.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:59, Sat 26 Jan 2019.

"I have a reasonable command of Arabic," Rosalie offered.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:34, Sat 26 Jan 2019.

"Nah, sorry, just Bantu and Dutch. I know where we can get a car though."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:55, Sat 26 Jan 2019.

”I’m afraid that my language skills are geared toward the Far East. China and Siam.” McNeil admitted.

Leo shook his head. "My study of language was more geared toward the study of medical textbooks. If we meet any Romans here I can speak Latin with them."

"Ego in eadem navi"

"Though I do speak some French and German I picked up as well. Though it is mostly limited to ordering wine and demanding surrender." Price replied without a hint of humor.

"As loathe as I am to suggest it, perhaps it would be useful to have Miss Elias with you or very nearby to eavesdrop. People are prone to speak very openly in their native tounge if they think you can not savvy their lingo. It is a strategy I sometimes employ in my practice when dealing with a foreign party." Price suggested.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:08, Mon 28 Jan 2019.

"I'd be glad to accompany Mr. McNeil on his errand," she said, "and agree that it would be well to have others nearby. That said, I believe that we'll be needing to figure out how to get wherever it is we're going. This city is in so many ways breathtaking, but definitely a warren."

Leo nodded. "I thought I saw some guides that were looking to be hired back near the port. Though perhaps the hotel will have suggestions in that regard."

”I’ll go down and speak with the concierge,” McNeil volunteered, ”Tell him we’re hoping to buy some antiques and see some of the sights in the Old Quarter. That we need someone knowledgeable to steer us.”

He made his way back to the lobby, in search of the concierge.

Making his way back to the lobby, McNeil easily drew the concierge's attention. He listened to the inquiry politely, and nodded.

"Ah, yes. You require a dragoman to guide you through the city. We would recommend nothing less. Let me see if one of the people we work with is available," he said, pulling out a thick book and sifting through it quickly to the most recent page, and running his finger down a couple of rows, before a satisfied smile came onto his face.

"I was concerned that we wouldn't have anyone available, but there are a couple of them that I can recommend, depending on your need. There is a Mr. Reginald Fortworthy, an Englishman who has made Egypt his home. He speaks the best English of any of the guides, of course, and is very familiar with the most frequently desired tourist attractions and is very well connected in Cairo society. Also, there is Asim. He is a former serviceman and works sometimes as a digger for expeditions, so he speaks good English and some French and German even. He knows both the new city and the old city well, so if you may wish to get off the beaten path, he might be the one for you," he said.

"There are other guides, of course, that will offer themselves into your service if you go nearer the port, if neither of the gentlemen I mentioned seem to fit the bill, though you will be on your own there as to assessing their qualifications and strengths."

Leo nodded at Dominic. "Please let us know what you find."

He turned back to the others. "So how should we arrange ourselves?"

In reply to Dr. Leonardo Elias (msg # 29):

Fredde looks up from rolling a cigarette.

"Me, I can kip down anyplace I can unroll a blanket, but seems like Miss Elias and I should share. Unless she has a prior arrangement, that is." Her eyes slide toward Harry.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:55, Fri 01 Feb 2019.

Leo shook his head. "I was referring to the meeting with this gentleman, Mister Najir."

She settled Fredde with a brief, but frosty glance, otherwise ignoring the woman's implications.

”Would it be possible for you to put me in contact with Asim?” McNeil asked, ”Given our group’s interests and itinerary, he sounds as though he would be well equipped to assist us.”

In reply to Rosalie Elias (msg # 32):

Fredde gives Rosalie a raised eyebrow. She shrugs, pops a match with her thumbnail, and ignites her cigarette. She blows a smoke ring at the ceiling.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:00, Sat 02 Feb 2019.

"I will send a messenger over to him, letting him know that you wish to engage his services. He will meet you here at the hotel, and you can negotiate a rate with him directly. Do you know how long this will be for?"

The concierge took down the information from McNeil, and then relayed it in a brief Arabic conversation with a young boy no older than twelve, who promptly made for the hotel exit, walking in a dignified manner, though McNeil saw him take off running as soon as he had cleared the doors.

"I believe he can meet you here in the hotel in an hour. I will ring up when he arrives if you would like, Mr. McNeil."

OOC:

I didn't want to hold up the interaction for the answer, but would be interested in knowing how long you plan to engage Asim's services for.

“I would appreciate that. Thank you for your help,” McNeil said politely, ”Please let Asim know that we will likely be in need of his services for a week, possibly two.”

Returning to the suite, he related the details of his talk with the concierge to the others, along with his selection of Asim. ”I have the sense that we may end up well off the beaten path,” he told them, in explaining his decision.

”I have a friend, a fellow archaeologist, who is employed by the Egyptian Museum. I’m going to try to look him up, either late this afternoon or in the morning. Speak with him regarding Faraz Najir. See if he’s familiar with the man and his business practices.”

Harry ignored Freddie's joke by excusing himself for a quick bath before changing into a well tailored linen suit and a Panama hat.

Leo nodded at Dominic's suggestion. "That sounds like a good plan. Perhaps we should target the meeting with Mister Najir for tomorrow afternoon."

The physician touched his breast pocket. "I've a letter of introduction from Lord Balfour to one of his contacts here. I may try to connect with him tomorrow."

Once everyone had discussed their plans briefly, to speak to Faraz Najir the next day, they retreated to their rooms to freshen up, change clothes, and rest. McNeil was able to make contact with his friend at the Egyptian Museum, and set up an appointment for later that afternoon. Moments after he hung up the phone with the museum, the phone rang in McNeil's room again. Upon picking it up, he was greeted by the concierge.

"Mr. McNeil, Asim has arrived. Shall I send him up, or do you wish to come down to speak with him in the lobby?"

Fredde sits in the armchair of the room she is sharing with Rosalie, smoking and watching the other woman 'freshen up.'

Once installed in his quarters, McNeil changed into a fresh set of clothes. They were the same kind of garments he would choose for a dig, or for a day spent among the familiar streets of Bangkok: a camp shirt, canvas trousers, and boots. He had just finished filling his flask, and taking a long drink from the supplying bottle, when the concierge rang.

”I’ll be down momentarily,” he said in response to the inquiry. He took a moment to comb his hair and have one last sip of liquor before heading downstairs.

By the time McNeil arrived in the lobby again, the concierge waited there with a rather large man beside him.

"Mr. McNeil, this is Asim, the man I spoke to you of," he said. "I will leave the two of you to discuss your terms of engagement, but he has indicated that he is available for the indicated period."

"As-salam aleykum, Ustaaz," the large man greeted him. Asim's voice was deep, warm, and resonant. "I am told that you want for a guide for Cairo, and there is none better to meet your need than Asim. What sights do you wish to see?"

”’ahlaan” McNeil responded with a smile. ”I am glad to make your acquaintance, sir. My employers and I, we are hoping to see some portions of the city that are not as regularly visited by tourists. Among us, there is some interest in antiquities. It’s my understanding that there are dealers in such items of note in Cairo’s Old Quarter. That’s one of the first stops we wish to make.”

“I had hoped to retain your services for two weeks or so, Asim. I can assure you, you will be well compensated for your time.”

"Very good, Ustaaz. No one knows the old city like Asim, and people make way when I walk through," the large man said with a smile.

"For 40 piasters a day, I will guide you through these streets to any place you wish, and will be with you for that time, and can help you speak to people if you don't know Arabic well," he said, extending a hand to McNeil as if to shake on the deal.

OOC:

The exchange rate is $1 to 20 P.T. (piasters).

This message was deleted by the player at 22:42, Sun 10 Feb 2019.

In her room with Fredde, Rosalie patted her face dry and then began to button up her skirt.  Her eyes met the other woman's in the mirror.  "You are a queer sort, aren't you?" she commented.

Moving to her side of the room, she pulled a jacket from the clothes press and brushed it out with her hand.  If dressing casually was an art, Rosalie was a master.  She wasn't so foolish as to wear silks in the desert when linen breathed so beautifully.  Her suit was a smart cut that downplayed her figure, marking her as a tourist, but not one particularly of wealth or note.

She threw the woman another glance as she pinned on her hat.  "If you keep me up with your particularly loud snoring, you might find yourself smothered with a pillow by morning." 

In reply to Rosalie Elias (msg # 46):

"Yeah, I've always been different than most." Fredde shrugs. "I just do what I want and anyone doesn't like it, well... I don't let it bother me."

She shifts around to lace up her boots.

"Look here, though, Miss Elias, I'm not looking to get up your... That is, I don't want to fight with you. Let's be pals. I'm good to have in your corner, I promise you. Here's my hand on it."

Standing, she crosses a step to the other woman, her rough and weather-beaten hand extended.

"As for the snoring," she shrugs, "You wouldn't be the first to put a pillow over my face. No hard feelings, if you do. And if it gets too bad, like I say, I can always doss down in the sitting room or even the bathtub. Wouldn't be the first time for that either."

She laughs heartily.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:08, Tue 12 Feb 2019.

McNeil couldn’t help but feel an immediate kinship with the guide. They were both hirelings after all, their knowledge at the service of others’ will. For McNeil, it was the price he paid to live in relative freedom. He hoped Asim enjoyed some degree of liberty as well.

McNeil took Asim’s extended hand, returning a firm handshake. “Excellent. Your terms are more than reasonable.”

“Would you be able to meet me here first thing in the morning? There is a specific merchant in the Old Quarter I and my employers would like to visit tomorrow.”

He opened his wallet, counting out a week’s pay and handing it to Asim. “Shall we say around nine?”

"Very good, Ustaaz," he said, happily accepting the offered payment. "I will gladly be here at that appointed hour, or earlier if you wish." Asim bid him goodbye, promising again to meet him in the morning.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:07, Wed 13 Feb 2019.

Rosalie's hand was softer and feminine, but still strong as she gripped Fredde's.  Her gaze was direct and serious.  "Pals, then, or at least working at it.  Just how handy are you in a fight?  Backed into a corner?  What's your background?  These crazies have already killed my cousin and three other people I loved most in the world.  Chances are, we're going to die in the attempt to stop them.  So why get involved?"

In reply to Rosalie Elias (msg # 50):

A smile ghosts around Fredde's lips. "Haven't had a pal in a long time.

"I grew up around miners in the gold camps. I can fly an' drive better'n most men, brawl as well as many. I'm a fair shot. I don't like t'back down from anything.

"I don't like those that hurt my people an' I got nothin' I'd rather do than help you lot chase down this bunch an' put paid to 'em. Once I'm in, I'm in. I won't quit you."

"Good.  We've come too far to simply let it go now.  This isn't justice.  It's revenge."  Rosalie straightened her collar and smoothed down her jacket.  "I know we should probably get some rest for whatever we're going to be doing tomorrow, but I'm damned hungry.  You?"

"Like a starved hyaena," comes the grinning reply, "Let's eat, Ro."

Seeing the title of the book Dominic handed him, "Life as a God? Well, that certainly sounds promising."

Unless otherwise occupied Price will be engaged in reading the strange text.

Fredde doesn't quite stomp as she leaves Leo's presence, but it's clear she isn't pleased. She comes to a halt in front of Price where he sits reading some moth-eaten book.

"C'mon, Harry. Doc wants us t'go promote some transport. We'll stop at th' front desk an' get directions."

Price looks up, "Honestly I don't really see the value in acquiring an automobile here. This is an old city and none of us know it well."

"But probably best no one wonder around on their own. So I shall escort you.  In any case, I needed to speak with the concierge to ask for the last week's worth of English newspapers."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:57, Sun 17 Feb 2019.

Leo nodded at Price's commentary. "While I've never been to Cairo before, this doesn't seem a particularly good place for driving. These small, labyrinthine, er, passageways are hard enough to navigate on foot. I imagine driving is far more difficult."

After grabbing a bite to eat with Fredde and being entertained by the woman's eccentricities, Rosalie took her uncle's advice to accompany Dominic to meet his contact at the museum.  Not only did she have a fascination with the museum, itself, but she was interested in meeting Dr. Kafour.  Considering what had happened to Stanley, she also agreed it was best if no one traveled alone.

On her own, Fredde goes down to the front desk to get directions to the used auto dealers. She asks if she should hire an interpreter or will she be dealing with English-speaking dealers?
This message was last edited by the player at 14:36, Thu 21 Feb 2019.

While Dominic and Rosalie were away, Leo attempted to engage Tiny in conversation. "So, Tiny, what do you think of Cairo so far? This your first time here?"

In reply to Dr. Leonardo Elias (msg # 60):

About that time, Tiny finishes putting away his kit and responds, "Yes sir, I've been in Cairo once before.  During the Great War one of the missions was on was the Gallipoli Campaign.  I was a proud to be in the Plymouth Battalion Royal Marine Light Infantry.  Well, the Turks took a toll, me being hit in the side.  I was patched up, pulled from the line and sent to Cairo for several weeks, 'fore being shipped back to England for a complete heal.

I was able to take in a few 'sites' in the last few days in Cairo.  I don't think you or the major would have been caught dead in a couple of them.  Enlisted folks, no brass.  I did get to see the Pyramids on one outing, they were just unbelievable."

Leo nodded. "Good that you have some experience here. It is...very different than New York, that's for certain. Which pyramids did you visit?"

In reply to Dr. Leonardo Elias (msg # 62):

Tiny thinks for a few seconds, "Sir, me and me new found mates went to see the three biggest, just outside Cairo, at ahh Gez...Giz... ahh Giza. Biggest things I've ever seen. Didn't get to climb any, was still a bit weak, also passed on donkey or camel rides.  I did not get to the Egyptian Museum though, I had to leave. But surely wanted to see it, maybe I'll get a chance this trip.
Don't know much about New York, but you're probably right, Cairo is very different. At least Cairo's different from everywhere else I've been."

After some time, the newspapers that Price requested were delivered to his room.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:22, Mon 25 Feb 2019.

Having received the papers, Price quite experienced at scanning the news for stories that might impact one of his clients or perhaps provide a lead to a new client made quick work of the pile of newspapers.

"Not very much of interest, but I did come across one story."

"One article discusses an expedition that is currently excavating at Giza. Called The Clive expedition, they recently unearthed the mummy of an unknown female from a secret chamber in the smallest of the three Great Pyramids. Several authorities have speculated that it is Queen Nitocris, a mysterious figure of the Sixth Dynasty."

"Before tests could be carried out or the mummy unwrapped, the sarcophagus and contents disappeared, to the bewilderment of all concerned. Considerable efforts by the police have turned up no leads. The site was well guarded, and only one entrance to the secret chamber existed."

"The byline is a Nigel Wassif. Nigel is an interesting name for an Egyptian."

"Even if it is not related this fellow has excellent English and he is certainly better informed about these local digs then are we. I think I shall go for a stroll and see if I can have a chat with this Mr Wassif."

Leo nodded. “An excellent idea. Take Tiny with you. I may try to find a library that may contain information on ancient Egyptian Queens once Fredde returns.”

"Tiny you feel like stretching those tree trunks you call legs?" Price asked the big man as he made his own preparations to go out and see the newspaper man.

In reply to Harry Price (msg # 67):

Tiny responds instantly, "Yes sir, I 'ave been chompin at the bit to get out and about.  These 'ere are nice rooms, but there's a lot to see in old Cairo, major." Tiny does a quick inventory of his possessions and almost runs to the door.

Price examined the News Paper for an address and tucked the copy with the article under his arm.

"Excellent." Price said.

With his walking stick in hand, and tow, Price headed out to meet with Nigel Wassif.

Leo waived Price over. "Hold on a sec - let me write down the spelling of that Queen. Nitocris was it?" Leo looked at the paper and scratched the name down on a piece of paper.

"Good luck, gentlemen."

He then settled in to wait for Fredde to return.

As Harry and Tiny emerge from the hotel, they hear a rattling roar and Fredde pulls up to the kerb astride a motorcycle (of sorts) cobbled together from the salvage of three or four various machines.

She pushes her goggles up to her forehead as she hails them: "What ho, gents! Anybody fancy a ride around the block?"

Fredde quickly realizes that she is mistaken upon further inspection; the men she is looking at are not in fact, Harry and Tiny, but two men of a similar physical bearing. What a coincidence! Casting her eyes across the street by chance, she can see that the real Harry and Tiny were at that same moment, entering the offices of the Cairo Bulletin, before disappearing from view.

"I don't know who Harry and Tiny are, but I'll be happy for a ride," said one of the men she had mistakenly thought was Harry.

OOC:

15:24, Today: The Keeper, on behalf of Fredde ten Boom, rolled 20 using 1d100 with rolls of 20.  Spot Hidden (60%).
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:29, Wed 27 Feb 2019.

In reply to The Keeper (msg # 72):

"Sorry, chum, mistaken identity. But I'll let ya buy me a gin later if we run into each other in th' bar."

Fredde asks the doorman where she can find a garage or secure parking for her bike.

The man and his pal seemed easily enough to laugh off the situation and went on their own way.

The doorman seemed unfamiliar with the concept of a garage, and when she described it, he didn't know of such a building and hadn't seen one.

"We do not have a designated parking area, other than along the street in front of the hotel," he said, gesturing to the street in front of the hotel where a handful of pristine looking automobiles were neatly parked, roughly a dozen yards away from where he stood. "You can park it right here, sir, and I am sure it will be fine. Whoever is on duty will look after it from here."

Fredde parks her bike at the curb and goes into the hotel. She stops at the bar for a pink gin before going upstairs.

Entering the almost empty suite, she calls out, "Hey, Doc, where is everybody?"

Leo looked up from the book he was perusing. "Ah, Fredde. Good to see you back. The others have gone to see if they could dig up some information from acquaintances or reporters. I would like to see if there is a library that might have some information on one of the tombs that is of interest to us. Once you're ready, we can go together - I assume you'd like a few minutes before we leave?"

In reply to Dr. Leonardo Elias (msg # 76):

Fredde runs her fingers through her disheveled hair from front to back and glances in a mirror.

"Right. All set, Doc. We can take my new bike, if ya fancy riding pillion."

Leo paused a moment then nodded. ”Sounds good, Fredde. I’ll need to change my attire for riding, though. Let’s meet in the lobby in fifteen minutes.”

Leo headed out to change into something sturdier and then down to the concierge to find out about nearby libraries.

Fredde passes the time with another pink gin.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:47, Tue 19 Mar 2019.

Leo made his way downstairs wearing a brown leather jacket, sturdy khaki trousers, and a loose, beige shirt. The jacket would be warm, but necessary to avoid more pain than he would otherwise experience should the worst come to pass. He could deal with a little bit of extra heat for a few minutes.

In reply to Dr. Leonardo Elias (msg # 80):

Fredde smiles when she catches sight of Leo. "Ya look swell, Doc, reg'lar man of adventure."

Outside, she settles Leo on a steel rack over the rear wheel, padded by an old blanket. Showing Leo where to set his feet to avoid the spokes, she guns the two-stroke engine into life, turning her head to shout back at Leo over the clatter: "I'll take it easy, Doc! Just punch a shoulder to tell me which way t'turn!"

With a glance at the oncoming traffic, vehicular and pedestrian (not to mention animal) she spurts away from the curb.

"Well thank you, Fredde. A moment before we go, though."

He went over to the concierge desk. "Pardon, can you tell me about libraries in Cairo?"

"There are many libraries in Cairo, but several of them are privately held in various clubs, or by different historical societies or universities, which can generally be restrictive in their granting of access to non-students, especially foreigners. If you're looking for a research library, I would recommend the library at the Egyptian Museum, where you can find many primary sources and scholarly collections that delve into subjects at depth. If you seek something more casual, more for light reading or light surveys, there's the American University of Cairo," the concierge said, clearly accustomed to fielding this inquiry.

Leo nodded. "Excellent, thank you. Do you have a map of the city so that I can find the two libraries you mentioned?"

The man shook his head.

"Cairo is very labyrinthine, good sir, but you should not need a map. Our advice for your safety is that you take a horse carriage - which we call here a Victoria or a kalesh, many of which are easily available and can be hailed anywhere in the streets. Your driver will be able to find all of these locations. If you do not speak Arabic, I will be more than happy to help you hail one and inform them of the locations that you wish to visit," he said, coming out from behind the desk, intent on helping to hail a carriage and give directions.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:38, Fri 22 Mar 2019.

Leo followed the concierge outside and then put his fingers into his mouth and whistled loudly. "Oi! Fredde! We need to take one of these horse carriages. They'll know how to get us where we need to go."

Fredde looks up from the saddle of her bike. She nods to Leo, flicks her cigarette into the street and saunters down to join him.

"Bike'd be faster."

Leo nodded. "It sure would be. If you know how to get the libraries through these labyrinthine...passageways."

The concierge successfully hailed a kalesh as Leo and Fredde were talking, and quickly rattled off some information in Arabic, and the driver seemed to agree. The concierge then informed Leo of what the estimated costs would be to get to those destinations.

"These people, they do not speak English, but we get enough tourists that they can recognize the most prominent places that you want to go. You can say the name of the hotel, and they'll bring you here. If they don't know that, you can just say 'hotel,' and they'll likely either bring you back here or to the Semiramis," he said, pointing to another well appointed looking hotel across the street.

"Likewise, the terms 'American University' or 'Egyptian Museum' will get you where you need to go. Neither place are very far, and both should have staff capable of helping you if you feel that the drivers don't understand your intentions properly."

"Excellent, thank you." Leo passed an appropriate sum of money to the concierge for his aid then gestured for Fredde to take a seat first.

Leo then settled in. "Egyptian Museum, please."

Fredde settles into her seat with a heavy sigh, resigned to poking through the crowded streets at a snail's pace.

She intends to memorize their route so that she can carry the Doc back to his library, if needed.