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05:39, 19th March 2024 (GMT+0)

31 March 1925: A Week Later...

Posted by The KeeperFor group 0
Molly 'Mungo' Fuller
player, 298 posts
Reporter for the
London Scoop.
Mon 15 Jul 2013
at 00:57
  • msg #65

Re: 31 March 1925: A Week Later...

Molly nodded as the Count talked and then looked over at their new friends.  "While I appreciate any help you might give us, I do want to stress that safety cannot be guaranteed.  People will not believe what you know is true and your family and friends will be in danger.  Your body and soul will be in danger."

She then paused, whether it was dramatic effect or out of pure concern was hard to say.
Imam Muhammad Al-Nasir
Mon 15 Jul 2013
at 06:23
  • msg #66

Re: 31 March 1925: A Week Later...

In reply to Alexander Hussein Mahfouz (msg # 62):

The Imam nodded.

"Yes, these are real. They are demons, efrit, sent to do the bidding of the Black Brotherhood.

"This infidel, Tewfik, he is but the servant of a demon lord, the accursed Dark Pharaoh that our people do not speak of."

Alexander Hussein Mahfouz
player, 38 posts
Expedition facilitator.
Mon 15 Jul 2013
at 07:13
  • msg #67

Re: 31 March 1925: A Week Later...

Captain Mahfouz listens to the Doctor speak, but understands nothing of what he says, the words uttered being meaningless to the Egyptian.

Shan Taeks...Azathoth.....Does he mean Thoth? he thinks.

After the Count, Miss Fuller and the Imam have spoken, the Captain continues, his anger abated, having been taken over by a cool professionalism.

"Okay. I think we can safely say that though I may not understand the exact form of the dangers to be faced , that I do now understand that I will be facing both mental and physical danger. One that could lead to mine and my family's death. So be it. You may think that I am not taking this seriously enough, but I am. Since Independence my country has become a dangerous place for one such as I and for my family too,and because of this I have safe guards in place for our protection. If it is as bad as you say, then I shall send them to their family abroad, until your....Our...Business is concluded. And Miss Fuller though your concern is flattering, my wife is a strong woman and will accept what I tell her. It is not the first time she has watched her husband ride off to his possible demise, or faced her own dangers. Cairo can be a dangerous place....

Anyway enough of the drama. I thank you all for your candour and if anything the horrors you have mentioned have steeled my reserve.

So, please tell me how I can be of assistance?"

Cynthia Jane Holloway
player, 405 posts
Dilettante
Globetrotting Free Spirit
Mon 15 Jul 2013
at 13:57
  • msg #68

Re: 31 March 1925: A Week Later...

"We'll need a guide in the country, likely through the Nile valley and on into Kenya. There's a 'Mountain of the Black Winds' which features frequently in the evidence we've found so far. We'll need to be able to travel without alerting those who may be looking for us, which I suspect means we'll be avoinding the common roads where feasible. I believe Mr. Falcon will be arranging travel to Egypt and we may have use of his vehicle once we arrive.

"Regarding payment ... you are welcome to forego your own costs, of course. But we have a budget for this, and it will be put into a trust to be released to your family, should it become necessary. On your return, you may disperse the funds to whichever cause you feel could most benefit from it. We must fight evil on every front."


She softens for a moment from her rigid, business demeanor.

"You probably do want to move your family somewhere safe. Tefwik and his breed are brigands of the worst sort. They won't hesitate to hurt those around you if they think it will stop you."
Alexander Hussein Mahfouz
player, 40 posts
Expedition facilitator.
Mon 15 Jul 2013
at 15:21
  • msg #69

Re: 31 March 1925: A Week Later...

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg # 68):

"Wonderful, thank you Miss Holloway. The Count here seems to think this Tefwilk is already dead, so perhaps we shall not have to worry about him at all. But yes I shall protect my family by sending them abroad. Though I think you will be surprised when you get to Cairo to see exactly the amount of influence I have there, both official and unofficial."

Alexander bows his head at the lady and then continues.

A guide I can be, though I'm presuming that if you have a plane you shall want to fly straight to kenya when your work is done in Egypt. Otherwise it is train, boat and automobile if you wish to go overland to Kenya. Though we can go by sea.

And the delicate matter of money, yes.... It is good you have funds, because though I will be gratis, unfortunately many things will not be so...

My home in Cairo is spacious enough to house all of you and is located in Gezirat Boulaq, an island on the Nile and very close to the Museum, library, university and many of the various clubs. Some of which I can gain you membership off. My cars will be put at your disposal and I shall provide drivers and guards when necessary.

If this is not to your liking I can arrange suites at the Shepheard Hotel for a reduced price.

All paperwork will be smoothed over for your trip, though this will need funds to help speed the process up. You will fly, yes? This can be done with little fanfare, but you must inform me of anything that you might not want the authorities to have knowledge of. I have contacts within the military and could arrange for you to land at one of their aerodromes if you so wish.

As for Kenya and the Sudan, I still have many colleagues there from my time in the political service and army, so this will no doubt be useful to you all.

Is there any information that you can give me before we leave, about this cult and where it may be based? Anything would be useful at this stage so that I can get my people ready. They could track down addresses, watch suspects.

Also a list of anything that you may want for me to provide for you.

Do any of you speak Arabic?"

Molly 'Mungo' Fuller
player, 302 posts
Reporter for the
London Scoop.
Mon 15 Jul 2013
at 15:34
  • msg #70

Re: 31 March 1925: A Week Later...

Molly secretly loved Cynthia's father also.  Not in the usual sense but anybody who was willing to throw cash for adventure couldn't be all bad.

Molly shook her head at Alexander.  "I'm afraid that I don't speak the language although this might be a good time to start to learn.  John-Marc is an excellent pilot and I'm sure we could get a plane chartered."

She did perk up at the sound of a gala event being held.  "Oh it does sound like a marvelous idea. Always good to temper the bad with the good.  I'm sure that I will be most happy to play the tourist and snap a ton of photographs.  Perhaps I might even convince Uncle to let me write a travel column.  Assuming that it is not going to be secret.  It could be a very good cover for our exploration too.  Give us reasons to poke our lovely heads into places and snap pictures."
Alexander Hussein Mahfouz
player, 42 posts
Expedition facilitator.
Mon 15 Jul 2013
at 15:57
  • msg #71

Re: 31 March 1925: A Week Later...

"Yes it might be worth hashing out a few ideas for why you are in Cairo. You can be my guests of course which makes perfect sense, met whilst I have been here and invited back to sample Cairo's hospitality, before venturing forth on a guided tour of the country's sights.

This means I can easily introduce you all to members of society and the government. The downside of this is that you will most certainly be in the papers.

Otherwise, you can be 'Paying customers', a far more private state of affairs. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.

Miss Fuller, I can arrange you access to many of the country's important personages if this will help you. Members of the government, artists, scholars, sportsmen and women, and of course the Royal family if you so wished. Something I might add that without my patronage you would find hard to do. Please forgive me, for as you know Egypt is an Islamic nation and their values are not as enlightened as those of 1925 Great Britain when it comes to women.

Talking of which my wife would be delighted to make both your's and Miss Holloway's acquaintance. Though she too is Egyptian we met at the 1908 olympics, here in London as a matter of fact, as her uncle was representing Greece in the shooting events. She is a....Modern woman to say the least.

Hopefully you will get the chance before she and my children depart Cairo for safer climes."


Alexander smiles at both women present.
Molly 'Mungo' Fuller
player, 303 posts
Reporter for the
London Scoop.
Mon 15 Jul 2013
at 16:38
  • msg #72

Re: 31 March 1925: A Week Later...

It sounds delightful.  I would like to meet with your wife.  I'm sure she would have the most wonderful insight as to how i  will have to dress.  Needless to say, I do not think that most people in your country would tolerate my preferred dress code.  I shall, however, attempt to fit in more so as not to cause too much undue stress upon my delightful host and his family.  I would be most gracious to any and all connections you can manage to make.  As you have no doubt observed, being in the press is something that I grew up around.  I do not think my uncle would recognize me if he didn't see my name here and there."

Molly glanced over at John-Marc and gave him a wink, just because she could.
Count Sigismund Bathony
player, 425 posts
Antiquarian Book Dealer
Owner Abingdon Rare Books
Tue 16 Jul 2013
at 01:26
  • msg #73

Re: 31 March 1925: A Week Later...


The Count sat thinking for a moment especially at what the Doctor had said.

We also require permits to carry firearms and to possess automatic weapons. Also are you able to procure weapons and explosives ?
John-Marc Falcon
player, 452 posts
Former Flt. Lt., RAF
Aeronautical Pioneer
Tue 16 Jul 2013
at 05:00
  • msg #74

Re: 31 March 1925: A Week Later...

JM speaks up as the arrangements start to solidify.

"Your assistance is greatly appreciated Captain.  I can see that you are a man of both honor and substance.  Please accept our apologies if we have cast any aspersions on either."  He frowns and glances to the Count.  "I would not count on Tefwilk being dead.  Villains such as him seem to have a way of surviving to plague the world again.  In that light it might be best to keep a low profile without skulking about.  Perhaps we might travel under assumed names?"

At the mention of travel he leans forward. "I possess a passenger aircraft that will hold eleven passengers comfortably.  We can fly directly to Egypt.  I suggest we land in a military aerodrome near Cairo rather than the commercial port.  It will make sabotage a bit more difficult if we are traced and attacked." 

JM smiles to Alexander.  "I served in the Levant and Cairo for three years during the War and speak a passable if accented Arabic."
Alexander Hussein Mahfouz
player, 46 posts
Expedition facilitator.
Tue 16 Jul 2013
at 07:49
  • msg #75

Re: 31 March 1925: A Week Later...

"If you already have weapons that you would like to bring with you, that should be no problem. I can arrange for permits here in London. I shall mention that we are crossing the Sudan to reach Kenya. There are enough Shiftas in both to ensure that there will no problem for us.

I can also procure us weapons once in Cairo if you would prefer, and explosives too. Geological studies, prospecting and archaeology are all good enough reasons, though If a problem, I shall not need to do much convincing with money in my hand."


Alexander smiles at the count

"I also have men in my employ who know how to wield them. Veterans from both the Egyptian and Sudanese army.

Good men and discreet. My foreman Salim bin Kabina, a much respected elder, is in charge of them and I shall alert him that we are expecting trouble. "


Alexander listens to the Flight Lieutenant and replies in plain understandable Arabic

"Wonderful, from now on with your permission, I shall speak to you in my mother tongue. It will be good practise.
Heliopolis Airdrome it is, one no doubt that you will be familiar with. I shall acquire all the necessary paperwork for you and will hire a hanger and your plane will be guarded day and night by British soldiers."

The Captain then swaps back to English, explaining what he just said and that he would be willing to teach people the basics of Arabic if they wanted.

"You are not required to know it, but it may help in the days ahead and using even the most basic words will earn respect when speaking to my men.

Now, assumed names... This can be done. It will be expensive if you wish to fool the authorities, but not too much of a problem if you wish to fool the general populace. Decide on your new names, careers and anything else and I will do the rest.

One final thing is that I suggest that you each make an appointment to visit a Doctor, at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Endsleigh Palace Hotel, near Euston station. If my memory serves me well it is number 25 Gordon Street. You will certainly need a supply of Quinine, but the Doctor will give you a valuable lesson in prevention and possible treatments of the various diseases you may come across. Money well spent in my opinion.

Is there anything else?"

Prof. Ralph T. Fulty
NPC, 63 posts
Archaeologist
University of Wisconsin
Tue 16 Jul 2013
at 10:25
  • msg #76

Re: 31 March 1925: A Week Later...

In reply to Alexander Hussein Mahfouz (msg # 71):

Professor Fulty laughed. "My Lord, this almost makes me want to join you! Of course, it's the unpleasant parts that I'm afraid would do me in. I recommend something subtle. When we arrived here in London after our voyage from New York, we stayed in the noted Park Lane hotel on Piccadilly. As befit our resources and station. We reasoned being in the public eye would protect us. Little did we know the depths of depravity the Dark Brotherhood would stoop to to protect themselves, although when we learned of the scores of unfortunates that were suspected to be their victims, we should have well guessed!"

Actually, JM had guessed. It was this fear that led him to obtain the run-down house to-let in Barking. When the inevitable attack came, it provided a useful place of refuge for those who were not native to London. JM's contacts among his fellow Free Masons had proved very valuable in arranging the use of the house on such short notice. This was before the Count's building of flats above his bookstore near Charing Cross were ready to receive them.

Fulty continued, making sure they weren't overheard.

"Early in our investigation, we were alerted by the good Detective Sergeant to Tewfik's possible involvement in the Soho Slayings. We got the bright idea to break into his warehouse, looking for evidence. We found some very strange occult materials, like inverted ankhs and a pair of sceptres. Later, we were hard on the heels of that rat, Gavigan, and while we were burgling the Penhew Foundation museum building, I think he sent his dog Tewfik to steal back that which we, ah, stole from him earlier. Plus some tomes we recovered from Roger Carlyle's study in New York. Someone broke into our rooms and took everything occult-related we'd amassed, plus much of our possessions. Tragically, we'd left Howard's manservant Simmons to guard our suites and he was cruelly attacked and murdered in a way the Detective Sergeant confirmed was the mark of the Brotherhood.

"Later, we learned that someone had bribed the switchboard operators to intercept all our telephone calls. Further, one of the bellhops tipped the Brotherhood that we were away, giving them the opportunity to strike, and he left a rear stairwell door open. Poor wretch never got to spend his thirty silver, I guess he got his desserts. Not just Simmons was killed that night, while they were ransacking our rooms and murdering poor Simmons in their foul occult manner the hotel detective, a former Scotland Yard CID man, burst in and tried to apprehend them. They killed him, too, but not ritually."


Shaken by the memory, Fulty refreshed himself with an Old Fashioned. "Dang! It's going to be tough, going back to Milwaukee and America. What with that damned Prohibition in effect. I'm sure it'll be repealed soon, but not soon enough for my tastes."
Alexander Hussein Mahfouz
player, 47 posts
Expedition facilitator.
Tue 16 Jul 2013
at 10:47
  • msg #77

Re: 31 March 1925: A Week Later...

Alexander takes in this new information and adds

"Are the police aware of what is going on here? If so, have they or the government offered you assistance? You mention a Detective Sergeant...

I have trustworthy friends in the Cairo police, local government, the British government in Egypt and the Army. It would be easy enough for me explain to a select few what has gone on and that we need help or at the least that they turn a blind eye to our investigations. Your choice of course.

When in Cairo staying at my home would be safer all round I feel, as I can have it filled with trusted men at all times."

John-Marc Falcon
player, 453 posts
Former Flt. Lt., RAF
Aeronautical Pioneer
Wed 17 Jul 2013
at 05:13
  • msg #78

Re: 31 March 1925: A Week Later...

JM replies in rusty Arabic.  He stumbles over many of the words but manages to make his reply legible.  "Thank you for your hospitality Captain. I am glad that I can return your graciousness by speaking your language.  I fear that my grammar and diction are not quite acceptable in polite society." He nodded; "I would feel most comfortable if my ship is under trustworthy guard.  Not that British troops are incorruptible but hopefully less so than those associated with local cults."

As the professor spoke he listened quietly. "Fake identities would be best and ones that can pass through the authorities as well in the event that the cult is enmeshed in the rulers of the country."
Prof. Ralph T. Fulty
NPC, 64 posts
Archaeologist
University of Wisconsin
Wed 17 Jul 2013
at 05:46
  • msg #79

Re: 31 March 1925: A Week Later...

In reply to Alexander Hussein Mahfouz (msg # 77):

"We involved the authorities back in New York. It ended up with many deaths, including Dr. Weston's detective brother James. We were investigating the Kenyan-based Cult of the Bloody Tongue because of Jackson believing there was a connection between M'Weru and Roger Carlyle. The NYPD raided the Ju-Ju house in Harlem. There were... things, there. Many lives were lost, including hostages. That's why we were reluctant to involve outsider authorities, another mass slaughter would put us under the microscope.

"None of the authorities here in London would become involved in the killings of the Dark Brotherhood due to the race and class of the victims. It seems Detective Inspector Barrington feared to openly pursue any investigation of the Brotherood or a connection with Gavigan and or the Soho Slayer killings because his predecessor was already doing so when he disappeared. It was a mark of their power and influence they could act such with seeming impunity.

"Instead, he provided us with an ally of his, Detective Sergeant Darlington, and this man aided considerably in the investigation. Barrington has helped cover up the deaths of the cult members, of which one was a member of parliament, another was a judge. You may have heard of the disappearance of the "Dark Mistress", Gavigan's yacht, last week? This story was his doing to cover up the deaths of several rich and powerful notables. The wrong-doers may never be tried in the courts of law, but they will not have escaped justice. Detective Inspector Barrington gets to keep his life, Detective Sergeant Darlington gets to break open the case by blaming Twefik and will likely move up in the police, and we, of course, shall never speak of what really happened.

"Speaking of justice, there was a local artist, Miles Shipley, who was connected to Gavigan. Lived in Soho, not too far from the Blue Pyramid, from where the Brotherhood's victims were taken. This painter had created some artwork that somehow touched upon our investigation here. Cynthia or Molly could tell you more, I wager. We met him and his creepy mother, and a friend of ours, Phil Webley, went back to investigate further one night. Long story short, Miles was found dead, as was his mother. I was told there was something very, very wrong with her. That she was really a monster! Phil disappeared... to turn up as a sacrifice of Gavigan. Darlington connected the disappearance of a couple prostitutes to the mother-son duo, so they were served ultimate justice."


He finished his Old Fashioned, getting another.

"Really beastly business. Drive a man to drink!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:39, Wed 17 July 2013.
Alexander Hussein Mahfouz
player, 48 posts
Expedition facilitator.
Wed 17 Jul 2013
at 07:31
  • msg #80

Re: 31 March 1925: A Week Later...

Alexander ran his hand through his hair before opening his cigarette case. He seemed to be thinking...

A cigarette is tapped several times on the back of the case, which then closes with a loud snap.

"Fake identities, means fake passports. This is doable, easier in Cairo, but still doable here. This will cost a great deal of money I am afraid.

If we are pressed for time, then I suggest that you let me get you into the country. There are other places to land a plane, if you are confident in your skill Flight Lieutenant? All your paperwork bar passports will be done here and once in Cairo it will be just a matter of you passing photographs to my contacts. insha'Allah."


A lighter flares briefly and a plume of smoke is shot up to the ceiling.

"Your arrival then will be un-kown to all accept those that you choose to let know.

But

Do not expect to go unnoticed for ever. British intelligence does not sit still, nor does her counterparts within the city. My country is facing dangerous times and is pulled this way and that by a thousand strings. Your actions will determine how long you will be invisible."


Alexander then listens to the Professor, eyes widening at his description of New York and the further adventures in London.

"You are all it seems, lucky to be alive."

"Ah.....When do you plan to leave for Egypt? I had almost forgotten to ask."

This message was last edited by the player at 07:32, Wed 17 July 2013.
Cynthia Jane Holloway
player, 410 posts
Dilettante
Globetrotting Free Spirit
Wed 17 Jul 2013
at 13:43
  • msg #81

Re: 31 March 1925: A Week Later...

Cynthia takes the bottle of brandy and pours herself a finger, then seals the bottle, takes it to the far shelves, and puts it away.

"As soon as feasible. We aren't in a rush, but should news of the fall of the cult in London reach Africa, they may begin preparing themselves against investigation."
Alexander Hussein Mahfouz
player, 52 posts
Expedition facilitator.
Wed 17 Jul 2013
at 14:06
  • msg #82

Re: 31 March 1925: A Week Later...

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg # 81):

"I think you can expect them to be forewarned if anyone has survived your purge. It takes but a moment to send a telegraph.

Well, depending on what you decide, to travel incognito or for all the world to see, I shall be ready when you are. I had planned to take the Orient express to Turkey, but shall cancel my Ticket.

Tomorrow I will be visiting Gertrude Bell, but can be contacted at this address until you decide to leave or if you have any further wishes or questions. I will of course set in to motion the procuring of all documents immediately, once you have made your final decision of course."


Alexander stands and brushes down his trousers.

"Unless there is anything else to add, I fear I must retire for it has been a long and tiring day. Miss Fuller? Miss Bell asked me to extend her invitation to you also. She said that you and her had much to discuss....An interview I do believe? A rare privilege indeed."
Molly 'Mungo' Fuller
player, 309 posts
Reporter for the
London Scoop.
Wed 17 Jul 2013
at 14:18
  • msg #83

Re: 31 March 1925: A Week Later...

In reply to Alexander Hussein Mahfouz (msg # 82):

Molly sat up straighter and smiled.  "A rare pleasure indeed.  I just hope i remember to ask questions in between my basking in the glow of being in front of such a great person.  It is a good thing that I met you tonight sir.  It is a trial run to make sure that I can handle myself in front of such august personages."
John-Marc Falcon
player, 455 posts
Former Flt. Lt., RAF
Aeronautical Pioneer
Thu 18 Jul 2013
at 03:51
  • msg #84

Re: 31 March 1925: A Week Later...

JM listened with appreciation as Alexander spoke.  "If you have some acquaintance with substitute passports Captain then I suggest we go that way.  I would be happy to take you along with us and I can land the aircraft in any reasonable flat field."  He looked at the others; "As for departing I suggest we leave in the next day or so."
Alexander Hussein Mahfouz
player, 56 posts
Expedition facilitator.
Thu 18 Jul 2013
at 07:42
  • msg #85

Re: 31 March 1925: A Week Later...

Alexander bows

"So be it, I shall set the wheels in motion. Now if that is all, you must excuse me...The room is yours, so feel free to stay and talk.

Count...

Ladies...

Gentlemen..."


The Captain shakes everyone's hands one by one.

"tiSbaH `alal-khair Imam"
Imam Muhammad Al-Nasir
Thu 18 Jul 2013
at 10:29
  • msg #86

Re: 31 March 1925: A Week Later...

In reply to Alexander Hussein Mahfouz (msg # 85):

The Imam did the same, shaking everyone's hands one by one.

"May God go with you and protect you. Ma'a as-salaama, ila-liqaa."
Cynthia Jane Holloway
player, 413 posts
Dilettante
Globetrotting Free Spirit
Thu 18 Jul 2013
at 14:37
  • msg #87

Re: 31 March 1925: A Week Later...

"Thank you for your time Captain, Imam. It's always a pleasure to find brave and honorable people in the world. We'll be in touch."

Cynthia doesn't feel there's much more that needs to be discussed, but she'll stay and chat if that's what people are doing.
John-Marc Falcon
player, 457 posts
Former Flt. Lt., RAF
Aeronautical Pioneer
Fri 19 Jul 2013
at 06:20
  • msg #88

Re: 31 March 1925: A Week Later...

JM shakes hands. "Thank you captain.  I will let you know of our detailed arrangements but I think we should leave for Paris and points east in a few days."
Alexander Hussein Mahfouz
player, 62 posts
Expedition facilitator.
Fri 19 Jul 2013
at 07:02
  • msg #89

Re: 31 March 1925: A Week Later...

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 88):

"Wonderful, I shall await your call."

And Alexander with a final bow, departs for a well earned sleep.
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