Re: OOC Posts II
In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg # 807):
The Clive expedition is about 20 miles south of Cairo in Dashur/Memphis, on the opposite bank of the Nile. This is also about 20 miles south of the Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza, which is also on the west bank of the Nile.
All foreign expeditions are subject to Egyptian authority via the Museum in Cairo. Your letter from Dr. Khafour will guarantee the utmost cooperation from Sir Clive and his people.
So far, you don't really know what's going on in Cairo with regards to Jackson Elias' investigation, other than the Penhew Expedition was involved in very suspicious activity. From your experiences with the Penhew Institute and Edward Gavigan in England there is some connection to the Black Brotherhood (cultists who worship the Black Pharaoh).
The Clive expedition is also affiliated with the Penhew Foundation (and the late Dr. Gavigan) so there is likely a possible cultist connection there. But not everyone on that expedition might be in the know. Van Huevelen's story seemed to contradict what Sir Clive publicly released about the mummy, that the identity is unknown and nothing of value was found in the hidden burial chamber in Menkaure's Pyramid. Instead, he confirmed the mummy was that of Queen Nitocris, bride and priestess of the Black Pharaoh. You have located the Girdle of Nitocris at the ibn Tulun Mosque, and Dr. Khafour implied it could be used in a ritual to resurrect Queen Nitocris. Bear in mind none of this is directly related to the disappearance/murder of the Carlyle Expedition, which was what Jackson Elias was investigating (.
As of this day, you agreed to take the Girdle of Nitocris from the mosque of ibn Tulun and deliver it to Dr. Khafour at the Cairo Museum for safekeeping. Said el-Tewfik (remember him from London?) attempted to steal the girdle once before, he will likely try again. Also involved is Omar al-Shakti, leader of the local faction of the Black Brotherhood which in Cairo is naturally very rich and powerful.
One last possible lead is the local who rescued Warren Besart after a fantastic and mind-shattering experience when he was with the Carlyle expedition. He lives with his mother not far from Giza. (Besart is/was Carlyle's agent and Faraz Najir steal a couple of items from Omar al-Shakti's possession.)
Tony