In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 766):

"Yes. The powder must touch you. But if you are close together in a group then one dose will suffice to conceal all of you, insh'Allah."

Using a large key Dr. Khafour opened a rear door in his office. It looked almost like a pantry, save of course the jars, vials and philters looked old and/or exotic. He began pulling down ingredients, blowing dust off labels and then peering at them to read them.

"Do you have the powder here?"

In reply to Dr. Ali Khafour (msg # 768):

Alexander looked at the group. "Why no, unless someone brought it? The last I saw it, it was in my safe at home. I suppose I should retrieve it now?"

JM thought further.  "It seems that ongoing surveillance may be a problem.  Is there a means to make more of this powder without risk out our minds or souls?"

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 770):

Concentrating on measuring out some precious ingredient, Dr. Khafour snapped, "no! There is no cost to one's sanity or soul to prepare or use the powder. But these ingredients, they are extremely rare. I can only spare enough for one dose."

The Powder of ibn Ghazi was made from more common ingredients. This material revealed which was hidden. Dr. Khafour was referring to some kind of rare additive to allow it to hide what might be visible from afar. Either way, they didn't know how to make the powder in the fist place, they only had what they recovered from the hidden room in the basement of the Penhew Institute.

JM nodded and watched silently as the doctor worked.

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 772):

Taking the Triumph motorcycle, Alexander left to go fetch the powder he had hidden on his estate. He was vert close to home, just one Nile bridge away, and should return in 20 minutes or so.

Evening was getting on as they waited. Cairo's street lamps were lit as night fell. The wide streets and boulevards were almost swept clean from the odd yellow dust blown in by the day's freak sandstorm.

Finishing his preparations, Dr. Khafour settled for a spot of tea. Shortly thereafter, Alexander returned with their meagre supply of the Powder of ibn Ghazi.

In reply to The Keeper (msg # 774):

Taking the powder, Dr. Khafouer finished his preparations. After some careful mixing, a few muttered phrases the work was completed. There was no dramatic thunderbolt clash outside or a flash of light inside.

"There. This is one application, all I can make with the materials I have on hand. You will need to decide how to use it best. It will only last a couple hours once applied so plan carefully."

The count also took a cup of tea if it was on offer. He watched the preparation with great interest even going so far as to jot down a couple of lines in his notebook. When it was done he thanked their host and prepared to depart.

-

JM managed to avoid pacing too much while they waited.  He did take some tea and stood watching out the window at the city beneath them.

When the powder was prepared JM thanked doctor Khafour as well.

"Do we use the powder immediately so that we can break contact and move immediately against the foes?"  He looked at Dr. Khafouer; "Doctor, are we safe here in your sanctum from scrying by our enemies?"

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 777):

"Yes, you are safe here. The museum is protected from all sorts of threats, naturaL and otherwise.

"If the Girdle is not with you, it may yet still be at the Mosque. Perhaps not for long. The forces of darkness are stronger with the setting of the sun."

Dr. Khafour motioned to the night outside, the sun having finally set. Lamps were being lit along Cairo's boulevards.

"I do wish we had the option of a more considered plan... But we do not. Professor, would it be possible to borrow a vehicle? I suspect any of ours are as marked as we are."

JM nodded.  "We'd best use the powder immediately before we leave then so that we can entirely break contact." He looked to Cynthia.  "I think we have little choice but to head directly to the mosque."

Shortly, Alexander returned. He still wore his riding goggles as he entered the office where the others were taking their tea on old overstuffed furniture.

"I have the small supply of the powder. Let's finish this and then get on with what we have to, yes?"

He placed a small jar on Dr. Khafour's desk.

In reply to Alexander Hussein Mahfouz (msg # 781):

The ancients scientists and mystic carefully mixed the prepared ingredients in with the powder and mumbled a prayer.

"It is done! The preparations are completed."

"We will need a vehicle, and I do fear Alexander's vehicle is already identified with us."

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg # 783):

"A taxi perhaps ? Or maybe a museum car ?" He looks to the Doctor as the man puts away his instruments from the ritual.

-

In reply to Count Sigismund Bathony (msg # 784):

Dr. Khafour shook his head. "The museum does not have a motor car. Most transportation is done by horse cart. I can summon you a carriage or a motor taxi."

Cynthia looks to the Count, trying to read his feelings on the matter.

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg # 786):

"A motor taxi then ? And Alexander can follow on his bike or go ahead to his house and check everything is... ?"

"Can we summon two taxis and perhaps put people in the other as a distraction?"

"Yes, I think that ideal."

Cynthia sighs. "After a full decoy scenario with military hardware and honest lives lost, we are going to pick up the thing in a cab. It would be hilarious, if not so deadly. Please make sure we have money for a tip and the driver speaks English. We'll want at least two people to go in the temple and a third to stay in the car in case we take too long and the cabbie decides to go find another fare."

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg # 789):

Alexander nodded in agreement with Cynthia's point. "We can only do what we can. Perhaps the element of stealth and surprise will make up for extensive planning and preparations. If our quarry believes we are demoralised, beaten they will not expect us, especially as they were relying on some form of scrying.

"Fear not, I shall procure two motor taxis, and pay them handsomely for their service. I shall also follow on the motorbike.

"Now come, let us all gather together so that Dr. Khafour may apply the dust that shall provide some measure of concealment,insh'Allah"

JM shrugged. "I can speak enough Arabic to deal with the driver especially if he is handsomely paid." He moved closer to the rest to allow the use of the powder.

Cynthia steps close. Time for a bath and change of clothes would be nice, but Alexander was correct.