The party retired to Alexander's estate to plan their next moves. It had been a tiring and frustrating night, if exciting, and everyone enjoyed a stiff drink. After changing from his accustomed Bedouin robes into a dinner jacket Alexander played some ragtime records on his gramophone. A late dinner of lamb, rice and scalloped potatoes was served in the dining room. Later, they would retire to the rear patio for a smoke, with its view of sculptured gardens and the dark and deadly Nile beyond.

Perkins was working on his pipe when the others arrived back at the estate. He greeted them all with a hearty handshake very much glad to see them all in one piece. Once his pipe was lit and they had a moment he gave up the story of the car chase and subsequent involvement of the British forces from the garrison.
"Persistent buggers they were and I think the army fellows turned the tide on that engagement."

After dinner Mr Perkins took his usual fruit juice as they made their way to the terrace.

-

In reply to The Keeper (msg # 1):

"That was a frustrating evening." Alexander sighed as he sipped his gin and tonic, then lit a cigarette.

"We lost the Girdle. Or never had it anyways. But the old imam at the mosque gave you something, Count? A sword? May I look at it?"

In reply to Alexander Hussein Mahfouz (msg # 3):

"Of course, of course." The Count placed the sword onto the table and retrieved his glass taking a mouthful of the amber liquid.

"Frustrating it was and downright dangerous for some."

-

"Should we contact the old professor and see about using the mirror? I expect the girdle is gone, but... perhaps not quite yet?"

JM was nursing a whiskey neat and a cigar as they finished dinner and sat outside in the cooler air of the evening.  "The Girdle is of critical importance to them, enough for them to show their hand so openly.  We should do all that we can to recover it.  If the professor can help us with the Mirror then by all means we should set up an appointment tomorrow and see if we can track it."

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg # 5):

"I should hope Dr. Khafour would be willing to help!"

He went and got the mirror from the safe. "Here it is. We should bring it to him as soon as we can."

"Tomorrow?? I don't reckon they are driving through their tunnels with lorries. I know a midnight visit hardly meshes with good British manners, but I think the urgency is warranted tonight."

JM set down his whiskey and put out his cigar.  "Well spoken ma'am.  Can we borrow your car again Alexander?"

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 9):

"Tonight then ? So be it...." The Count thought for a bit "Do we know his home address, I doubt he will be at the museum ?"

-
This message was last edited by the player at 05:54, Sat 25 Aug 2018.

JM frowned. "We can start at the museum.  It is possible that the attack on the mosque drew him back to guard his treasures.  As well he might think that we would want to meet him there for his aid."

"Indeed, it's a slim chance, but I prefer it to none at all. Perhaps someone can stay here and make calls. We can reach back to the house by telephone or messenger to see if anything has come of it."

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg # 12):

Alexander checked the clock. "It is just shy of nine. Dr. Khafour should still be in his office. He is rarely gone before ten, often sleeps there. Very dedicated chap!

In reply to Alexander Hussein Mahfouz (msg # 13):

They arrived at the museum in short order. The lights were still burning. They entered via a side entrance, admitted by Abou, Dr. Khafour's short, wiry Bedouin assistant. "The master will see you now. Despite the lateness of the hour. I'll fetch some tea."
This message was last updated by the player at 07:32, Sun 09 Sept 2018.

In reply to Abou (msg # 14):

The Count thanked the man, glad to be behind some solid walls. The ride over had been rather stressful as he wondered when they would be attacked again. Perhaps now these people had what they wanted their minds would be elsewhere.

-

In reply to The Keeper (msg # 14):

After listening to their travails, the ancient wise man shook his head sympathetically.

"It is a shame our preparations were of no avail. That said, if it were known you were at the ibn-Tulun mosque then perhaps you would have all perished! For it seems my old fiendish nemesis, Omar Shakti, summoned a foul creature from the depths of the earth to obtain the girdle. Well capable of swallowing all of you whole. I feel sorrow for my old friend, Ahmad al-Dhahbi, the imam for the mosque. (Although it is not really a mosque at the moment and is being used as an asylum.) This is the old man you saw in the courtyard. Not the one with the sword.

"As well, he sent his Brotherhood assassins after your car, and had ancient creatures that live under the water attempt to steal the Girdle when you were sailing down the Nile. In other words, Omar and the Brothehood went through a great deal of trouble to get what they wanted. You were lucky you did not all perish! As well could have happened.

"That said, I can teach you how to use the Mirror of Gal. You had two powders, yes? One will allow you to view things from afar. The other will allow you to kill someone who's image is projected in the glass.

"And speaking of the sword, it is the famed "Scimitar of the hero Akm'allah." It seems like the cultist traitor stole that from the most ancient guardian, Nessim Efti. You would be wise to keep it hidden out of sight. But it is very powerful if used against the servants of evil and creatures of darkness."

In reply to Dr. Ali Khafour (msg # 16):

"Something is happening, all right. We don't know quite what.

"First the Tomb of Nitrocris is found across the Nike in Giza by the Clive expedition. The sarcophagus is stolen, guards vanished. Then the Girdle of Nitocris is stolen. Is it important in some way? What is the connection?

"We asked the "scholar" who was sacked from the Clive expedition, Jan van Huevelen, for information on the Clive expedition. He agreed to help, but only if we assisted him in translating some papyrus scrolls he claims are from the Temple of Bast. Plus he is being plagued by cats, surely a coincidence? Once he is completed his work in a week or two he promises to tell us what he knows about the Clive expedition, now in Memphis to the south of the city. He says he will then give the papyrus to the Cairo Museum but I have my doubts because if his papers are to be of real value in Europe they must accompany the original texts.

"Lastly, while we did find Penhew's agent, Warren Besart, he spoke a foul ritual practiced by some members of the Carlyle expedition that summoned a massive dark beast. It shattered his mind. He was rescued by one of the diggers, Unba. I asked Nigel, our newspaperman friend, to track him down. He lives a few hours south down in the Nile Delta, with his mother Nyiti in the town of el Wasta. Perhaps he knows something as well? Might be worth a look while we are waiting for van Huevelen to finish his work."

"Is there nothing we can do to retake the girdle? It is in transit, and perhaps vulnerable, as it was when we were shipping it. If it were so easy to retake, the Brotherhood would have seized it before we ever arrived. That our presence caused them to feel pressure implies they may have been ill-prepared."

"We should follow up where we can and strike after the Girdle if it is still possible.  We can learn the use of the Mirror while perhaps a couple of us follow up with the digger and see what he may know."

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg # 18):

"You may have something there, Miss Holloway," replied the ancient Egypican sage. "My suspicion is that the Brotherhood of the Black Pharaoh arranged for the switch of a fake girdle and then theft by their cultist inside the Mosque. That they chose tonight is no coincidence, I believe your involvement caused them to accelerate their plans. As to why this was such an elaborate and incomprehensible scheme to lure you with a fake Girdle, and yet attack your decoys, all I can say is we are not dealing with men to whom sanity and logic find a natural home. Perhaps as well one hand doesn't know what the other is doing?

"But there is another reason why they may have acted now. I believe the celestial positions are becoming more favourable for the resurrection here on Earth of the accursed queen Nicotris, bride of the Black Pharaoh!

"There are ways of scrying, that is, seeing things at a distance. One such way is by invocation. A spell, to be crude. Another is through the Mirror of Gal. I may be able to use it to spy upon Omar Shakti, the leader of the Brotherhood. Or the Girdle itself. It's use is less damaging to the psyche than invocations but there is still a cost.

"Will you fetch the mirror to me?"

"Ah... excuse me Doctor, but would a powerful sorcerer such as this Omar Shakti not be able to sense your scrying ?

Count Sigismund Bathony rolled 89 using 1d100 with rolls of 89.  San = 57%.

-

In reply to Count Sigismund Bathony (msg # 21):

"Hmmm. Yes, he probably would. But if we were trying to scry the Girdle he would not. But if the Girdle was in a room or a box we would get little information about it."

JM shakes his head.  "I think we have no other choice but try to scry him."

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 23):

In about a half-hour Alexander returned home, retrieved the mirror and then drove it back to the museum in his Pugeot. Accompanying him was his trusted bodygaurd and Bedouin guide, Selim.

As instructed he laid the mirror down on a work table in Dr. Khafour's study. Along with it were the two powders that worked with it. One for scrying, the other, apparently, to take the life of an enemy.

"There. Who is going to use this?"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:53, Thu 20 Sept 2018.

Cynthia waits for someone else to offer first. She's feeling a bit winded since the boat. But if no one else takes it up, she's certainly not afraid of a mirror.

JM shook his head. "I'll face just about anything else but this.  I'll help lend my strength but these rituals are not my expertise."

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 26):

"I to would rather not....." The Count has a rather strange look on his face that seems to pass quickly.

-
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 04:01, Fri 21 Sept 2018.

"Well then, I suppose it's me. Professor, I am your obedient student. Let us look for the girdle itself?"

JM sighed.  He'd faced death time and time again during the War and afterward as he flew endless hours establishing his own flying service.  Yet this arcane work frightened him more deeply than the worst the war or the air could throw at him.  "Thank you Cynthia... I..."  he shrugged wordlessly.

"Tosh, we all have to carry our weight. No one expects me to be able to hit a target or drive a car. At least I can look in a mirror."

JM laughed and the tension in his shoulders relaxed.  "We all do what we must."  He took a deep breath.  "In this ritual is there aught that I can do to help?"

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 31):

The ancient sage examined the object. He turned it over, translated the inscriptions on the back with the help of some recent German-Sumeria dictionaries he had in his library.

"This is Babylonian-era Sumerian. The common language of diplomatic correspondence in the ancient near east."

He spoke to himself as the academic in him took over and he took notes as he spoke.

“An ornate mirror with a golden frame. The frame is subtly asymmetric; strange figures have been worked into it.”

"From the ancient Sumerian: “Šen-šen ___ gal”, “The Mirror/Wrath of the Great ____” The Mirror of Gal is a Babylonian artefact and more than 3000 years old. It is made of speculum metal (a grey-white mix of 2/3 copper, 1/3 tin, adulterated with arsenic, which will hold a high polish), and so lacks a glass. The golden frame is a much more recent addition, being French Rococo of the early 19th century (the mirror was retrieved from an Egyptian tomb by Napoleonic archaeologists). Unpleasant, asymmetrical demons replace the more conventional cherubs.

"There is an inscription in cuneiform on the back, made with punches before the metal was completely hardened, which identifies the Mirror as “The Mirror (or Wrath) of the Great ___” but the symbol where the God or King’s name should go has been chiselled out. The cuneiform inscription continues that the Mirror was made in Lagash and is a gift from King (Lu-gal) Bur-ra Bu-ri-ia-aš to his “brother”, King of Egypt, Ne-Nefer-Ka-____ (the symbol which should represent the patron god of this pharaoh is likewise destroyed). “When the King my Brother wishes to view his enemy, anoint the mirror with Ub-ra-an (The sound of the drum of heaven: ub – drum; ra - to strike, bang; an - sky, heaven). When he wishes to strike his enemy, anoint the mirror with Ga-bé-se-gal (the milk sacred to/from the shrine of the great howling/buzzing one: ga – milk; bé - buzz or howl; se – shrine, sacred, dedicated to a god; gal – great, supreme). Let there be no misunderstanding between us.”

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg # 30):

Cynthia knew what to do, as she had learned at least some of the secrets of the Morror of Gal from one of the ancient tomes she's read, the Libre d'Ivonis. The procedure is to draw an inverted ankh on the mirror using the silvery-black Ganesh/Gabre-se Gal powder.

As a precaution Dr. Khafour had her face the mirror against a blank stone wall. "If the target senses they are being scryed, they can turn the tables and see out the mirror. Best to give out as little information as possible in that case."

Keeper's Note: Cynthia knows what to do. trace the powder on the mirror in an inverted Ankh and concentrate on the target. Please RP how she does this!

Cynthia gets her niqab back on and adjusts the mirror until the wall is the only visible background (and she herself looks as common as stunning Cynthia can appear). She moves furniture and curtains around as well, to block off the side should the mirror be able to peer outside of its flat plain.

With that done, she dips a hand into the black powder and feels its weight against her skin. Carefully, with the tips of her fingers, she draws the inverted ankh. "Show me the girdle of Nitocris."

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg # 34):

Cynthia donned the niqab and everyone made sure to get out of sight. Dr. Khafour had called for dropcloths brought in to cover the wall behind her.

Using the syrupy red substance she drew the inverted Ankh on the sickly shimmering surface and then waited. It began to simmer and something began to happen. Cynthia suddenly felt a surge of some kind of otherworldly power and her eyes grew wide as if in a trance...

JM watched uncomfortably as Cynthia prepared the ritual.

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 36):

The strange activity continued. Everyone could feel like there was a charge building in the room. Not electricity but something equally powerful and mysterious.

"I see them... They have it on a mummy they are carrying. There is a priest with scepters. They are going to a small pyramid. Not Giza, but another one. They're going inside of it. They are about to perform the ritual. There are very many guards though. I don't think we could fight them ourselves. There's too many.

"What can we do?"

JM considered. "We could probably get help from the authorities with Alexander's help or through the Imam at the mosque.  They have an interest in seeing these people defeated."

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg # 38):

"Miss, can you describe the pyramid in question? How do you know it was not Giza? How many such pyramids were there?" asked Dr. Khafour.

"It is small, and misshapen. Close to a larger pyramid. Perhaps those same we visited before. There are soldiers there loyal to the Brotherhood."

The Count watched the performance take place and made notes through out the ceremony while staying out of the way.

-

In reply to Count Sigismund Bathony (msg # 42):

Strangely, the Count could see nothing other than the wavery silvery surface reflecting only what a normal mirror would. That is, Cynthia and the wall behind her. He of course was able to note everything she said.

Keeper's Note: The Count's actions were a little ambiguous as to whether he was trying to directly observe the ceremony in the mirror or not, that is, whether he was in direct LOS of the surface instead of behind it like everyone else but Cynthia. Either way it seems he otherwise had no effect on the proceedings.

In reply to The Keeper (msg # 43):

Listening, Dr. Khafour commented, "I would guess that the priest was Omar Shakti.

"I believe the Pyrmamids were the Bent Pyramid and the Lesser Bent Pyramnid located in Dashur.

"It is believed the lesser pyramid is not from antiquity as there is no record of its construction or even presence until long after the end of the last Dynasty. Perhaps constructed only in Roman times or after. The record is confused. However, if it is what I think it is, then perhaps there are other reasons it has been erased from human memory and documentation.

"It is important that we have a look inside the Lesser Bent Pyramid."

In reply to Dr. Ali Khafour (msg # 44):

"The "Lesser bent Pyramid"? I was told it was erected by Napoleon. Or the Turk in mockery of the real Pyramids. And now it may be somehow connected. Astounding!

"Be that as it may, have we accomplished all we can here? The boys (Roger, Karlheinz, Dr. West, Prof. Fulty) are having a pint at a tavern near the RAF Base and Almaza Airfield in Heliopolis. They are trying to see if there's a different place to hangar the aircraft, as Almaza Airport is a little easy to get into and we can't keep them at RAF Heliopolis."

The Count put away his notebook and pencil and listened to the Doctor before nodding in agreement. "Yes it would seem this "bent" pyramid is somewhere we have to search."

OOCV: The Count was behind the mirror with everyone else, just making notes and observations for himself.


-

"We could take the aircraft to speed our travel to investigate this pyramid."
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:15, Fri 19 Oct 2018.

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 47):

Alexander explained, "Dashur is about twenty-five miles south of Giza, on the far side of the Nile."

"Will we be able to rally our allies from Dashur? If not, we will need to do that here before we go--or agree we're ready for the tremendous loss of life we will face in a direct assault with our small numbers."

"It's only 40 kilometers away from here.  It's not worth the plane flight.  I do know of a couple of other fliers who are in country.  They are Americans but don't hold that against them.  I can vouch for their bravery and trustworthiness and they may be up for a bit of adventure."

"And do they carry weapons? I'm sorry, you said they're Americans. Yes, any help we can get. I wouldn't be opposed to hiring mercenaries if we can get them quickly, as well as pulling fighters from the mosque. They carry this debt more than we do."

JM chuckled.  "They are Americans.  They will be armed to the teeth."  He considered their options.  "The Imans of the mosque should be eager for vengeance against the evil doers.  Perhaps Alexander and I can talk to them immediately."

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 52):

Alexander packed up the Mirror of Gal, in order to bring it back from the Egyptian Museum of Cairo to his estate on Gezirat Boulaq island, west across the Old Nike Bridge.

JM, Cynthia and Cound Bathony borrowed Alexander's Renault touring car to make the 7 mile trip out to the bar where Roger Bedford and Karlheinz were drinking with one of JM's American friends, a Great War veteran and pilot named Matt. Unbeknownst to JM, Matt's partner (another American named Bob) had decided to dissolve the partnership when their business ran into mechanical difficulties. Bob then fled Cairo with what little funds they possessed and Matt was reassessing his life choices, along with his remaining partner, Andres "Chalky" White.

The bar was run by quite the pair. Pierre was a Frenchman who'd served in the Armée de l'Air (although not as a pilot) while he was assisted by Mehmet, a Turk who was a former naval aviator in the now-former Ottoman Empire. As such they were reasonably popular with pilots from the nearby RAF Heliopolis and Almaza Airport.

Currently, Matt and Chalky were drinking with two Europeans, a Brit named Roger and a German named Karlheinz. Roger had served in the RAF as a combat pilot, Karlheinz as a Zeppelin crewman in the Imperial German Navy.

In reply to The Keeper (msg # 53):

Roger signalled the barkeep, a middle-aged Turk named Mehmet.

"Hey there, old fellow. Another round for these good chaps! Gin and tonic for me."

In reply to Roger Bedford (msg # 54):

"Ya. One beer for me. They I am done. I haff to be able to operate the motorcycle on the way back, ya?"

Karlheinz didn't want to mention that his therapy with Dr. West was having results and he felt the urge to drink himself to stupour much less often. The fact they borrowed Alexander's Triummph and sidecar was a convenient excuse!

"Sure thing sport." Says Chalky, sipping his beer. "You'll 'ave to come out to the aerodrome next week if you get a chance, I'm about to change the big end bearings on the Liberty 400 Matt got us. She's sweeter than a shearer's daughter."

He took a long drag on his cigarette and looked at the mirror behind the bar. The image that looked back at him was of a middle aged man, short and stocky, with a smiling face and cheerful blue eyes. He was wearing a cotton suit and had his hair fashionably slicked back. The hand holding the beer had scarred knuckles from stubborn engine bolts, bar room brawls and was tanned from the desert sun. He was relaxed and sublimely indifferent to social class. He had another sip.

He grinned at the German, no animus at all in their conversation. The shared experiences of The Great War bound them all, willing or not, with ties stronger than steel. If one of them felt jittery the others just let it slide.

He had no idea he was about to experience another hell.

In reply to Andrew 'Chalky' White (msg # 56):

"Cheers blue." Matt says raising his glass. He'd picked up a bit of Chalky's venacular and made it his own although it sounds strange with a New Orleans twang added. Lounging back in his chair, the tall, black man seems oblivious to the heat. He is wearing a pair of khaki shorts and a grubby white t-shirt, his face cracked with a wide grin. "Once Chalky's got the bloody thing working I can take you all for a little ride in it. Hey Chalky, there's an idea. I could fly it low over those big pyramids, charge some suckers to look out of the windows at it."

In reply to Matthew 'Matt' Clancy (msg # 57):

Night had long fallen and it was around 11 PM, still warm but cooling off from the day. The Renault pulled up in front of a weathered building (with outbuildings) on the main paved and palm-tree-lined highway to Suez parallel to the the main rail line. There were no other lights in sight other than the building which was sporting a not-quite weathered sign ("Frenchy's") This was agricultural country and the farmers needed to be up at dawn, the surrounding fields were pitch-dark. RAF Heliopolis was a couple miles further down the highway but not in sight.

There was a motorcycle with side car parked in front, likely Alexander's Triumph. There were a couple bicycles leaning against the wall. A few RAF ORs ("Other Ranks" ie. Enlisted) having a pint inside staggered out and began to mount up and wobbily ride away.

OOC: Matt and Chalky are based within a mile of Frenchy's. Depending on their preference for travel their conveyance(s) will be parked outside, or tied up as the case may be!

Cynthia follows behind the men, wearing her hajib again for easy travel, but also to conceal the concern wearing her down. This mission is a fool's errand, and whomever John-Marc's friends are, what she is asking will most likely end in their deaths. She is in an unusually non-chatty mood.

Matt wanders out to the battered old army truck and clambers up into the drivers seat he calls out to everyone "Anyone of you guys need a ride? Plenty of room in the back, it's a bit greasy though."

In reply to The Keeper (msg # 58):

Still sitting in the bar, Karlheinz said to Chalky, "if I may say, you should stay until our friends arrive. Zey are looking for some help in certain... matters that have brought us to Cairo. And beyond, into Africa."

Chalky looks intrigued.

"Certain matters sport? Sounds like it's right up our alley!"

Chalky looks over to Matt and whistles loudly, loud enough in fact to kill all conversation for a moment.

"Cooeee Matt! Can you come 'ere a minute?!"

In reply to Andrew 'Chalky' White (msg # 62):

Across the table, Roger nodded at Chalky. "Quite right, old sport! I can say one thing is you will not be bored."

In reply to Roger Bedford (msg # 63):

The German grinned ruefully at his bandaged left arm, which was in a sling. "That is the truth, my friend."

In reply to Roger Bedford (msg # 63):

Out in front of the building, the Renault pulled up in a cloud of dust. They could see in the light of the car's headlamps there was an old army lorry parked there, along with Alexander's motorbike with sidecar.

Matt saw a pair of headlights on the Cairo-Suez highway, coming from the city. It pulled off, heading towards the bar. A new=looking (if dusty) Renault touring car stopped in the parking lot and a woman in a hijab climbed out of the passenger side.

OOC: There, everyone should be in the same general place at the same time. I'll let JM and Bathony post.

Matt saunters across to Chalky, "What's up, buddy?"

Chalky pokes his thumb at Karlhienz and says "there's some people who may need our help. It looks like they've run into some rough stuff."

In reply to Andrew 'Chalky' White (msg # 67):

"Rough stuff eh? Well rough stuff is the name of our game." Turning his attention to Karlheinz Matt continues "So what's the bother? Our rates are negotiable but the deeper the brown stuff the higher the charge." He flashes a large grin as he says it.

The Count stepped out from the vehicle and as the other alighted he lit up a cigar as he looked the place over. "I think this is the place..." He will follow the rest of the group in after checking in both directions along the road outside.

-

George jumped out of the car and with his hand on his hips looks the place over. "Yes this looks like the one." he replies to the Count. Rubbing his hands together as he enters the establishment he adds "I will get the drinks in."

George makes his way to the bar, turning back to count those in his party. "Four bottles of stout or your best bitter, don't spouse you serve pints ?" he asked with a gleam in his eye.


-
This message was last edited by the player at 03:54, Mon 05 Nov 2018.

JM stepped out and stretched.  He grinned as the RAF men staggered off.  "This is just the kind of place my friends would frequent.  It may be a bit run down but the company and the beer will be good." He looked around once more and stepped inside.  The place was dimly lit but there was no mistaking two familiar figures.  "Matt!  Matt Clancy!"  JM switched to an exaggerated Southern USA accent.  "As I live and breath, it's Matt Clancy."  JM headed across the bar and held out one hand and the raised the other to give the man a bear hug. "You're a sight for sore eyes Matt.  I'd figure you'd be in a Greek jail somewhere by now."

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 71):

Reciprocating the handshake and hug Matt replies "Bloody Greeks ain't built no jail that could hold me, even if they could catch me in the first place. What in the hells are you doin' in a place like this? I didn't figure you'd be down in the low rent with us."

JM took his friend by the arm and half turned away. "I'm with the crew at the bar.  We're on the trail of some strange stuff... weird... violent and can use some help.  I heard you were here and might be looking for some work."  He nodded over to Karlheinz.  "I see you met my mechanic already."

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 73):

"Yeah, he's chattin' to my mechanic. Probably talking about the benefits of whitworth over BA or BSF. Shall we go and join them?"

In reply to Andrew 'Chalky' White (msg # 67):

Karlheinz espoused to Chalky, "...ya, there is nothing better than a good Bavarian Pilsner beer, my Australian friend. It is a kind of lager. Made using the finest ingredients, once stored in Bavarian caves..."

"That's why I love Egypt sport; it's the birthplace of beer! I'd love to go to Germany though and try the beers though. I met a German guy by way of business here in 1917, he was a brewers' son and knew everything about beer. He said it's like a religion with you fellas"

Chalky spots the group coming over and sees that there's a lady present. "Ducks on the pond!*" He quips and stands to offer Cynthia his chair.

"Pleased to meet-cha'! I'm Chalky and this is Matt, it seems you already know everyone else."

(*"Ducks on the Pond' is slang for 'There's a lady present, mind your language')
This message was last edited by the player at 08:48, Thu 08 Nov 2018.

In reply to Andrew 'Chalky' White (msg # 76):

Minding his manners, Roger stood as well while Cynthia was seated. "As-salaam aleykum," he said, being a little cheeky as he knew that under the hijab Cynthia was a modern girl, a flapper and a Yank to boot.

Cynthia sweeps her hiqab like a skirt as she sits in the offered seat. "Thank you."

Once she's sorted, she'll let JM continue his pitch. (She will, however, take a Pilsner if another order is going around.)

As he was entering "Frenchy's" Bathony noticed there was a pair of headlights approaching on the road from Cairo to Suez. As it got closer he could see by the light of the half-full moon that it was a lorry.

Keeper's Note: And yes, I did determine that on this particular night there would be a half-full moon over Cairo. We live in an age of miracles and wonders!

JM laughed and nodded.  "They seem to be deep in conversation.  The only two things I know that will keep Karlheinz so well engrossed will be airplanes or beer.  Hopefully the latter."  He walked over with Matt to where Claude and Karlheinz were speaking.

"It seems we are all making our acquaintances he said as he stepped over to the table.  Let's start with beer all around.  I'll defer to Karlheinz on what is best.  Then I think we can talk a bit of business."

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 80):

"Not sure that any of the beer is any good here, it all tastes like it came out of a hyena but it's better than nothing. And if you're buying it will taste just fine." Matt grins broadly.

Chalky shakes hands with everyone as he's introduced and raises his glass to them in salute.

"To new friends" he says, having a sip. "Now, Karlheinz here says you've run into a spot of trouble. Do want a hand? Anything for a mate."

In reply to Matthew 'Matt' Clancy (msg # 81):

"Nien, I do not think the beer here is any good. Unless it is imported! And to find that you would need to go to one of the finer Cairo hotels. Frenchy here... when he serves is drinkable. Barely. But it is at home where we should be drinking beer, yes?"

In reply to Karlheinz Bergmann (msg # 83):

"To be fair it's not the worst beer in Africa but it is still rotten. Anyway, as Chalky says, what's your bother and how can we help sort it?" Matt asks.

In reply to Matthew 'Matt' Clancy (msg # 84):

Outside the lights of the lorry receded into the darkness, heading on its way to Suez. In the quiet Bathony could hear the drone of countless insects from the surrounding fields.

Inside, the weathered Turk barkeep poured beer and wine for the unexpected late-night customers.

JM raised his beer to the toast.  "To new friends."  He made a face at the taste of the beer and laughed.  "Karlheinz, as usual you are quite right about the beer.  It's not worth the price though to go into those fancy hotels to get better though.  Besides, they tend to look down on mere beer drinkers."

He looked around at his two old friends and the one new one. "Well, it's a bit complicated." JM took a long pull on his beer. "We're hunting missing explorers and ancient artifacts.  A very important artifact has been stolen and the nutters are planning to use it in some kind of twisted ceremony.  We have to stop them and get the artifact back before they kill even more people.  I... we," he indicates the others at the bar.  "Need some help, some help that is good with guns and not afraid to mix it up."

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 86):

"Sounds like fun! I've been leading Chalky in to gun and knife fights since the war ended. Mostly accidentally. So where are we going first?" Matt doesn't seem at all peturbed by the threat of possible violence.

JM laughed and raised his glass to Matt. "Another round of beer for everyone!"  He clashed his mug against Matt's.  "Well said Matt, I knew I could count on you.  We're headed up to one of the pyramids about 45 miles away across the river."

"Brilliant!" Says Chalky, "a stoush!" He takes a sip and adds "are we going to fly or drive there? If you go across the sands there's little in the way of law out there, we might get jumped."

Cynthia interrupts when she can; "please understand, this isn't just a scuffle. The risk is... significant. Some of us will not return alive. I don't want to dissuade you. We need the help. But I want you to go in with your eyes open."

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg # 90):

Matt shrugs "Not that I am unafraid of death or anything, but people have been trying to put bullets through my hide since 1917. So it all seems like a normal part of life now."

The Count listen to the others as they went back and forth, the rest of those in their group had outlined the plan well enough so he just "enjoyed" his drink. Winkling his nose at the aroma of the interesting beer he glanced over to Mr. Perkins who seemed to be unfazed by the brew in front of him.

-
This message was last edited by the player at 21:34, Mon 19 Nov 2018.

JM nods as Cynthia speaks up. "It's close enough to drive.  There aren't any landing sites nearby that would make sense and we'd still need a car to get us to the location."  He frowned.  "It's dangerous for sure and the cultists are insane.  They are so insane that some of the things that they do rival the worst horrors of the trenches."

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 93):

"Sounds like they need to be put down, like a rabid dog."

"Indeed. These people will not yield, and have lost all humanity. There is nothing left to do for them but to put them down.

"Do you," she nods to all the men at the table, "need to plan further, or can we set off immediately?"

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg # 95):

"Me and Chalky need to get back to our lines and pick up our gear, I reckon we could head off as soon as, really."

JM finished his beer. "Put down without mercy."  He rose.  "Let's be off then as time is not our friend here."

"Rightyo!" Says Chalky, draining his beer. "Let's toddle along then. I'll pick up the old three oh three if it looks like there's going to be some biffo and a spare shirt." He slams the empty glass down on the bar and stands up to leave.

JM nodded.  "Bring plenty of ammunition when you load up."

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 99):

Matt grins "I'll bring all I've got, I don't suppose we're going to be passing a gun store on the way to get a bit more?"

JM chuckled. "The Brits have the modern weapons sewed up tight to keep the tribes from causing trouble.  We'll have to pull some strings in Cairo to get anything useful."

From outside, Matt and Chalky could hear a lorry pull up in front of the bar. It seemed unlikely, it being midnight, that more airmen were arriving for a nightcap. It could be that more friends of JM and Karlheiz were arriving.

"Huh," Says Chalky. "Another truck outside. I wonder who that is, all the flyboys are back in barracks by now."

As the others spoke of a truck arriving the Count rose from his chair and went to the window to check on who has come for a "beer" at this hour.


-

JM frowned. "That isn't right." He looked at his friends and companions.  "Get ready for trouble."  JM pulled his pistol out and moved toward the door.

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 105):

Matt stands and steps behind his chair, grasping it ready to club any would be attackers with.

Chalky looks over at John-Marc and sees the gun. "So, we're not playing around here I see." He nods to himself and pulls out a .32 browning automatic and racks the slide. "Rightyo sport, let's get this done."

He heads over to the door and stands beside it, not giving anyone outside a target.

Somehow Cynthia did not think to bring a shotgun to the bar, so instead she will search for cover, scooting down by the floor and behind furniture if it looks like combat is likely.

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg # 108):

Mehmet the Turkish bartender looked up from his cleaning, and noting the time on the wall clock, said, "midnight, very late for guests."

Noticing the appearance of firearms, he asked, "is there trouble? Perhaps bandits? I can lock the doors. Then you can continue to drink with your friends." He started to come out from behind the bar, getting his keys ready.

A "lock-in" like this was something that those who'd lived in Britain (like JM) were probably familiar with. This almost amounted to the same thing!
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:43, Mon 26 Nov 2018.

JM nodded to Mehmet.  "Only evil is aboard at this time of the night."

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 110):

"That's very harsh, the RAF aren't really evil, they're just a bit wayward."

Despite the tension JM chuckled.  "Bloody RAF will drink you out of house and home and steal all the women.  Now that I call evil."

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 112):

The barkeep laughed at this and, taking out a ring of keys stepped around from the side of the bar and moved to the front door. As he was reaching to lock it, the door was pulled open from outside.

"Sorry, we're closed... AAIIEEEE!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:49, Thu 29 Nov 2018.

In reply to Mehmet (msg # 113):

A scimitar, swung overhand from someone outside, buried itself halfway deep in Mehmet's head like someone splitting a melon. The man stood there for an instant, making surprised choking sounds, then collapsed. The scimitar was withdrawn with a jerk and a screaming man charged in waving the bloody blade. Behind him several other men crowded through the door. Half were armed with pistols, the other half with scimitars.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:56, Thu 06 Dec 2018.

In reply to The Keeper (msg # 114):

"Not RAF then." Matt say sardonically. He steps forward towards the machete wielder, swinging the chair with all his might.

Matthew 'Matt' Clancy rolled 58 using 1d100 with rolls of 58.  Using chair as a club (25% as a base.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:25, Fri 30 Nov 2018.

George had been enjoying his beer and was about to get another when the vehicle outside became a cause for concern. He withdraws his browning from its holster inside his jacket as he turns one of the tables on its side facing the door. It had been a bloody day in more ways then one why should the evening be any different.

When the door swung open and the chap with the sword appeared Mr. Perkins aimed behind him and fired on anyone else armed with a pistol.

George Perkins rolled 69 using 1d100 with rolls of 69.  Handgun = 67%. FN Model 1910 .380 ACP.


-
This message was last edited by the player at 05:59, Fri 30 Nov 2018.

With his big Webely already out JM took aim and fired at the second man standing in the door to avoid hitting Matt who had moved up with a chair.


22:02, Today: John-Marc Falcon rolled 70 using 1d100 with rolls of 70.  Shoot [65%].
This message was last edited by the player at 06:03, Fri 30 Nov 2018.

The Count had already risen and was at the wall as Mehmet met his untimely fate. Stepping off to the side Bathony tried to use the now open door as cover as he placed the muzzle of his New Service revolver between the gap made by the door and the wall.

Pulling the trigger as the enemy surged through the door.

Count Sigismund Bathony rolled 4 using 1d100 with rolls of 4.  Handgun = 70%. Colt New Service .455 Revolver.


-

Chalky is right at the door when Mehmet is foully murdered. His face darkens with fury and he shouts "you bastard! Take that! And that! And that!" As he fires the browning into the murderer's body.

Cynthia hurries behind the bar, hoping desperately the bartender, like so many in New York, kept a scatter gun under the bar, or at least a very large knife. She will also grab a book of matches or lighter, seeing as she's now next to stacks and stacks of flammable bottles.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:06, Mon 03 Dec 2018.

There was a fusilade of shots at the surging attackers! Most bullets hit the roughly painted board walls to the either side of the door. Close missed but still misses, nonetheless. The scimitar-wielder grunted as a bullet from Chalky struck home in his sweaty bared chest and he toppled forward to the floor, bleeding.

Aside from the scimitar-wielding man, there were two more wielding swords and two each with pistols. All were yelling in Arabic. The two with swords advanced on Matt to attack him while the two men with pistols stood in front of the door and shot at the opposing gunmen.

Cynthia didn't find anything under the crude bar save more bottles, cleaning supplies and a wooden box of rags.

Keeper's Note: My mistake, the cultists are wielding scimitars, not machetes!

First shots are resolved. JM, Bathony and Perkins have all made their attacks for the turn. Technically, I suppose they can now all move and melee!

Chalky has made his first attack and now makes his second but has already rolled (and has already rolled for his third as well.) Cynthia can move and attack as well.

Matt needs to make his attack roll.

In reply to The Keeper (msg # 121):

Matt swings the chair again at the advancing cultist attempting to knock him out.

Matthew 'Matt' Clancy rolled 33 using 1d100 with rolls of 33.  Using chair as a club (25% as a base.

If he survives until the next round he'll go for his knife.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:05, Fri 07 Dec 2018.

The Count concentrated his fire on the buggers with pistols firing again as soon as he had one under his sights.

Count Sigismund Bathony rolled 63 using 1d100 with rolls of 63.  Handgun = 70%.


-

From behind the cover of the upturned table Mr. Perkins made sure to target the nearest combatant that was not engaged with someone else in a hand to hand struggle.

George knew he had fluffed his shot finding using the cover difficult and getting accurate fire impossible.


George Perkins rolled 83 using 1d100 with rolls of 83. Handgun = 67%.
George Perkins rolled 26 using 1d100 with rolls of 26.  Handgun = 67%.
George Perkins rolled 86 using 1d100 with rolls of 86.  Handgun = 67%

-
This message was last edited by the player at 09:17, Mon 10 Dec 2018.

Finding nothing helpful except alcohol and rags, Cynthia improvises, grabbing up an armful of the bottles and throwing them as hard as she can at those with the guns. She doesn't anticipate they will seriously hurt anyone, but the dreadful noise and mess and a lucky knock may at least draw their attention away from her friends.

Cynthia Jane Holloway rolled 39 using 1d100 (out of 25; miss)

Just like in the trench-fighting at Gallipoli, Chalky has no time to take stock and think. He opens up another murderous salvo into another attacker, trying to force them back with the sheer fury of his fire.

The two pistol-wielding men split up, one moving to the left of the door and firing his revolver at Andrew and the other moving to the right around the door, firing at Bathony. Both missed. Keeper's Note: I got a little ahead of myself. The two swordsmen went after Matt, as he was closest to the door. With a cry they swung their wicked curved scimitars but one hacked into the table and the other couldn't get a proper swing in. The one struck in the chest by Chalky slid to the wooden planked floor.

Bathony, Perkins and Chalky fired again. Bathony's round struck the gunman in front of him in the head and the man collapsed immediately, spraying gore from the back of his turbaned head. The other bullets missed their mark, but Chalky fired once more, striking the remaining gunman in the chest. He clutched the wound, dropped his pistol, and staggered, tripping over a chair. The last two cultists dropped their scimitars and drew wicked-looking clubs (that those who've fought the cultists in England recognise as the signature weapon of the Black Brotherhood). These solid black cudgels had a spike protruding from their head, and they got ready make short work of Matt!

Keeper's Note: New turn, and gun-wielders make their first gun attacks on the two surviving cultists. These will be the only shots from Bathony and Perkins. Then we start the second round and Matt then makes his attack, along with Chalky (who's pistol has a RoF of 3). The cultists go after them in the second round. Be aware that Matt is now in the line of fire! Chalky will make a third attack at the end of the turn.

In reply to The Keeper (msg # 127):

Matt drops the chair and grabs the big knife from his waist. Taking a swing he attempts to stab the nearest cudgel wielding cultist.

Matthew 'Matt' Clancy rolled 41 using 1d100 with rolls of 41.  Bolo knife attack (52%).
Matthew 'Matt' Clancy rolled 8 using 2d4+2 with rolls of 3,3.  Bolo knife damage.
Matthew 'Matt' Clancy rolled 7 using 1d20 with rolls of 7.  Hit location.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:46, Mon 17 Dec 2018.

The Count watches the man drop in front of him as he tracks one of the remaining cultists and fires on the man as soon as the bead of his front sight is obscured by the mans form.

Seeing the man hit the Count looks for another target or trains his gun lower to finish the man off.

Count Sigismund Bathony rolled 4 using 1d100 with rolls of 4.  Handgun = 70%.

Count Sigismund Bathony rolled 8 using 1d10+2 with rolls of 6.  Damage .455 Mk.III.
Count Sigismund Bathony rolled 14 using 1d20 with rolls of 14.  Location.

George expected his cover to adsorb a few hits but that seems to be redundant as he catches a glimpse of clubs being drawn. He then draws a bead of his Browning on the first cultist and fires on the man.

George Perkins rolled 75 using 1d100 with rolls of 75.  Handgun = 67%.
George Perkins rolled 76 using 1d100 with rolls of 76.  Handgun = 67%.
George Perkins rolled 60 using 1d100 with rolls of 60.  Handgun = 67%.

George Perkins rolled 6 using 1d8 with rolls of 6.  Damage.
George Perkins rolled 15 using 1d20 with rolls of 15.  Location.

Not wishing to hit Matt JM moved a bit to the side and fired at the nearest sword waving cultist.

19:13, Today: John-Marc Falcon rolled 4 using 1d10+2 with rolls of 2.  Damage.
18:58, Today: John-Marc Falcon rolled 11 using 1d20 with rolls of 11.  Location.
18:57, Today: John-Marc Falcon rolled 49 using 1d100 with rolls of 49.  Fire Pistol [65].

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 131):

Drawing his well-used and wickedly sharp Bolo knife, Matt successfully faked out the cultist to his right who tried to parry the blow using his spiked club. Like it magically possessed a mind of its own the Bolo knife reversed direction in a flash, slashing backhand across the man's black silk sash and the bare abdomen beneath it. The man's eyes widened in shock and horror as he dropped his club, shrieked, and grabbed at his belly to prevent its contents spilling out. Those eyes then rolled up as he collapsed forward down to the reed-covered barroom floor.

Chalky held his fire, realising how close Matt was to the other Cultist. The others showed no such restraint. There was a fusillade of gunshots from behind the bar in Matt's direction, as it seemed like the fucking Crackers were shooting at him! But no, the bullets were targeting the other cultist. Several bullets struck around both but missing as the Cultist tried to hide behind Matt, but one finally struck the other cultist in the chest. He dropped his club and staggered back into the wall beside the door, sliding down it. More bullets struck harmlessly around him along the way, showering Matt with wood splinters but thankfully nothing more deadly.

Suddenly Matt was the only man left standing by the door. Surrounded by bullet holes with a half-dozen bodies lying at his feet, some dead, some on their way there.

Keeper's Note: There are no standing targets. Only a couple Cultists are actually dead but all are down and those that are alive will not be for long as they bleed out.

The Count checked the outside of the bar and looked to the vehicle that the cultists had arrived in. He used as much of the door frame as he could for cover as he surveyed the scene and looked to locate the driver.


-

In reply to Count Sigismund Bathony (msg # 133):

Bathony was in time to see the tail lights of a lorry pulling away in the darkness towards the Cairo highway.
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:29, Fri 28 Dec 2018.

Breathing heavily the Count turns back to the others "The truck is gone, so there are no others coming ...." Taking a knee he begins to search the bodies and the dyeing, but given past experiences of these cultists he knew it would probably be a futile exercise.


-

Once the all clear had been given George took a peak over the top of his table as he righted himself and brushed off the dust and sand that clung to him from the floor. Then looking around he went to check on Ms Holloway and whether she was alright.

Standing by the bar Mr. Perkins will provide cover should the Counts assessment not be accurate.

In reply to George Perkins (msg # 136):

"I guess we'd better make like a shepherd and get the flock out o' here. We can grab out gear quickly and if these loons are anything to go by I'll need my gun to hand as much as possible." says Matt. He doesn't seem over peturbed by the fight but his eyes are darting all over the place looking for more assailants. He carefully wipes his blade before resheathing it.

JM kept his gun out and ready as the Count went out to the door to assess the situation.  He stepped to a window to support should there be trouble.  As the lorry roared off JM shook his head.  "They are tracking us one way or another.  We have to be more careful for mundane tails as well as other methods."  He smiled ruefully over at Matt; "Sorry for the violent introduction Matt, Chalky, these fellow mean business.  If you want to reconsider I'll understand.  We have a car and can drop you off anywhere you like.  If you're still game then we have a car..."

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 138):

Matt grins "Still not dead so I'm still in. Our lives are often like this in our line of work. Still need to get my guns and some other bit before we can make our getaway. If we've got an aircraft that we can use it'll stop the tails, at least for a while."

JM clapped Matt on the back in a comradely fashion.  "Well done Matt.  I hate to draw you into this but we can use people upon who we can rely."  He considered the offer.  "We could have the car driven back to Cairo and fly to the aerodrome outside of town.  That might confuse things for a bit.  The problem is that we might be tracked... well, magically. I'm not the expert in that."  He waved to his comrades.  "Count, Cynthia, do you think we are being magically tracked?"

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 140):

"Magically? What like voodoo or something? That's just what those kooks in New Orleans do, magic ain't real."

Chalky leans down and looks at the prone form of Mehmet twisted on the floor. The poor man's eyes are wide open with shock even in death.

"Bastards. Mehmet was a good bloke."

He slides the magazine out of his pistol and inserts a new one, lost in his thoughts and missing out on the conversation on magic.

JM shook his head slowly.  "Like voodoo but... well... real.  Call it magic or voodoo or anything else but we've seen things that can't be explained otherwise."

Cynthia extracts herself from behind the bar. "Gentlemen, thank you... Had your senses or skills been a little duller, that might have been the end."

She checks them briefly for anything that might help in visiting the pyramid; sigils, pouches, or keys namely. She isn't spending the time going through pockets, just a cursory view of the less gory members. "They could be scrying us, as we did them. I don't have any way to know. I can try and mimic the professor's methods, but I'm not sure if we can stand the delay."

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg # 144):
Matt looks incredulous but remains calm and says "You guys want to lay off the gin or absinthe, it turns you mad. You ever heard the saying about mad dogs and Englishmen? Anyway, I reckon if we fly away and these loonies show up we'll call it 'magically' tracked otherwise we escaped fair and square."

Chalky has just picked up the thread of the conversation and says "look, we have to get out of here. Those gunshots and the rest of that racket will have the coppers here in a few minutes and we're looking at a few weeks in gaol for just being here, let alone shooting a dozen Arabs."
He gestures to outside. "Let's shake a leg, we'll follow you."

JM holds the door open for the others.  "We can fly back if it will help break the tracking... ability.  Regardless we have no time to dally Cynthia."

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 147):

"I'm ready to go. One last thing before we leave though, should we torch this place? It might look like Mehmet was killed in a botched robbery and the others who got away set the pub ablaze." Matt asks.

JM nodded; "We'll meet you at the airport outside Cairo if you two want to fly Matt.  That way we'll have your aircraft handy and you can fetch your gear."  He turned to the others. "Burning the place down has merit.  It will simplify things with the authorities."

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 149):

"Sounds good, we'll see you there. Come on then Chalky, lets go and get our stuff together." Matt leaves and climbs into the truck waiting for Chalky to catch up.

"Sure thing mate." Chalky clambers into the truck with him. He sticks his head out and say to the others "See you soon, I'll bring the beer."

In reply to Andrew 'Chalky' White (msg # 151):

Matt roars off in a cloud of dust and diesel fumes heading for the aerodrome.

In reply to Matthew 'Matt' Clancy (msg # 148):

Bathony and Cynthia searched the six Cultist bodies. They found 3 sets of intact Cultist robes (black silk) plus six ceremonial clubs and sets of reversed ankhs, silver occult symbols, etc.

Without waiting for an answer Roger and Karlheinz began pouring out the contents of the liquor bottles on the bar and weathered walls. A quick match later and the inferno was started.

JM kept watch outside as the deeds were done.  "Save a set of the robes and symbols for us.  We'll want them to infiltrate at the pyramid if we have a chance."

"Oh silk, how luxurious. Hardly my size. Alright Mr. Falcon, I suppose you can have them." Cynthia will attempt to strip the cultists (of clothes and jewelry) as quickly and with as little nudity as possible, before escaping out to the cars.

The group followed Matt and Chalky to their aerodrome as the bar went up in flames behind them. It seemed likely that the police would not look too closely at the incident, assuming it was a robbery, perhaps one that went wrong.

The pair's "aerodrome" was some shacks and a barn-cum-hangar. The latter held an aircraft that didn't seem serviceable. Matt and Chalky picked up some gear, then depart with the others.

The plan was to travel from Heliopolis to Cairo, then from there to Dashur. They should arrive  at Dashur an hour or so before dawn. With any luck, Omar Shakti and his cultists would still be present at the Lesser Bent Pyramid.

Keeper's Note: I'd love gear lists from Matt and Chalky, and in particular what you are bringing for this expedition. Do you have a motor vehicle?

The Count turned to Ms Holloway, "Lets keep these things you never know if they may come in handy." He then followed their new allies away from the bar with a bundle of clothes under his arm.


-

George continued to provide cover and keep an eye on the road as everyone worked at checking bodies or burning the black down. He tried to save a good bottle of Scotch if there was such a thing, other wise he was eager to leave when it was time.


-

JM laughed wryly at Cynthia's comment.  "Always the best for the ladies."  Still he helped her with the more unseemly details of stripping the cultists.  As George grabbed a bottle JM helped himself to one as well.  "For the road," he grinned at the older man.

Back at the aerodrome Chalky changes clothes and burns his blood-spattered suit. "Bloody annoying that," he says to Matt, "I liked that suit. Egyptian cotton, nice and cool." Oddly enough he seems to have put the butchery behind him, a useful mental procedure he no doubt learned a Gallipoli in the vicious trench fighting.

"Now," he said to himself, "lemmee see. What shall I need?"

He drags out his backpack and starts to stuff objects into it.

1897 Turkish Army Mauser + 2 magazines*
Leather belt holster/magazine pouch
.303 SMLE Rifle + 4 magazines
P'07 sword bayonet and scabbard
British army WW1 webbing including ammunition pouches, canteen and entrenching tool

50X 7.62x21mm Mauser ammunition
100x .303 ammunition.

Swag (combine sleeping roll and bed mat)
Hatchet/hammer
Pocket knife (4")
Large canteen (different to webbing canteen)
Rucksack
Mess tins + cooking gear
Electric torch, 2x spare globes and spare batteries
Notebook, pencils and fountain pen
1/2 inch rope (fifty feet long)
Bush clothes + slouch hat.

2 weeks food.

(*The 1897 Turkish Army Mauser has the same characteristics as a '9mm Automatic Pistol' due to the 7.92x21mm pistol ammunition being a 'hot round')

After filling his rucksack or tying things to it Chalky backs the lorry up to the workshed and fills up a forty four gallon drum with fuel* for the truck. He also checks that the waterbag that swings from in front of the lorry's radiator is full.

JM looked about.  "Chalky, do you have a spare fighting knife?  I can use one.  Also we can throw a shovel in the trunk of the car in case we do have any digging."

Matt darts into the room, "That's what you get for wearing that fancy clobber." Matt retorts. He stands in his light shorts and short sleeved shirt wearing his boots and usual bowler (derby) hat.

It takes a couple of minutes to get his stuff together and chuck it into his 2 handle bags. "That's me done." patting his revolver he continues "and this beauty isn't leaving my side now."

32 Revolver
Leather belt holster/magazine pouch
30-06 Bolt Action + 4 magazines
Bolo knife and scabbard
British army WW1 webbing including ammunition pouches, canteen and entrenching tool
Camping Gear
Swag (combine sleeping roll and bed mat)

In handle bag 1
2 boxes of 100 rounds 30-06
2 boxes of 100 rounds .32
Hatchet/hammer
Large canteen
Mess tins + cooking gear
Electric torch, 2x spare globes and spare batteries
Notebook, pencils and fountain pen

In handle bag 2
Pocket knife (4")
1/2 inch rope (fifty feet long)
4 changes of clothes (suitable for Africa) + bowler hat.
2 weeks food.

Chalky looks up as he's sliding a foot-and-a-half-long bayonet into his rucksack. After the sudden appearance of blood-thirsty savages at Mehmet's Bar he's not taking anything for granted.

"Sorry John-Marc, but apart from a kitchen knife I've only got this and I intend to hang it off that," he points to a well oiled Lee-Enfield SMLE rifle in the cab of the lorry. "But we're going past town so we can pick something up. The Arabs around here use these great big curved pig-stickers that'd scare the life out of you just to look at them."

With that he hops into the truck and waits for Matt to drive off.

In reply to Andrew 'Chalky' White (msg # 164):
Matt chucks his bags and weapons into the truck. He starts the engine before leaning out and calling to John-Marc "You lead, we'll follow!"

JM shrugged.  The knife would have been good but not essential.  The could always stop in Cairo if they had to and buy just about anything if necessary.  "Don't worry Chalky, like you said we can stop and arm up along the way." He nodded to Matt and smiled while clapping his old friend on the back.  "Then let's have at it gentlemen."  JM led the way back out to the car.

"Alright, let's get back on the road before anyone else tracks us down."

After several minutes loading up at the shack that had been home to Matt and Chalky for a time, they headed out into the darkness. Headlamps illuminated the dusty unpaved road.

Taking the main road from Heliopolis to Cairo they reach the city in an hour. The main boulevards of the great and ancient city on the banks of the yellow Nile river were paved and lit by gas lamps. Gangs of cleaners roamed the wide thouroughfares sweeping the pavement clean, picking up trash and refuse for the coming day. Were some of the workers noticing the small convoy of motor vehicles as they sped past? Who could say?

They passed through the centre of Cairo, past the domed roof of the magnificent Cairo Museum, dark save for a few windows. They passed across the Great Nile Bridge over the yellow waters of the ancient river to the island of Boulaq Gesirat. This island was home to the Gesirat Sporting Club and several opulent mansions.

Surprisingly to Matt and Chalky was a short detour to one of these massive gated mansions on the west side of the island close to the west bank of the Nile. The guards post at the gate and patrolling along the wall were sharp-eyed Bedouin. They stopped in the courtyard in front of a wealthy mansion and a man came out to meet them. He was aristocratic and part-Egyptian, dressed as a Bedouin.

In reply to The Keeper (msg # 167):

"Allow me to introduce myself, I am Alexander. Are these the two gentlemen who we were seeking to have in our employ? How did the meeting go? It is rather late, Salim roused me when you returned, as I instructed him to."

He seemed a rather unflappable sort, especially if he just got out of bed!

In reply to Alexander Hussein Mahfouz (msg # 168):

Matt steps forward touching the brim of his bowler before offering Alexander his hand. "Pleased to meet ya Alexander. I'm Matt, this is Chalky. He's an Ozzie but apart from that not a bad bloke." He grins broadly.

In reply to Matthew 'Matt' Clancy (msg # 169):

Alexander shook his hand and smiled.

"Pleased to meet you, my good man. Care to have a drink?" He nodded to his man, Selim. Like the other Bedouin, Selim was armed with an SMLE rifle. Alexander had a gunbelt over his djellaba with a Webley holstered at his hip.
This message was last updated by the player at 11:27, Tue 22 Jan 2019.

Chalky, as egalitarian as always, shakes Alexander's hand and says "As-salāmu ʿalaykum" ('peace be with you' Arabic.)

In reply to Andrew 'Chalky' White (msg # 171):

"Walikum as-Salaam," replied Alexander with a knowing smile.

[Keeper's Note: Like I need to translate this for you.]

 "I'm not sure we have time for a drink, we're in a bit of a hurry. If you have a dagger or large knife handy that Chalky can borrow it would save us some time."

After the introductions were made The Count approached Alexander, "We ran into some trouble and a truck load of cultists." He glanced at the others "We were able to beat them off."

He takes a seat and a glass of water.


-

In reply to Count Sigismund Bathony (msg # 174):

He seemed a little surprised.

"My word! Some trouble? With more cultists? What happened? It was the Dark Brotherhood like earlier, I suspect. I hope Frenchy's bar is all right! No place else to get a decent drink in Heliopolis. Quite a hellhole, mark my words.

"Yes of course, you may certainly have a daggar. I have several. Plus my trench knife. Will you be needing more firepower? I can get the Lewis gun."

Chalky's eyebrows go up. These people certainly aren't messing around. Perhaps it's time to take this 'magic' stuff seriously.

In reply to Alexander Hussein Mahfouz (msg # 175):

"The bar is a flaming wreck as they were able to deal to the barkeep and yes they were the same cultists. A truck load of them, though we were able to put quite a few down before the rest fled in the truck."

In reply to George Perkins (msg # 177):

At the words "Lewis gun" Matt's ears prick up. "Does the Lewis have a tripod? If it does it can't hurt to have it with us, just in case. At worst we can use it to heat the water for our coffee."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:27, Wed 23 Jan 2019.

In reply to George Perkins (msg # 177):

After getting the story out of the group Alexander said, "Matt, Chalky, so sorry you got dragged into this rather frightful mess. I will have Selim take some of my men and clear out your belongings, if you can give directions to your aerodrome. If the police are involved it's best if you chaps stay here and "lie doggo" for a while.

"I'll have a word with the police superintendant. My men will also plant evidence at the bar to suggest the attackers were nationalist terrorists and my newspaperman friend Nigel Wassif will also spread the same rumours.

"As for a Lewis gun tripod, no, it only just the bipod I am afraid. This is part of the twin Lewis guns mounted in the observer position of the Brisfit."

Matt and Chalky were familiar with the Bristol F.2 "Brisfit", a widespread late-war 2-seater biplane. Despite this it was as powerful and manoeuverable as many single-man fighters but boasted twin Vickers firing forwards and twin Lewis guns to the rear. the latter could be dismounted and used with barrel shrouds and bipods.

In reply to Alexander Hussein Mahfouz (msg # 179):

"Ah well, a bipod is almost as good. Would've settled their hash for them back at the bar if we'd had it then."

In reply to Matthew 'Matt' Clancy (msg # 180):

"No doubt at all! It sounds like you settled their hash all the same.

"Right. Selim is going to retrieve your articles. I'll call Nigel in the morning. In the mean time I'll take you out to Dashur. You'll get lost if I don't, it's thirty miles upriver!

"I assume we'll take the lorry and the Renault touring car?

"I'll go wake Dr. Weston and get him to bring his bag and his revolver. If we need his services then best he be along with us and not here."

Keeper's Note: Ok, get what gear you are bringing. I assume all PCs are coming along?
This message was last edited by the player at 03:05, Sat 26 Jan 2019.

"Great to see you again Alexander," JM greeted their friend enthusiastically.  "Once again we are reliant on your hospitality.  We are eternally grateful to you as always."  When the offer of a drink was made JM nodded.  "I can use a stiff whiskey Alexander if you don't mind. And a good knife if you have one or two please." 

When the encounter came up JM nodded in agreement.  "They are definitely tracking us.  There is no other explanation.  Our only main hope is that Cynthia can manage to screen us from their gaze with one of the rituals we have learned."

Chalky looks dubious but is prepared to go along with all this wirrunen-stuff*

"Okay," he says, his protestant upbringing struggling with the concept of magic that is not somehow satanic. "What can be done magic-wise to stop this 'scrying'? You sound like you have had to deal with this before. Also, is there anything else you can do to sway the odds our way? It seems that it's important that we scotch this activity those nutters at the temple. What is the result if we fail?"

(*'Wirrunen' is one name for Australian Aboriginal magical practitioners)

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 182):

"According to Dr. Khafour,to scry, or whatnot, the Dark Brotherhood needs to be concentrating, not doing anything else. That was what happened earlier today. But they were busy with their rituals tonight, correct? I think it's possible they just followed you. Take some precautions tonight and you should be safe as houses."

JM thought through the likely outcomes. "I hate to rely on something so out of our control Alexander but we may have no other choice it seems."  He turned to Chalky.  "We have some ability to interfere with the attempts to magically track us but we lack some of the necessary bits to make it work."  he shrugged; "If they succeed... summoning of an eldritch horror... the end of the world as we know it perhaps... the Count or Cynthia could answer better as to that one I think."

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 185):

Alexander was handed a loaded Lewis gun from one of his men. He put it on his shoulder. Also put at his feet was a satchel along with some food, water and electric torches.

"Let's not dwell on that, chaps! Come on, who's going in the lorry and who's in the touring car?

"Dashur awaits!"

Chalky clambers into the passenger seat of the lorry, unsure of what awaits him in the cold Egyptian desert

In reply to Andrew 'Chalky' White (msg # 187):

Alexander handed him the canvas satchel. "Here you go, chum. A little something in case need to crash a party." The bag held Mills bombs.

Chalky raised yet another eyebrow and found himself at a loss for words. After a second he blurts out "Rightyo, I know what to do with these." He looks at Alexander and says "I'm supposing we're going 'all out' here. Is a doctor coming along with us?"

As he says that he takes out his weapons and loads them, leaving a cartridge in the breech of both the rifle and the pistol.

JM claps Alexander on the shoulder.  "Well done friend, you are always reliable." As they climb into lorry and car he calls out.  "When we arrive Chalky pass a few of those bombs around to those that know how to use them."

"Hiding from scrying would require an additional stop with Dr. Khafour for more of that powder. I suspect the expense is time may prove higher than the advantage."

Cynthia does prepare both of her shotguns, the larger one with slugs, the smaller with shot. She'll hop in the car, if only for the more comfortable seats.

In reply to Andrew 'Chalky' White (msg # 189):

"Indeed, the good doctor is. May I present Dr. Weston."

Slinging a SMLE rifle around his shoulder, he gestured at a sleepy-looking older gentleman carrying a doctor's bag and pulling on a coat.

"Cynthia, Dr. Khafour did say he was out of the ingredient that helps conceal one from scrying. But he is looking for more."

In reply to Alexander Hussein Mahfouz (msg # 192):

"I'm already to go." Mat chips in from the window of the truck.

OOC - 1. All kit as listed previously is still in his bags in the back of the truck so it will be coming with him. 2 - Does the truck have a cupola? If so how quick will it take to mount the lewis gun there?

In reply to Matthew 'Matt' Clancy (msg # 193):

Still yawning, Dr. Weston climbed into the car. "Pleased to meet you, ah, Chalky."

In reply to Doctor Phillip Weston (msg # 194):

Lighting a cheroot, Alexander climbed up into the lorry. He had a couple German Stielhandgrenaten (stick grenades) stuck in his cartridge belt. He was also armed with a SMLE rifle and Webley pistol. He then helped a couple of his Bedouin workers up into the ned. They were armed with SMLE rifles.

The small convoy set out across the western bridge from the island of Boulaq. Once across they turned left on a dirt track that led south into the desert. Not too far away to the west loomed the Giza plateau and atop that the three dark masses of the ancient pyramids.

Their yellow headlamps disappeared into the cool darkness. In a short while they were no longer passing clusters of darkened huts sitting along the banks of the Nile. They continued south along the track, palm trees scattered to both sides and a thick line of palms to the east marking the Nile river. A mile or two to the west was the escarpment marking the verge of the desert to the west. About ten miles down the track even the palm trees were gone save for those along the Nile.

They traveled for hours, stopping once for about fifteen minutes to fix a flat tire on the lorry. At that point the party got out and stretched their legs, have a drink of warm water and a cigarette. All the while keeping a wary eye on the darkness while Alexander's men wrestled a spare tire onto the wheel base. The heavens wheeled above them in absolute splendor. The night was alive with the chirp and buzz of insects.

Finally, about an hour or so before dawn they were getting close to Dashur. There was a faint glow to the East marking where the sun would rise.

While stretching his legs Chalky sucks in the night air, wondering is what in front of him. He shares out the grenades between vehicles and quietly reminds people of the important safety aspects of the Mills Bomb.

"Remember, after you pull the pin Mister Grenade is no longer your friend."

"It's hard to appreciate distances when you fly everywhere. I hope we don't arrive so late as to miss our date. Nearly looks like last call."

JM takes several of the grenades with great respect.

As the truck motors through the night Chalky rests his Lee-Enfield across his lap and stares out into the desert, keeping an eye out and ready if action should come upon the group suddenly.

The Count also takes some grenades as they other had as he then mounts up putting his rifle next to him. He makes sure the garb they took off the attacker at the bar was also present.


-

Mr. Perkins made his way inside and returned with his rifle and both of his large revolvers. He then takes a few grenades and checks on the AP and explosive .303 ammunition they have left, making sure it all goes into the vehicles while handing out some to those who have weapons that could fire it.


-

Like an old campaigner JM naps as they drive.

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 203):

Matt drives, keeping an eye out for the usual dangers plus watching out for the sudden appearance of unexpected vehicles or pedestrians.

They were drawing closer to Dashur. The dirt road was treacherous indeed!

OOC: Everyone can make Spot Hidden rolls. Matt can make a Drive check.

In reply to The Keeper (msg # 205):

"Blast! Another flat tyre!" exclaimed Alexander. He was behind the wheel of his Renault touring car. It was obvious he had blown a tyre, which was not unexpected during a journey of any duration on rough roads at night.

He pulled over and called out to the lorry. "We have to stop because of the flat tyre. We are about two miles from the fishing village near Dashur, maybe another mile west to the Lesser Bent Pyramid. Do you want to wait and fix it, or leave the car and continue on?"

In reply to Alexander Hussein Mahfouz (msg # 206):

"We can go on. You lot can all pile in the back of here if you want. Sort out the flat in the morning. Unless you think it'll get lifted before dawn." Matt calls back.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:20, Wed 13 Feb 2019.

In reply to Matthew 'Matt' Clancy (msg # 207):

"I don't think anyone will disturb the Renault if we leave it by the side of the road for a few hours. We are in a rather primitive part of the world now. Only perhaps twenty miles away from home, twenty-five from downtown Cairo, but back centuries in time.

"All right, let's all climb into the lorry. No point in setting a guard. We've only a couple miles to go to the Lesser Bent Pyramid. There is apparently a guard set there now for some purpose. We should approach cautiusly.

"I am also led to believe that the Clive expedition is residing in Dashur, although it is more to the west near the pyramid of Djoser."

With that he grabbed his Enfield, a couple canvas bags loaded with food and canteens full of water, and climbed into the canvas-topped bed of the Thornycroft War Department (WD) lorry.

In reply to Alexander Hussein Mahfouz (msg # 208):

As they got set up in the lorry, Chalky happened to glance east towards the vast, dark river. There were no palms here, just a dark body of water perhaps a quarter mile across, if that, much narrower than where it ran through Cairo and the delta.

Far out on the water, he thought he saw a large, dark shape like a barge or sailing vessel floating several miles downstream.

"What's that?!" Says Chalky. "Dumb to to sail a boat, you can't see what you'll hit in the river. Only a nutcase would do that."

He shifts and says to the driver. "Stop for a sec', let's have a look at this."

In reply to Andrew 'Chalky' White (msg # 210):

Matt brakes gently and pulls to a halt to have a good look at whatever Chalky has seen.

The Count hops out as well and looks towards the river. He rummages around in his carpet bag before producing a set of field glasses. He scans the boat with them looking for anything a miss.

Count Sigismund Bathony rolled 78 using 1d100 with rolls of 78.  Spot Hidden = 72%. That dice roller!


-

In reply to Count Sigismund Bathony (msg # 212):

Once pointed out, everyone noticed the dark shape on the river. The almost-full moon was setting but the glimmer of light on the water was enough to show there was something there. It seemed to be a medium-sized barge or boat of some kind.

In reply to The Keeper (msg # 213):

"I don't know if that's something we need to worry ourselves about or not but it won't be able to keep up with this truck." Matt says. "Shall we just bolt? After all it's likely nothing to do with us."

"I dunno Matt," says Chalky. "You'd have to really be desperate to move a craft like that at night without lights. It smells fishy."

In reply to Andrew 'Chalky' White (msg # 215):

"Of course it smells fishy, it's a boat!"

Chalky looks over at Matt in the dark but his wry look is lost to the gloom

In reply to Andrew 'Chalky' White (msg # 217):

"Are we going to continue on, then? Or wait here a while?"

In reply to Alexander Hussein Mahfouz (msg # 218):

"Keep driving then." Matt says before shoving the truck back into gear and pulling away. "You might want to keep an eye on that boat thought Chalky, in case a bunch of magic men  suddenly jump off it to get us."

In reply to Matthew 'Matt' Clancy (msg # 219):

It was hard to tell the location and direction of the vessel. It seemed to be at least a couple miles downstream.

In reply to Matthew 'Matt' Clancy (msg # 219):

Alexander held on as the lorry lurched forward when Matt put the big vehicle in gear.

"I should let you in on what my friends are doing here and hope to accomplish.

"As you may recall, back in 1919-1920 the Carlyle Expedition arrived here from New York via London. It was funded by American playboy, Roger Carlyle, in conjunction with the Penhew Institute in London. They arrived in late 1919 at the start of "digging season" (the winter) and left for Kenya in early 1920, to return before the digging season ended in March or April and it got too hot. They were all slaughtered by natives while there, in Kenya, possibly by primitive cultists.

"My friends, JM, Cynthia, JM, et al, were friends with an investigative reporter and author, Jackson Elias, who thought some or all of the expedition's principals were still alive. He travelled to at least London, Cairo, Nairobi and we think Shanghai to track down leads. When he returned to New York he asked his friends for help, but was killed by cultists. So that's what my friends are doing here: looking for traces of the Carlyle expedition and perhaps find if any of them are alive. Especially Roger Carlyle, at the behest of his sister, Erica.

"Something to consider: the Carlyle expedition did visit Dashur. They also visited the Collapsed Pyramd at Meidum, thirty miles to the north of there, upriver. There something happened. It was witnessed by Warren Bessart, Carlyle's agent here in Cairo. (He is alive because he did not accompany them to Kenya.) He was broken by what he saw there, and feels he would have perished had it not been for a local porter, Nyti al-Wasta. We are very close to the town of al-Wasta, another thirty miles, perhaps before we return to Cairo we can pay him a visit? In the daylight the journey will be much quicker."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:34, Fri 22 Feb 2019.

JM listened as Alexander provided a summary of their activities.  He frowned as the memory of so much horror and bloodshed flashed through his mind.  "There has been much blood spilled on the path to our arrival in Egypt.  The conspiracy that enmeshed Carlyle and his team spans the globe."  He nods though at the mention of the porter.  "We should definitely speak to Nyti.  I am sure that there will be much to learn from him as he was at the site of the atrocity as well.  Hopefully he is more coherent than Bessart."

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 222):

"Yes, the Frenchman was quite mad. Poor sod. After we are done here we will continue on north to al Wastya, and meet this Nyiti fellow.

"Something else to consider is the Clive expedition is located near here, to the south of Dashur. They are the ones who possessed the mummy of Nitocris, and lost it. Now, they are also supported by the Penhew Institute, like the Carlyle expedition. Bear in mind from what you told me the director and many of the board were members of the Dark Brotherhood cult in England. (I am unsure how they are reacting to the decimation of their leadership back in England!) So should you wish to visit them you must exercise caution.

"The Dutchman van Huelevelen, who left the Clive expedition, said he would help furnish you with an introduction if you assisted him in translating some papers he found. Or there might be other means of gaining entry."

JM had forgotten in the press of events about the Clive expedition.  "There might be some advantage to scouting their digs but if they are a nest of cultists they will either hide things or if they know of us make us disappear.  I think more of a covert reconnaissance is what might be needed of them at least first."  He looked at Alexander.  "Do you have any contacts that might provide us with a cover to enter the camp?  Maybe authorities of the government or contractors of some type?  Or just tourists..."

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 224):

"Dr. Khafour would be the best resource for that. All authorisation for archaeological digs must go through the museum, and ultimately him.

"Let us do some looking, then. At least while the darkness lasts. Another hour or so. Thankfully, we are almost there."

JM nods. "We need to stop the cultists first.  If we survive and succeed then we can make our further investigations.  I am pretty sure that doctor Khafour will help us with credentials if needed."

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 226):

"Right then. First order of business is to investigate the Lesser Bent Pyramid. That is where Cynthia's vision suggested that Omar Shakti took the sarcophagus of Nitocris earlier tonight. I have information that the government has mounted a guard on the pyramid. Egyptian soldiers. They let the procession into the main entrance. Perhaps they are innocent, perhaps they were bribed, perhaps they are part of the Dark Brotherhood cult. We should be careful of them.

"Next we can take a look at the Clive expedition camp without intruding. Merely take its measure from the outside.

"And after daybreak we shall travel north to Meidum and the town of al Wasti, and interview this Nyiti fellow. Perhaps he can be more help to us than that Warren Besart wretch."

In reply to Alexander Hussein Mahfouz (msg # 227):

"Beginning to think flying would've been easier, and quicker." Matt remarks with a smile.

JM looked at Matt and nodded.  "Far, far easier Matt... just nowhere to land in one piece at least."  He listened somberly to Alexander.  "Or perhaps the soldiers are dead.  Either way we will have to walk with caution.  As for the Clive expedition I would not doubt that they are deeply involved in all of this.  The cultists know of us so walking in without precautions might be suicidal.  But," he looked at the sky.  "The night is waning, let's advance."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:19, Mon 25 Feb 2019.

"We should stop well away where our lights won't be seen and then creep up." Suggests Chalky, gripping his rifle grimly.

JM nodded.  "Agreed, we can advance with someone leading the truck on foot if we have to but we'll want to find a convenient spot to stop soon."

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 231):

They encountered a small fishing village, just a half dozen thatched huts, really, on the riverbank just north of Dashur, which was located a mile inland. If anyone awoke at their passage no lights came on, no one stirred. Dawn would come soon and no doubt the fishermen and farmers would be going about their business within an hour or so. Once past the village they killed the headlamps and navigated by moonlight, although the moon was just setting.

For some reason Alexander had them halt for a moment as they were passing by the nameless ville. He dismounted and ran over to a small thatched hut inside a crudely fenced-in enclosure, looked inside it, and then remounted. "Looking for a friend I know around here. He's not in. Strange. Let's go."

The lorry parked safely behind a small pile of ancient shattered brick, about a half-mile from Dashur. They proceeded on foot, with the Bedouin that Alexander left behind to guard the lorry.

Keeper's Note: Please post in the Dashur thread.

OK! Please post here again.

After a short dusty ride on a dirt road through orchards and past fields, they arrived at the rail line and then the Nile. There was a nearby village of a few huts. Chi-Yin was able to retrieve a few belongings she was able to bring with her from the Clive Expedition. After the launch transferred them to the yacht, they were underway before noon. They motored south down the river, reaching Cairo before nightfall.

The yacht docked at Alexander's private wharf at his estate on the exclusive island of Gezirat Boulaq. Tea and stronger spirits were waiting for them when they arrived.

In reply to The Keeper (msg # 233):

''Your estate is a lovely place, sir.'' Chi-yin said to Alexander.

In reply to Wong Chi-yin (msg # 234):

"God has blessed me and my family," he replied.

Indeed, there was a mansion, guest quarters, a carriage house and stables (converted into a garage). Surrounding that were palm-topped tree-shaded lawns, encircled on the land side by a wall.

"Ah, there's the lady of the house now. May I introduce my wife, Marjyan. Marjyan, this is Chi-Yin Wong. Mrs. Wong is a scholar, an archaeologist."
This message was last edited by the player at 10:04, Sat 04 July 2020.

In reply to Alexander Hussein Mahfouz (msg # 235):

Marjyan smiled warmly and extended her hand. "Chi-Yin! It is such a delightful pleasure to meet you." Like her husband, her voice and accent spoke of breeding and an education of England's finest public schools, or perhaps a close proximity somewhere on the continent.

"And you, my husband. I am glad you have found your lost friends! I am so glad you have all returned. Please, won't you join me for refreshments on the patio?" Having not been introduced to Matt nor Chalky she had no idea they were gone.

The group settled down into a splendid light dinner outside on the veranda beside the swimming pool. Date and palm trees provided shade, servants moved silently and confidently to serve them. They were served falafel, hummus, and ful medames (a stew of cooke fava beans). For the less adventuresome there was roast lamb, rice and steamed vegetables. As before the port and sherry was impeccable.

In reply to Alexander Hussein Mahfouz (msg # 235):

"Hello, it is a pleasure to meet you."Chi-yin smiled at the lady.

In reply to Marjyan Mahfouz (msg # 236):

"I should like to."

In reply to Wong Chi-yin (msg # 239):

The group had a pleasant evening, discussing what happened, or not, depending on their mood. It was suggested they reconvene in the morning to discuss their plans moving forward. Catching up with and reviewing the work of the drunkard Dutchman, Jan van Huevelen, seemed to be a good place to start. He had recovered some ancient papyrus scrolls from a disused temple to Bast hidden in the outskirts of Cairo, and seemed to have decyphered its contents. In exchange he could get them an introduction to the Clive expedition's digs in Memphis, something that Chi-Yin could also arrange.

In reply to The Keeper (msg # 240):

Chi-yin nodded and said that it would be possible for her to arrange the introduction.

In reply to Wong Chi-yin (msg # 241):

"Capital! I'll get you writing materials. You can post Sir Clive a letter tomorrow as I do not think he has telegraph service in Memphis.

"It seems the Dutchman isn't as useful as we once thought, as this delightful lady can arrange an introduction for us. Still, we promised the drunk wretch a payment if he could finish his translation of those scrolls he found. Or should I say, stole. It's worth a few quid to buy the originals off him to maybe given them back to that priestess that seems upset at him."

In fact, it had seemed to them that it wasn't just the Priestess but also hordes of cats that seemed to have taken a disliking to him. If there was something supernatural going on there, well, that wouldn't be the first time that had happened here in Cairo!

Th events of the previous few hours, or weeks as it was had been draining and the count was glad of a drink, smoke and seat.

"Agreed Alexander I think the scrolls would be better off back in the hands of the priestess. Especially if she was the original victim of the Dutchman's theft."

He takes a drink from his glass as he enjoys the breeze which has lowered the temperature to a more manageable level for some use to the climate of London.


-

"And here I thought you were English? Shouldn't it be tucked away in the British Museum?" Cynthia winks, giving some clue to her ribbing. "No matter. Given our experience with Penhew, I think I trust the cats more. But I do want to see those translations. Do you reckon we need to wait until morning to pick them up? He doesn't seem to keep normal schedules, and I could do with the evening reading."

The good doctor who'd accompanied them from England added, "and there was that poor local chap, a digger, who witnessed... something in the desert. Some wicked ritual performed by the Carlyle expedition in Dashur. Niti... Niti something? He's the one who dragged the Frenchman, Warren Besart, to safety."

Warren Besart was Carlyle's agent in Egypt. Whatever he'd witnessed had shattered his mind. But he'd proved to be a big help in their early investigation. Perhaps the man who saved him, an Egyptian, could shed further light on the activities of the ill-fated Carlyle expedition?

"Maybe when we're done dealing with van Huelevan we may track the fellow down. The newspaperman, Nigel Wassif, he may know where to find him. Worth a visit at any rate!"

In reply to Doctor Phillip Weston (msg # 245):

Chi-yin raised her head."Warren Besart? I remember him. I believe I met him once or twice. Before he went mad."

In reply to Wong Chi-yin (msg # 246):

"Quite sad really. I have been seeing him over the last weeks to attempt to bring some succor to his damaged psyche. So much pain! I don't know if he will ever be whole again."

He shook his head, sadly.

"There's no reason we all need to visit the Dutchman together. Aside from his cuisine, I don't expect any danger. Perhaps we should split in two, to move quicker?"

'I speak a bit of Dutch', volunteers Roger. 'Spent a summer in Groningen. I'll be happy to talk to this chap.'
This message was last edited by the player at 20:44, Wed 05 Aug 2020.

"I am happy to accompany you Ms Holloway, if you believe you need and escort." He gives a nod before taking sip of his drink.


-

"It is always a pleasure, Count. Mr. Bedford, I suspect more useful will be the language of opiates and drug dens, but your academics are welcome. Ms. Chi-yin, if you would like to take the remaining gentleman with you, we can regroup here tomorrow to discuss?"

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg # 248):

"Don't expect danger? Miss, I think we should always be on our guard as long as that dark priest Omar al-Shakti is loose. The last time we split up the party, both groups were isolated and attacked. On that note, we've been rather careful in concealing that we are using my estate as a base. My trusty Bedouin guards keep us safe here. But if our foes can scry from afar as we can, and can summon unearthly creatures like the ones that sank your felluca in the Nile, we should consider a more safer and anonymous place to go to ground. It may only be a matter of time before our luck runs out and this place becomes a target."

In reply to Doctor Phillip Weston (msg # 247):

"How terrible." It was a horrible thought.

In reply to Wong Chi-yin (msg # 253):

A somewhat rumpled young German fellow added,

"It was, yes.

"I am Karlheinz, and I am pleased to make your acquaintance.

"Are we visiting both the Dutchman and Nigel at the Cairo Bulletin at the same time?"

"Are you going to all visit van Hueleven in the morning, then visit Nigel to find the location of the worker who might know more about what happened to the Carlyle expedition?"

In reply to Karlheinz Bergmann (msg # 254):

"Hello." Chi-yin nodded at him.

In reply to Alexander Hussein Mahfouz (msg # 255):

"That sounds like a good idea."

JM chimed in after Karlheinz. "We should definitely look for a different safe house than Alexander's estate.  He has been quite generous and brave in helping us but I don't wish to see his home and family dragged into this conflict with murderous fanatics.  Alexander, do you have a suggestion where we might shelter?  I think something in the suburbs where we can have a bit more room about us might be best."

At the mention of heading out JM shook his head. "We face terrible perils for a fact.  I suggest we stay together while we can."

"We can visit the Dutchman in the morning and the journalist in the afternoon then. I would like to leave town as soon as feasible. Is there anything else for us to attend to in Cairo after our interviews? And how are we moving deeper into the continent? If we are to fly, perhaps staying near the aerodrome will serve us best, keeping us close to our most critical equipment."

The Count thought over the point that had been raised by the others as he took a sip of his drink.
"Yes I think we should stay together if at all possible and the idea of somewhere else to stay makes sense, though I am loath to leave this place and it's resident guards. In fact perhaps we should stay until it is obvious we have been sprung ?"



-

JM replied.  "I think the danger to Alexander's family outweighs the added safety of being here.  There are a number of well built lodgings we could rent out entirely near the aerodrome.  Perhaps Alexander could loan us a few trustworthy fellows to guard our lodgings."

"That is solid thinking, old man. I shall procure a place by the aerodrome at Heliopolis. Perhaps Matthew and Chalky's hangar is for rent? Poor beggars. As a fallback.

"And a second place as a backup to the fallback, somewhere on the outskirts of Cairo. Stockpile some food, medical supplies at both places. Some Lee Enfields and a Lewis gun or two if I can get ahold of them in the Gunsmith's quarter. If I can."

"Right now your aeroplanes are stored at one of my tobacco warehouses to the south of the city, along the Nile. They should be safe there for now. You can even fly them out, if you don't mind using a road. But it's not an aerodrome, flying them from there will be suspicious." Alexander opined.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:29, Wed 09 Sept 2020.

The night was pleasant and peaceful for some.

For those who'd been trapped beyond time and space in the clutches of the Black Pharaoh, their sleep was filled with uneasy dreams and nightmares that slipped away before the morning.

In the cool morning air they were served breakfast not long after dawn.

The plan for the day was to visit the Dutchman in his apartment. Their objective was to obtain the scrolls he'd stolen from the temple of Bast located somewhere in the Old Quarter. Then it was to visit Nigel Wassif at the Cairo Bulletin, to see if he could locate the man who'd helped Warren Besart escape whatever unholy ritual the Clive Expedition had performed in the desert last year.

Alexander had his Renault touring car ready for the trip into the city. He himself couldn't accompany them as he had other tasks to attend to, namely procuring some hideouts and supplies for them.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:34, Wed 09 Sept 2020.

The Count opened the door for Ms Holloway and then walked around the car to find his own seat. The coffee he had at breakfast had somewhat perked up his mood as he waited for the others to climb in.



-
This message was last edited by the player at 01:11, Thu 10 Sept 2020.

Roger, refreshed by his morning coffee, paused to admire the elegant lines of the Renault before climbing in. As usual, he was wearing his oil-stained pilot's jacket, seemingly oblivious to the sweltering heat.

'Right then,' he said. 'So where is this Dutchie located again?'

In reply to Roger Bedford (msg # 265):

"He is located in a small house to the south of the Old City, near the Necropolis." The Necropolis was Cairo's old graveyard and burial ground, thousands of years old and filled with ornate tombs and more humble resting places.

"My man, Salim, visited him yesterday and he was fine. Except there did seem to be an awful amount of cats in the area. Salim felt like they were watching him. The Dutchamn felt the same."

In reply to Alexander Hussein Mahfouz (msg # 266):

They loaded into the open-topped Renault and sped off over the bridge across the Nile to the city. The car weaved through the crowds, many with heavy baskets and bags on their heads, horse-drawn carts and trolleys. Finally they arrived at their destination, a small 2-story house on the outskirts of Cairo between the city and the gargantuan graveyard "city" of the Necropolis. The morning streets and boulevards for all their crowds were still relatively clean due to the efforts of a small army of sweepers overnight.

The house, like usual, was surrounded by an adjoining wall enclosing a small courtyard with a few palm trees. There were small alleys on both sides and a gate on the street. Stopping out front they noticed cats were everywhere, sitting on piles of trash leaning against the wall, the courtyard walls, under the palm trees lining the street.

Roger bendt down to let one of the cats sniff his hand and tried to pet it gently. He then knocked on the door.

"Hallo, meneer Van Heuvelen! Ben je thuis?"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:50, Mon 14 Sept 2020.

Chi-yin smiled at the cats, thinking they were rather pretty. When she reached a hand down to pet one, it hissed and stepped away from her. "This cat must not like me." she said, laughing.

Ooc: In real life, I am a huge cat fan.

The sight of all the cats reminded him of his own pet who he had found as a kitten on a walking holiday in the Scottish highlands. Given the size the animal had grown to he suspected it was not in the end a "domestic" type kitten, but it had adapted very well to life in the city and it certainly like his company.

Sarah Evens had taken him on while the Count was away and he was currently living the high life he was sure in the palatial town house in Mayfair.

The Count looked for life in the house as he held open the door to the car.




-

In reply to Roger Bedford (msg # 268):

After a moment there was a rambling reply. "Ja ik ben het. Wie is het? Is dit de vrouw die een kat is? Of een kat die een vrouw is?"

Reconsidering, the alley cat that Chi-Yin attempted to pet allowed itself to be stroked. Grudgingly.

Passers-by seemed to be avoiding the narrow side-street they were on, seeings as it was overpopulated by perhaps every stray cat in Cairo.

In reply to The Keeper (msg # 271):

A young Egyptian woman in a dark cowled kaftan robe over her gallibaya stepped out of the shadows of a building. She said, softly to the Count so that the man inside couldn't hear, "remember me? It is I, Neris. Remember as well who those scrolls belong to. His fate shall not be pleasant if they are not returned, and I have been very patient with him."

In reply to Neris (msg # 272):

"Ah... yes how nice to see you again. You are well ? I will see to it."



-

'A lady who is a cat? Or a cat who is a lady?' translates Roger to himself, straining his Dutch to the limit.

"There's none of that sort here, menheer. We just would like to ask you a few questions."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:00, Tue 22 Sept 2020.

The eye in the vision slit in the door studied him. "Ja, yes. I will open." The door opened into a small courtyard. Standing there, looking a little better than they'd seen him last, was the Dutchman. His eyes were a little more focused and less bloodshot. He no longer smelled of sweat and gin. He looked nervously around and motioned at Roger. "Come in! Quickly."

For some reason he did not not notice Neris, who had stepped back. Perhaps she was out of his sight.

Inside the shady courtyard he motioned Roger to sit down on the rattan furninture. "Please, you and your friends must come in quickly. I have been working so hard and now I am almost finished. would you like some tea?"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:56, Sat 19 Sept 2020.

"Thank you, old chap. A nice cup of tea sounds lovely," says Roger as he enters the courtyard and sits down, waiting for the rest of the group to join up.

"I must say, you seem to be quite the animal magnet. I've never seen so many cats before," he remarks to van Huevelen.

The Count followed the others in making sure not to stand on any tails as he does.



-

Cynthia enters. She is cautious about the cats, but not unfriendly, remembering Mungo's good luck with them. She finds a chair, checks its condition and dusts it off if necessary before sitting.

"The cats, do they like treats?" She listens to the Dutchman's answer, making a mental note to send some bribes later. In a world as treacherous as this, it's foolish to underestimate anything. And bribes for cats are so much cheaper.

"The scrolls, have you had time to finish deciphering them? Has anyone bothered you during your work?"

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg # 278):

"Ach! The cats? The cats? They are demons! Always watching me, getting underfoot when I leave. I do not leave. They do not enter the courtyard but they sit on the wall."

He seemed to settle a little.

"No one has bothered me. I... I must keep the scrolls for longer. For study! It would be a crime if they were not coming back with me to Amsterdam and the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden. Once they see what I have found, they will know I was right all along!

"Once I am back in Amsterdam with the right resources and research I will finish the translation and prepare my thesis. It is only right, ja?"

The Count held his tongue as the man laid out his plans to return home with the scrolls. Perhaps the cat lady will have him after all.


-

JM agreed with Alexander as to the disposition of the airplanes and the establishment of a primary and secondary base. "It would be best to keep the aircraft far away from the air field for now until we are ready to depart.  I fear that we may face another raid at least on our first base.  Using Chalky and Matthew's hangar is a good idea and a tribute to both of them.  I like the idea of firepower in reserve and if we need to take off in the night using a road as a runway it will be no worse than what we used in the Great War."

As they head along to the Dutchman JM asked Alexander.  "Cats?  They seem like good creatures.  Isn't one of the ancient goddesses of the Egyptians, Baast I think the patron of cats.  Do you think they are protective creatures?"  Regardless JM took a series of treats that might be well received by cats.

When they arrived JM glanced over at the rather mysterious woman that spoke to the Count but did not pursue the matter as he trusted his comrade.  When the Dutchman began to speak JM nodded and then added.  "It may be best to make a full transcription of the scrolls and leave the originals here.  Such things carry much baggage so to speak and it may be safer for all if the scrolls return to their original resting place for now at least.  But enough of that, what have you learned my good man?"

In reply to The Keeper (msg # 271):

Chi-yin stroked the cat for a few moments,and then it ran off. The door opened soon enough.

In reply to Wong Chi-yin (msg # 282):

The cats seemed to like JM and Chi-Yin's attention, after a little reluctance.

However, the meeting with the Dutchman wasn't going so well.

"No... no. The originals are of true academic value. It would be a true crime against civilisation to leave them here in the hands of superstitious primitives. Enough of that talk. They are coming with me.

"As for what they say, there is some unimportant mention of the cat-headed Goddess, Baast. IT is of no consequence. The interesting parts of the scrolls deal with Apep.Apep is the God of chaos, the opponent of Maat. I will take these documents with me to Amsterdam, I will have a more complete idea of what they say."

Cynthia leans forward in the chair, she widens and brightens her eyes, her voice adopts a higher lilt; "Apep you say? How fascinating? Wasn't he the one whose body was chopped up and thrown out of a boat? And his brother was their primitive sun god? I can't imagine what you've discovered..."

Cynthia has no idea if Apep  ever even saw a boat. But if there's one thing churlish old men just could not abide, it was someone being WRONG in their area of expertise. And so she banked on alternating between shameless participation from her inadequate knowledge to egg him to correct her, combined with a dash of disarming cuteness to keep him talking once he started.

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg # 285):

Cynthia's comments seemed to trigger something within vam Huevelen. He began to rage against women, non-academics, filthy Egyptians in general and the corrupt academics of the Cairo Museum and their British masters.

It was telling to Chi-Yin that they had been part of the same Clive Expedition, yet he did not recognise her, let along acknowledge her as an equal.

He ended with, "I intend to finish my studies in Amsterdam. I shall be leaving on a steamer back to France and then the Netherlands." He indicated some suitcases and travel cases just inside the house.

"But those damned cats are in my way! None of the stupid superstitious taxi drivers will not come close while they are all out there surrounding the house. I plan to lay out poison for them now. Then finish off the survivors. Then I will finish the survivors off."

He took out an automatic pistol, a Broomhandle Mauser, and put it on the table. "Now, are you going to help me or not? If not, get out."

JM shook his head at the thought of killing the cats.  He stroked one that would condescend to his touch as the Dutchman ranted.  "Whether one believes in the gods and goddesses of Egypt or in luck or karma I don't believe that killing cats so cold bloodedly is wise.  Let me offer a compromise.  If you can tell us a bit about what you have found we can transport you at least far enough away to book your own cab without the interference of the cats."

Cynthia keeps her thoughts to herself. While usually eager to talk through differences with difficult characters, she's had much more luck lately blasting them in the head. But since that is usually a very punctual end to any discussions, she defers to her better-educated companions.

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 287):

None of the cats seemed to penetrate the courtyard, but there were a dozen perched atop the surrounding wall.

He grimaced and shook his head, gesturing angrily at the furry guardians.

"They are spiteful vermin! Come to bite me and infect me with rabies. Or God knows what. No one sheds a tear for them except the overly sentimental."

The man launched into a clearly unhinged rambling explanation of how these scrolls document a battle between Apep, the snake god of chaos, and Ra, the sun god. After a few minutes he ended with, "why are we discussing this? Let's get going. You have a duty to science and to European civilisation to help me bring this knowledge back to Amsterdamn.

"This discussion has ended. I have made up my mind. I will be leaving now. Don't try and stop me, don't try and retrieve the scrolls. I warn you."

He stuffed the large Mauser into a coat pocket, grabbed his hat and put it on, then retrieved his bags.

"I doubt you will make it out of the courtyard let alone Cairo. The woman is waiting and she is determined to reclaim her property."

The Count said no more and he did not try to stop the man either.



-

In reply to Count Sigismund Bathony (msg # 291):

"Fine. If that ignorant Egyptian tries to stop me, I'll shoot her as well. My research is more important than her damned superstition. These scrolls belong safe back in Europe. Not sitting in some forgotten heathen temple!"/Blue>

He made his way to the gate, looking through the small window. Pulling his pistol out he set down his bags, searching the street for his human tormentor. The cats all around became agitated and retreated from the courtyard. <Blue>"Come on, where are you!"
This message was last updated by the player at 07:52, Thu 29 Oct 2020.

In reply to Jan van Huevelen (msg # 292):

With no reply, Jan charged the Mauser and opened the door. He grabbed his case and started out. "If I see anyone, I'll shoot them! Damn you, cat!" He fired a shot, missing a feline.
This message was last updated by the player at 01:55, Fri 30 Oct 2020.

The Count let the man go there was no helping him it would seem. He was beyond reason and to caught up in the publishing rights for "his scrolls". He followed the man a winched when he fired off a shot.



-

Cynthia gives the Count a look. "We would be well served by knowing what's on those scrolls. Fancy giving him a long ride back to our airplane? Of course, the plane isn't ready to take off for a few days yet..."

Chi-yin remembered Jan von Huevelen well, after she saw him again. Not the nicest of men, to be frank.

He hadn't even acknowledged her! What sort of greeting was that?

"Shooting at innocent creatures is a bit much!" exclaims Roger.

He marches out the door, taps van Huevelen on the shoulder and tries to deck him with a right hook!

In reply to Roger Bedford (msg # 297):

There was a shot as Roger wound up to strike.

It looked like van Hueleven was really going to try and kill the young woman, who'd been caught by surprise. Luckily the bullet whined by her. She just stood there glaring with contempt at the Dutchman. A distracted Van Hueleven turned just in time to meet Roger's fist with his face. He bellowed, swung the huge-looking Mauser towards Roger and pulled the trigger. That shot went wild as well!

Meanwhile, Nathan was almost at the address of the man who'd threatened to take priceless artifacts out of Egypt with him home to the Netherlands. He was travelling in a dusty Hispano-Suisa car, with a Cairo policeman at the wheel driving down the narrow streets like a maniac, honking the horn to clear pedestrians and mule carts out of their way. A police sergeant sat in back with him, being thrown around on the rear bench seat yet still calmly smoking a cheroot through an impressive moustache. Both officers were dressed in khaki and wore red fezzes, armed with revolvers. In his possession Nathan had the letter authorising him to take possession of any scrolls or objects of historical significance on behalf of the Cairo Museum, signed by his boss Dr. Ali Khafour and counter-signed by the Egyptian Minister for Culture and Antiquities.

They arrived at a slightly surreal and chaotic scene, gunshot echoing down the narrow Cairene street. The Dutchman, Jan van Huelevan, was scuffling with a European man in the front gate to his rented house. There was a second shot! Standing in the middle of the road was a young and beautiful Egyptian woman, seemingly unconcerned with the violence. And the great deal of stray cats now scattering from the gunshots.

It had taken two weeks to track down Van Huelevan. The last telegram sent from the Dutchman had remained unanswered by Nathan, mainly because he knew what the man was up to and he didn't want him to disappear again. As luck would have it, Nathan had already been in Cairo and was already in the process of tracking down someone else. This time as a personal favor to a good friend. Coincidentally both persons were related by the ill fated Clive expedition, although he wasn't expecting them both to be in the same place.

So as well as arresting the Dutchman and returning the scrolls to their rightful place at the Cairo museum, Nathan intended to ask Jan about the location of Chi-Yin. He had received a letter from the latter requesting assistance and mentioning Nuwa. He had never met the antiquarian but any friend of Nuwa's was a friend of his and since he was already in Cairo it was of little inconvenience to him. He had intended to reply that following afternoon but then news of Van Huelevan's whereabouts came to his attention and so here he was, at an address in Cairo, in the back of a police car. And not a moment too soon, it seemed.

As soon as the policeman stopped the car, Nathan got out. The policemen were armed but Nathan was not. Even if he was armed Nathan was inexperienced with a gun so he let the officers handle van Huelevan. Nathan's immediate concern was for the safety of the Egyptian woman who seemed to be standing in the line of fire. Although Jan's pugalistic assailant was in danger of being shot, the distance between himself and the Egyptian woman was closer.

Nathan had not seen so many cats in one place. It was a common thing, both in Egypt and nearby Cyprus to see stray cats. Indeed that was one of the things that both delighted and saddened Nathan. It delighted him to see so many adorable furry felines about but it also saddened him that so many had become strays, abandoned by would be owners that suddenly realized that owning a cat was a great responsibility.

Avoiding the fleeing creatures he attempted to place himself between the line of fire and the Egyptian woman. "Get down! he shouted at her and prayed to a multitude of gods that he didn't believe in, and the one god that he did that he wasn't about to get a chest full of stray lead himself.

Somewhat shocked that van Hueleven was actually crazy enough to shoot, Roger attempts to grapple the madman and bring him to the ground before he hurts someone.

'Have you lost your mind, man!' he shouts at the Dutchman.

{OOC; if needed - 11:53, Today: Roger Bedford rolled 74 using 1d100 with rolls of 74.  Grappling with van Hueleven (25). Failure.]

In reply to Roger Bedford (msg # 300):

Cursing in Dutch, he fended off Roger with one hand while aiming again at the young Egyptian woman. He pulled the trigger and again the shot went wild!

23:05, Today: Jan van Huevelen rolled 72 using 1d100 with rolls of 72.

In reply to Jan van Huevelen (msg # 301):

The bullet went wide. Again, his target seemed unfazed.

With cat-like grace and swiftness the young woman (who they knew as Neris) darted in, grabbed van Hueleven's valise, and sprinted off towards a side alley!

Taken somewhat aback as the shots rang out the Count now jumped into the action. If he was able he would smack the Dutchman's hands holding the pistol hoping to make the man drop it or at the least upset his aim.

Count Sigismund Bathony rolled 75 using 1d100 with rolls of 75. Well thats not going to do it.


-

Another shot from Jan's pistol rang out and luckily went wild. Nathan noticed a second gentleman join the affray and was about to join both men in apprehending the Dutchman when the Egyptian woman grabbed his bag and ran. It took a second for Nathan to realize what was happening and what might be inside the bag.

He quickly ran towards the side alley, shouting after the woman. "Come back here! That bag contains important artifacts of historical value. They belong in the Museum of Cairo!"

Cynthia lets out a most unlady-like curse word under her breath before also dashing after the woman. The men have the Dutchman in hand. Seeing the stranger also follow the woman, Cynthia is happy to fall a few steps behind him. If there are any pits or thugs, she'd prefer he take the hit first.

A little shocked at the senseless-seeming violence, the two policemen sprang out of the car and ran over. The sergeant directed the constable to follow Nathan and the woman, who refused to stop. The police sergeant then joined in the struggle to subdue the raving Dutchman. Everyone involved went down in a dogpile in the entrance.

After a few seconds, van Huevelen was separated from his pistol. He cried out as the Sergeant struck him with his baton, covering his head and cowering.

Keeper Note: Nathan can make a DEX check to try and keep up to her. Her DEX is 16. He has a 35% chance. Roll and then include the results in your post describing him either keeping up or falling behind at the bottom, please!

The Count stood and righted his outfit as best as he could, brushing off the dust and dirt from the street but still looking rather dishevelled. He as asked after Ms. Holloway, "Are you all right ?" but other then that did not take any more action once the mad Dutchman was subdued.

He watched the woman run off somewhat hopeful that she escaped. If he had the chance he would inform the authorities that she was the "owner" of the goods that the Dutchman had stolen.



-

OOC: 12:10, Today: Nathan Issac rolled 19 using 1d100 with rolls of 19.  Keeping up with the Egyptian Cat Lady.

The woman was fast and it was by sheer luck more than anything that Nathan managed to keep up with her.

"Wait, please", he called out again between breaths, "At least let me take a look at the contents of that bag. I have reason to believe that it contains relics of great importance to the people of Egypt. I have no desire to take these relics out of Egypt."

Nathan had no idea if his words were getting through, or making things worse. Either this woman was a fellow historian trying to preserve Egyptian history, or else she was just as much a thief as Van Huevelen was.

In reply to Nathan Issac (msg # 308):

Despite putting on a burst of speed, the woman was unable to shake her pursuer.

She stopped and turned to face him. "Lies! You come to Egypt to loot her heritage, her memories. That pig stole these from a sacred temple. Now I have them back. Why should I give them to you? So that you may sell them yourself?"

In reply to Count Sigismund Bathony (msg # 307):

The policeman, having gained no ground on the woman and seeing Nathan take off after her more swiftly than he, soon gave up the chase and returned. His sergeant struggled to fit a pair of manacles on him and he began to help out after he retrieved the man's pistol. "Stop struggling, sir! You are only making it harder on yourself!" the sergeant cautioned him.

In reply to The Keeper (msg # 310):

"Let go, you bastard! She's the bloody thief, can't you see? She has some priceless documents that belong in a museum or under scholarly care!" He continued to struggle against the two men.

In reply to Jan van Huevelen (msg # 311):

"That Sir is a lie, you stole them from a temple and this Lady is the guardian of the place. She is at best returning her own property. Not to mention you yourself had admitted to trying to smuggle them out of the country."


-

In reply to Neris (msg # 309):

Nathan produced the letter he had from Dr. Ali Khafour and showed it to the woman. "My name is Nathan Issac", he explained. "I'm an Egyptologist working for the Museum of Cairo. That Dutchman, Van Huevelen, He is the thief. He planned to take the relics out of Egypt. I can assure you all I am doing is trying to keep a rare piece of Egyptian history inside Egypt. You mentioned her heritage and memories. Are you a student or scholar studying Bastet?"

At least the woman seemed to have an interest beyond just petty theft herself. However the strength of her conviction concerned Nathan. Either she was simply a fellow scholar or else she was a new age religious type. Nathan was aware of certain neo-pagans who mixed Indian based philosophy with ancient Egyptian religion. Bastet was a good target for such worship. If she was some form of religious fundamentalist he would have a hard time convincing her that the relics belonged in a museum and not in somebody's idea of a new age cat-lovers temple or lodge.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:40, Wed 09 Dec 2020.

In reply to Nathan Issac (msg # 313):

She stopped herself from running off and replied, "I believe you. I'll think about it. I know where to find you if I want to take you up on your offer."

With that, she turned and bolted again. This time, dozens and dozens of cats had appeared from nowhere, out of gutters and alleys and from garbage cans and jumping down from walls. Forming a barrier between them, slowing Nathan down.

Van Huelevan denied the Count's allegations. "All lies! They are not hers to selfishly keep, it was not theft!" The policemen hauled van Huelevan towards to the car that the man from the museum arrived in. He yelled, "release me!"

The Count did not argue with the Dutchman again lest he kicks up more of a fuss and receives another bang to the head. He steps aside as the police do their duty and take him into custody.


-

There was no way of getting past the Felines, but at least the woman indicated there was a chance of getting the relics back. It was odd how the cats almost seemed to come to her aid, but Nathan dismissed this idea, more because his logical brain couldn't quite rationalize the existence of a cat-lady in the very real sense of the phrase.

The expression 'Herding cats' did spring to mind.

He made his way back to where the Dutchman was being arrested, moving cats gently out of the way as he did so. He picked up one particularly cute one, just to give it a little stroke and a pat behind the ears. He was still carrying it when he reached the policemen and their captive.

Putting the cat down he spoke to the man. "Well it looks like you not only failed to steal a priceless relic but you also deprived the museum of Cairo of it as well. Well done, Jan. What happened to you, man? I never would have thought you'd turn to thievery. If you have any shred of decency or remorse left in you, then perhaps could you help me with one last thing. I am looking for a lady by the name of Wong Chi-yin. I understand you accompanied her on an expedition. You wouldn't happen to know where she is now, would you?"

Nathan didn't expect Vam Hueleven to be co-operative but it would have been easier than writing a letter or telegram back and arranging a meeting if Nathan could just show up at the woman's current address.

Cynthia follows as well. The men seem to have things firmly in hand, but should she be asked, she can confirm with a nod that Nathan's behavior with the mysterious woman as at least respectful.

Before the Dutchman is hurried away for the police, she will call out to the police, "Don't forget to check his pockets. If he has any other artifacts, we are authorized by the museum to escort them safely back to the collection. I appreciate your timing, gentlemen."

Chi-yin watched as all the stray cats ran all over the place. That man speaking to the policeman - she knew him.

In reply to Nathan Issac (msg # 317):

Van Hueleven was beside himself. He cursed Nathan, the woman, everyone and everything as the policemen forced him into the car. Pausing for a moment, he gathered his thoughts. "Yes. I know her. The Chinese woman? Chi-Yin. I worked with her, although she didn't do much on the expedition I recall. She is actually standing over there!"

When the slim American woman also mentioned the museum, Nathan cast a glance in her direction. Were these people also affiliated to the museum in some way?

Nathan had not expected the Dutchman to be so co-operative. He turned in the direction that the man had indicated, staring at the fairly young and pretty Chinese woman who appeared to be staring over at them. She looked vaguely familiar, had he met her before? In any case the sense of familiarity added validation to Van Huevelen's statement. He approached her first, bowing to her as he did whenever he met Nuwa.

"你好", he began before switching immediately to English. "Ms Wong? I received your letter asking for assistance. I was going to reply back it looks like I have already found you. I'm Nathan Issac. Nuwa's friend? Have we met before?"

In reply to Nathan Issac (msg # 321):

Chi-yin bowed back, and said,''I am glad to see you. Yes, we have met before.''
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 19:16, Thu 07 Jan 2021.

Beaten, van Huelevan finally slumped into the rear of the police car. "Those scrolls were all I have. Except for the translations. I am ruined now. Ruined! And a priceless treasure has been lost again to savage superstition."
This message was last updated by the player at 22:43, Wed 13 Jan 2021.

"Don't worry sir, we'll make sure the translations are posted to the museum as soon as we're done with them! Take care, be safe!" Cynthia waves at the very helpful Dutchman as the police take him away.

Turning back to the conversation at hand, "hello sir, you are associated with the museum? In the business of collecting illegally traded artifacts? We ourselves are students of Egypt's history, hence the interest in van Huevelen's work, but it seems there's been a rash of illegal activity just prior to our arrival. Have you heard anything about it?"

While the Dutchman's valise is gone, his other bags (presumably) are still on the ground. Cynthia doesn't make any gesture towards them that might attract the intention of Nathan the History Police, but she will ensure she stays close to them.