---

---

---

---

With Neema turning her hand gently and examining the wound, Nora felt quite silly. She had always prided herself on an allegiance to facts and to reality. And although she had not ordered the Nobel Prize catalogue herself, it would not have been out of her character to do such a thing. A bluestocking to the very end, she would have excelled as a clerk, and was, quite frankly, wasting her potential by working for her father as an assistant. All of those thoughts flooded her mind, making her feel incredibly childish and foolish as Neema inspected the branding.

"...Yes, there were," Nora replied, her face a mixture of shock and confusion. She knew that it could simply be a party favor of some sorts. Perhaps a rationalization that no one would bother to create such an intricate brand if they were only to use it once. But at the same time, due to its mystical origins, it did appear to demand a mystical explanation.

With her hand released, Nora glanced down at the branding once more, and then returned her attention to Neema. The mark of Bastet--if she recalled, the Lady Munn had come to a similar conclusion about the markings. She was about to ask what stories Neema had referenced, in order to learn more about the origin of the mark, when Neema looked deeply into her eyes. At first, Nora expected some sort of grave and dramatic statement, and she appeared nervous and ever so slightly terrified herself. The woman's good nature appeared to have vanished.

What does that mean? Nora attempted to say, but the words failed her. It was as if some force was compelling her, preventing Nora from saying anything else, or from reaching to her notebook, as was habit, to record the language she had just heard. No, instead, she heard herself reply in a language she did not quite understand, and her heart beat accelerated with true terror. She did not have control or comprehension of the words she uttered.

"At-a em kshat-ten; aru-a em kshent-a; nuk un rekesh-eksh-eth; teseriu hra-sen er-a. Nuk unv!"

---

---

---

---

---

"You know, old boy," said the Lord Major to his nephew Peter, "I had intended for the women and slightly less steady of our group to take the Ghost back to base, don't you know? The walk would have given some of us gentlemen an opportunity to better acquaint ourselves; really have a meaningful back-and-forth. Come to an understanding. Then, blast it all, you had the marvelous notion to hire a taxicab. Hindsight informs that this was the better idea, of course, the evening has progressed further than expected. I have an early day and as for you, good sir... we shall eventually have to open a dialogue concerning our shared military and familial situations. In private, of course. I shan't allow personal naivety to compromise the situation again."

The second the last person that could comfortably fit inside of the Rolls-Royce (himself aside), Reginald climbed into the vehicle. He positioned his sabre between himself and the door snugly, and leaned out of the window to address the Corporal and Driver simultaneously. "Parade escort, gentlemen. The taxicab shall be following us, if its driver has even the most remedial skill operating an internal combustion vehicle. The taxi does not enter the Barracks, of course. Escort them safely inside. And keep an eye on their driver, if you can. He's the only person for which I've not accounted. Understood?"

The response from the driver was quickly shouted over by another exuberant, "Understood, Lord MAJOR!"

It had been a taxing day. "Saint Swibert's dangling unmentionables, man! I'm four feet away in a large metal box! Just for once, could you... just..." He sighed. "Parade Escort, Corporal. Arms at the ready. Protect our people. Ah!" Reginald cut the Corporal off just as he was about to respond. The Lord Major placed a finger over his lips in the universally recognized "Shush" position. In a whisper, he reinforced his nonverbal command, "And that's an order, Corporal."

"Yes, Lord MA..." the Corporal's voice was halted as Reginald started for his gun. He immediately turned to the right and barked a quick order to the soldiery nearby. The Silver Ghost's engine growled to life, and Reginald settled back into his seat. "Right then. I do wish I knew the whereabouts of Lady Kingston. She's the only one of our merry Fellowship for which I could not account, and it troubles me. I should dearly like to send a detail to see to her safety. Hmm... But, so long as we have the vehicle to ourselves, is there anything any one of you would prefer to say or discuss on our short jaunt back to Qasr El Nil?"

---

---

"I couldn't agree more, Jo. Cairo wouldn't be the same without you. We're much more than simply the parasites they label us as; We're just as important in this world as all of them. And we're both going to show them that." Haakon replied quietly to Josephine as they approached the cars, not wanting the others to hear their little venting. While it was true all that they said, Haakon figured more confrontation about the issue was best buried, for now. He even hoped for a friendlier conversation inside the Rolls-Royce.

But that was out of reach for the dynamic duo, of course. Peter motioned for them to take the taxi. Why? He was afraid of crowding Aziza. Haakon looked back and forth between the silver automobile and the less attractive cab behind it. The look on his face showed a hint of annoyance, but he refused to let the feeling take hold of his whole body. "I see. Then we'll follow you to our destination. Have a safe trip. After you, Jo. I guess the adventure awaits in our cab." Haakon said with a polite voice, walking to the cab and opening the door for Josephine to enter. Behind the politeness however, he could only think of two things; Firstly, it was clear that Peter primarly wanted to keek Jospehine and Haakon in the cab because of his own reasons. While he could agree that his presence perhaps could put Aziza on the edge, he would have liked to apologize personally to her, which now was even further delayed. Then again, when he got another look at the Rolls-Royce, he saw that it was already quite crowded. And not in a figurative sense, now that both the Keystones, Aziza and Harry were seated inside. Haakon shrugged quietly, though his suspecions about Peter still wasn't over yet.

Secondly, he couldn't wait to get to know Peter Keystone's story so that he could understand who that man was. Not to blackmail or push him, of course not, but to know how to talk to the man and best get him on his good side. He preferred it that way, whether or not he was allowed to write him.

"Driver, I hope you know how to get to the barracks the honourable Gentleman mentioned. I'm sure you'll be payed well for your services."

---

---

It seemed that they would be traveling together in what looked to be the least savory taxi cab they could find. That was all well and good considering how crowded the first car seemed to be. She did wish to speak to Aziza though if only to confirm her compassion for the girl and comfort her, but she figured the handsome soldier man with her could do a better job of it. She entered the cab and took a well-deserved sigh of relief. Hopefully, they would be to their destination soon and she could take a rest. The night's events were troubling.

As Haakon entered soon after her, speaking to the driver, her mind raced. She hadn't quite expected these events when she set foot in Egypt. She was expecting a short vacation to get her mind off of events back home, but yet here she was, in a taxi cab on her way to the barracks to meet with a group of people who will be setting off to explore a tomb to get rid of a curse that now branded her finger. She half expected she drank too much whiskey and was hallucinating still because of how fantastical it all sounded. She would kick herself for not being able to make this into a movie, but she was sure they would follow through on their agreement and as much as she detested being told what to do, she liked living a lot more. There would be other movies, she was sure of that. Perhaps other movies involving Egypt and what adventure awaits there. Maybe involving a mummy of some sort? That would be entertaining! And if she didn't put the idea forward, she could share some knowledge of what she saw in Egypt to help them get the movie right. That would be ok, surely.

She smiled contently. She still really wanted a cigarette, but it could wait until they reached their destination.

---

---

Comfortably settled into the car, Harry sighed as he sat there. Feeling Aziza's fingers lace with his own, he glanced down to their hands, smiling briefly as he gave her hand a gentle squeeze, feeling her head rest on his shoulder as he sat there, not thinking for a moment as to how the two of them looked until Peter made his comment. Looking over toward Peter, he glanced over to Aziza for a moment, seeing her turn red he couldn't help but chuckle briefly as he turned toward Peter again and shook his head. "Simply good friends, Lord-Captain, it's quite alright." He'd comment calmly.

It did briefly cross his mind just how easily it must have been for Peter to make such an assumption. He hadn't quite considered until just that moment how close he and Aziza had been in that night alone, he had known her for a while, and it would be plain lie for Harry to state he had no degree of attraction to her, there was just something about her that he couldn't put his finger on. However, despite this he'd never actually considered seeking some sort of relationship greater than what they had. Regardless of if he even did consider such a thing, he knew there were certainly better times for it. For now, he simply chuckled at the mistake, giving Aziza's hand another gentle squeeze.

---

---

Aziza nodded slightly at Harry's words. They were friends but she would be lying if she were to say that she did not find the man handsome and a comfort to be around. He had always been kind to her and this evening especially so. Thinking on it she could understand Peters misconception and he seemed to take it in stride.

"Of course," Peter said with a smile that easily told he figured there was something more but that he wasn't saying anything. Looking over to his uncle as the car pulled away from the hotel, followed by the taxi. "I am sure she is perfectly fine uncle. She seemed to have her wits about her, more than I can say for others I have met in my life," Peter commented in passing as his hand ran over the top of his cane.

There were things he wished to discuss with his uncle but it wasn't for the ears of everyone. Aziza felt the same way, she wanted to talk to Harry about why she had flipped out so badly but not in front of others. Thankfully the ride back to the barracks was not to terribly far. The car containing the Keystones and guest rolled passed the gate and into the main courtyard while the taxi stopped outside of the gate and the door was opened for Haakon and Josephine so that they could step out and be escorted passed the gate itself. The driver being paid in the process.

"Ahh, here we are. Shall we?" Peter said as the door opened and he stepped out, leaning on his cane somewhat and glancing around.

---

---

Vera looked over towards Lauren and a look of subtle shock came over her features. Follow her heart? That was a first, at least as far as pieces of advice had gone concerning becoming betrothed. If she had asked her extended family, the ton, so called friends; they all would have given her very different advice. He is a man of means, marry him. He is a man of title, marry him. You are a blue stocking with no other prospects, marry him. Following her heart would have never left the lips of any of them.

She wasn't even sure how to follow her heart, if she ever did decide to. Sure she had bucked against the norms of society by having an actual career and not being wed yet but allowing herself to feel romantically for someone and follow that? She wondered if she was even capable of such a monumental feat. All she could do is slowly lower her eyes and nod in semi understanding.

She smiled though a little Lauren said she would be out of place where Lauren came from. "I think I would enjoy the company of your family, that is if they are anything like you Ms. Ridgeway." Vera's voice was sincere. She was actually enjoying Laurens company, at least the parts of it she could remember. Thinking on it though, she figured it was best she didn't really remember what she had said to her before she passed out.

Neema watched and listened to Nora carefully, a slight and curt nod of her head following the words that the woman had uttered. "I am sure that you are confused and wondering what you just said," Neema said with a gentle understanding.

"What you said was.... My moment is in your bodies, all forms are my habitation. I am she who is not known, the rosey faced beings are with me. I am the Unveiled." It is part of the prayer to Bastet, one for her followers, her protectors. My dear child, it seems you have been chosen. Like a Medjai to a Pharaoh. You are a guardian for a God."

Neema leaned forward every so slightly, lacing her fingers together as she watched Nora. She doubted this news would be taken well by anyone of science. It was hard for her to believe but the stories had been passed down from parent to child in her people for thousands of years. Perhaps they were more than just stories.

---

---

---

---

To say that Nora was confused and shocked was a bit of an understatement. Her family were Christians, of course, and she was familiar with the concept of speaking in tongues. But she always thought it was silly, perhaps a metaphor for something else, something with more basis in reality. To be frank, Nora was not even quite certain if she herself was religious. She never found much comfort in Christianity. It was too mythic for her.

"I am a....guardian...for a....god?" Nora repeated, an eyebrow arched. "I am hardly even treated as a being capable of rational thought--I am nothing more than a courtesy title in this world, the youngest daughter to be married off to some reputable man...But never before have I fancied myself to be those things--and yet, I cannot call myself a guardian to a goddess either."

She had resigned herself to living in a world that did not accept her a long time ago. Though she knew it could not have been so, she always fancied that from birth, she knew that she could not fit in among the others. There was no point in wasting energy to try to impress others, or even to attempt to change society to accept those like her. She had accepted her lot in life. And when it came to tales of magic and romance, she regarded them as myth--as tales told to explain science, as silly fantasies that denied true understanding of the world.

But she glanced down at the mark on her hand, and she recalled the words she had uttered. Either Neema spoke the truth or she was insane. She supposed that the insane would fancy themselves to be sane and never consider the possibility of madness. Neema speaking the truth seemed to be the more likely case. Finally, Nora raised her head to regard Neema.

"If I have been chosen as a guardian for this goddess, I should like to know what she needs such protection against," Nora asked quietly. "I hardly fancy it is a mathematical proof that the goddess perceives to be such a grave danger to her person."

---

---

Haakon wasn't under the impression that the driver was in a talking mood, and to him that was fine. He had many questions in his head that he needed answered, but with Josephine also giving him the impression of not wanting to talk, Haakon simply sat down and looked out of the window. She was smiling, a pretty smile that was for sure, but one he knew was one of a thoughtful Jo. She probably had just as many questions in her mind as he. He couldn't blame her, not after today's events. In the silence, Haakon pulled up his notepad and pencil. It was a fine blend of journalistic habit and his way of setting his thoughts straight.

But then the thought struck him down; Was he allowed to write this down?

While he hadn't signed the non-disclosure paper, he had agreed upon signing it and keeping any of this out of his publishments. Did that involve simply writing a few words on a piece of paper? One that surely no one would bother to look at, seen as it looked like just any old notepad. He looked up from his small storage of notes, ideas, dreams and leads, all contained within a few pieces of thin paper. No, he wasn't going to publish what he was about to write. And so he began to write a few words, all while the taxi drove ever closer to the barracks.

- Finn informasjon angående svimerker på fingeren. Reaksjon på fauna? Mat eller drikke?
- Bastet, såkalt egyptisk gud. Symbolsk?
- Finn måte å beklage til Frk. Tarek.
- VIKTIG: Finn på historie for avisen.

Soon the Rolls-Royce drove further on while the taxi stopped. Armed soldiers soon appeared in Haakon's line of sight, thankfully less violent-looking than the German ones he had met in Munich before. With the door open, Haakon let Josephine exit first before stepping out himself. With his suitcase in one hand, Haakon calmly allowed himself to be escorted past the gate, regardless of how odd it felt. While he knew it was part ceremonical, part ordered safety, he couldn't help but feel as if he was a criminal. Or famous, that was a better way of thinking of it.

"Been treated like this before, Jo? Surrounded by armed guards and such?"

---

---

Lauren gave Vera a soft smile, aside from her family's constant drinking and occasional barfight with either each other or ones started with their patrons they have always been close. "If you get past the drinking and the occasional scuffle and bar fight my family is quiet entertaining to be with, both my side and my husband's side of the family. You would enjoy them quiet a bit if you do come to the States." Lauren said with a light chuckle, she was starting to enjoy Vera's company quiet a bit even though she wasn't as smart as Vera and not having a title like her. "What is your family like if I may ask?" Lauren asked Vera, slightly curious what her family was actually like and if they ever got along well with each other.

Lauren then could hear the sound of a car's engine, slightly curious what it was she got up from where she was sitting and started to make her way over to the opened window that Vera had opened earlier. She stuck her head out of the window as her eyes scanned the courtyard Lauren spotted The Ghost, as well as some of the others. "Looks like they made it back safely." Lauren said turning to look over at Vera giving her a friendly smile.

---

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Reginald regarded the words of his nephew carefully. "Quite, yes..." he responded. While he was sure that Lady Kingston was a keenly intelligent and resourceful young lady, he would still feel much better were she either present, or under guard. This day was mentally taxing, in unfamiliar and exciting ways. "Perhaps I should speak with Lady Munn about her. I was given to believe that they were getting along swimmingly; perhaps she may provide greater insight on the morrow." Well, there was nothing to be done about that now. The Lord Major had other duties to attend at the moment, not the least of which was to secure the safety of all the members of his new "Fellowship". Possibly even from each other.

As he exited the Rolls-Royce, a younger man in the NCO uniform of a Corporal (no, not that one) could be seen sprinting across the courtyard, small stack of papers in hand. He threw a breathless salute to Reginald, which was returned smartly by the older man. "Yes, yes. At ease, Corporal." said Reginald, prompting an expectant look from the louder, more exuberant patrol leader Corporal in the immediate vicinity. The Lord Major turned to the group of (mostly) civilians assembling before him, cleared his throat, and addressed them openly.

"Ladies, Gentlemen, friends and otherwise, here is where the slings and arrows of military protocol tie my hands and yours. You are all to be billeted in a secure area of this fortification, you see. Whereas I extend the hospitality of the British Empire, I must follow the decree of the His Majesty's Royal Armed Forces."

The gate closed behind them, locked and barred by personnel on duty. Reginald continued after the noise of it died back down. "I shall require every one of you not commissioned by the British Military and further not assigned to this Barracks to follow our Clerk here to his office, one at a time. Take everything you intend to retain while on base with you. You shall be required to sign General Papers of Nondisclosure. You shall also have your person and your belongings searched for weapons and contraband; items that are not allowed in the secure areas of Qasr El Nil. This will be performed by the Corporal and two men of his patrol in a private room, adjacent to the Clerk's office." The Lord Major motioned to the more obnoxious Corporal, off to the left.

"Right away, Lord MAJOR!" he screamed, snapping to attention and jerking a highly motivated salute to his brow.

Reginald shoved his growing irritation at the mildly caustic man down, though with some obvious distress. While it was true that he wouldn't lose sleep after seeing the man drug from the back of an automobile through a cactus farm, he did recognize the man's spit-and-polish tendency to be thorough and enthusiastic about whatever job he was thrown into. He was a "results" guy. Damnit.

"Just go, Corporal. Quietly."

He sighed and continued his speech with the monotony of a man having done so many, many times. "Such items will be catalogued and stored in a safe place to be returned upon your departure. Items deemed illegal by the Crown shall be appropriated or destroyed, at the discretion of the Commanding Officer." He gave a moment for everyone to mentally prepare. As Reginald was fully aware, a sudden search could seem like a violation of personal space. As a military man, he had grown accustomed to it over the decades, but he understood the mild traumas of the event. "Results of the catalogue will be reported upward. Now, Miss Tarek? I'm sure you would prefer rest and privacy sooner rather than later. You may go first. Just follow the Clerk back to the main office, and report back to me after. I have secured spacious accommodation specifically for you overlooking the Nile, not far from my own billet. Madame?" he motioned to the offices.

"The Corporal is thorough, but respectful. All the same, courage. And earplugs."

---

---

The ride there was comfortable enough, though Josephine preferred more luxurious accommodations. Still, beggars couldn't be choosers since she was thrusted into this situation. As they moved through the streets, it gave her time to think about all that has happened. While she did so, she noted that Haakon was busy writing in his journal. As much as she liked him, didn't he ever learn? He was already in hot water with the lot of them. Did he have to further upset the wasp's nest by kicking it? Still, she admired his tenacity. Perhaps he was trying to sort out this mystery.

And what a mystery it was. Hopefully, they would be able to find answers. As the taxi pulled up to her home for the time being, she stepped out and was escorted inside. Haakon made a joke about the armed guards, but she had been in this situation before. "Actually darling, yes. There have been a few times I needed to be escorted by armed guards. Quite thrilling, sometimes."

Finally, they entered and the rotund older man began to speak about the proceedings. The fact she would have to give up some of her things worried her, but surely having means to protect yourself wasn't a crime? She would deal with that when the time came, as it seems they wanted Aziza to go first. Made sense, really. The poor woman had been through a lot so far. She was hoping the saying 'ladies first' still held true and she could go next.

---

---

Harry remained silent for the rest of the drive, glancing out the window from time to time as they moved through the streets, lingering on the thoughts of Aziza's outburst. He was curious, even eager to know what it was pertaining to, but he was certainly not about to start pushing her for anything, the last thing he needed or wanted to be right then was a nuisance. Besides, he knew that was a conversation best had in private anyway. It could wait, whether it was a discussion for later that evening or another day entirely, he was content to wait, at least for now.

Feeling as the car pulled to a halt, Harry took a moment or two to peer out the window at the barracks yet again before he hopped out of the car along with the others. Adjusting his jacket for a moment, he turned to help Aziza out of the car gently, standing with her as he turned to listen to the Lord Major. None of what he was saying was particularly new to Harry, he'd once been in the Corporal's shoes, that is to say, the less obnoxious one's. The search was of little concern to him, nor all the protocol that they were going to be stuck through. He couldn't help but smile softly as the Lord Major spoke in fact, the protocol was almost a breath of fresh air, one of the bits of his service that, although he didn't exactly miss it, it wasn't a nightmare.

---

---

Well this was going to take a little while, Aziza looking over at the Lord Major and nodding before she was led away to the private room adjacent to the Clerks office. She was shown over to a seat in front of a desk and rested down in it as the Corporal took her bag from her and the Clerk sat down across from her.

While they waited for Aziza to return Peter motioned to the group to go ahead and take a seat where they had been talking earlier. A few drinks were brought over before Peter turned to his uncle. "I am going to go settle in Uncle and then check on Vera," he said before turning to the others. "Evening," he said with a polite nod before taking his cane and leaning against it as he walked off.

(This is said to everyone while they are in there) - "This is the non-disclosure agreement that the Lord Major was speaking about. It is stating that you agree that while being housed here in the barracks or in the company of the men of the King's military, or using anything on the barracks of the Kings military that you will never discuss, write, relay, image, record, or publish anything you see, hear, read to anyone outside of said military and so forth. That to do so is considered treason and/or espionage and can be punished by arrest, imprisonment, and up to death."

Aziza nods, it was not the first time she had signed one of these papers while on base. It had just been sometime. She knew the drill. Taking the pen she signed her name and slid the paper back over to him.

The Corporal went through Aziza's purse and cataloged the items:
Money
Key
ID Papers
Papers for her horse

"We have to keep this while you are on base," the Corporal said placing the small blade Aziza kept in her purse in a small bag and labeling it Aziza Tarek. Rising from her place they gave her a quick pat down to make sure she was not carrying anything else that needed to be cataloged or retained. Once that was done the door was opened for her and she was escorted back to the group.

"Next, ma'am?" the Clerk said before motioning for Josephine to follow him. The same process as before. Reviewing the papers and waiting for Josephine to sign. From her the follow was cataloged:
Money ($100 British Sterling), Comb, Pocket Mirror, Lipstick, Passport, Perfume, Black Cigarette Holder, Cigarettes, Darkwood Lighter, Pencils.

"This we will keep while you are on base," the Corporal said, referring to the Colt 1908 and bullets: which was placed in a bag labeled Josephine Clarke. "The notebook will be returned in the morning after review."

Afterwhich she was lead out and the process continued to the next and the next.

Harry Walsh:
Cataloged Items: British money, Egyptian Money, Passport, Military papers, pencils, rolling papers, tobacco, lighter
Kept and Bagged while on base: Colt M1911 and 2 magazines of ammo
Kept to be returned in morning after review: Notebook

Haakon J. Elvsgaard:
Cataloged Items: Satchel, cash, journalist/ID Card, pencils, pocket watch, flask (which the corporal smells and then sips), passport, close
Kept and Bagged while on base: Camera, Revolver, bullets, type writer
Kept to be returned in the morning after review: Notebook, casefiles, notes

It was clear that things were handled in traditional British order. Women first, followed be any in uniform, then anyone else. Upstairs there was a knock on the door of the room Lauren and Vera were in. The man from earlier wanting to do a quick inventory of Laurens items since she had already signed the papers. Money, hair brush, passport. The book was flipped through to see what it was and then handed back to her. It was rather simple. Vera had nothing on her since she had left her bag at the museum.

Aziza when she returned to the group took a seat in an open space and let out a shaky breath. She wanted to turn in for the evening but she decided it was best not to press anything and just wait until everyone was done to ask to turn in.

---

---

"Great deeds are never given to those that expect them, only to those that can actually do the job," Neema said. "I know, a lot to take in. Maybe you believe me, maybe you don't. Maybe I am wrong. Such stories are old, changed from generation to generation by word of mouth. Maybe when the prayer was first said it's original meaning was I like cat," Neema chuckled. Reaching out she dipped the rags that had been wrapped around her finger and placed them into the pale tea. Letting it soak the cloth before wrapping Nora's finger with it. It stung for a brief moment and then the pain seeped away. "There we go."

"You should rest, it has been a long day. I will come by in the morning to bring you breakfast, we can talk then if you want. Worry not, you are safer than you think," she said before stepping over to the door and letting her hand rest on the knob. Turning she looked back over towards Nora and smiled.

"The pyramids were not built by magic for gods. They were built by mathematics for man. Or, perhaps, wo-man," she added with a slight wink before opening the door and stepping through it. Pulling it closed behind her she headed back to the kitchen, leaving the tray she had brought up in the room with Nora in case she wanted more.

---

---

---

---

Nora chuckled slightly at Neema's joke, recognizing a certain truth there. Humanity may have many talents, but twisting the truth by accident, without the intention of doing so, was a talent that humanity has in spades. But to her, it seemed unlikely that the meaning of the words she had spoken were I like cat. It was no accident that she had felt compelled to speak a language that she did not understand and for it to match the tales that Neema's family had been passing down for ages. As insane and odd as it was, Nora believed the woman.

She flinched slightly as the rag was pressed against her wound, yet a moment later, the pain began to slip away. And to her benefit, there were no opiates included. The sexist and patriarchal doctor had nearly been entirely forgotten by her, with the events of that night finally having some explanation offered to them. For a woman who prided herself on dealing in only things that were true, the explanation of the more magical and mythical events was quite welcome.

Nodding at Neema, Nora felt compelled to hug the woman, but she allowed the distance to remain between them. She may have been branded and chosen by a god, but she was still a quiet and reserved individual by nature. She smiled slightly at the reassurance that she was safe, though to be truthful, she had not quite yet considered that. Though it would make sense--if she had been chosen to perform a task, there must be those who would aim to stop her. There would be no need for her services otherwise.

"I would like that," Nora replied quietly, after Neema had informed her that she would come in the morning with breakfast and that they could continue to speak. The Lady Munn had requested her presence tomorrow, yet she had not yet sent word with information regarding the time nor the place. It should not be so early in the day, however, Nora imagined--noon appeared to be far more likely.

She smiled again ever so slightly at Neema's parting words, whispering a word of thanks to the kind woman before Neema left, leaving the tray behind. She was rather hungry, but Nora's mind was more preoccupied with the information that Neema had shared with her. The branding on her finger had happened near the Nile--and it had happened to others as well. They had been chosen to guard a goddess, the very goddess whom the Lady Munn identified after initially seeing the brand.

Standing from her seat on the couch, Nora approached the window and looked out into Cairo, before then feeling incredibly foolish. "Why did you choose me, goddess?" Nora whispered, looking out into the night. Neema's words early did ring true for her--that she was chosen because she was capable of the task at hand, yet she knew not the task at hand.

But above all else, for perhaps the first time in Nora's life, she felt alive.

---

---

As Josephine followed the man into the room, she debated how this would be played. She didn't much relish the idea of these soldiers manhandling her things, possibly losing them. So she did what she did best. Adjusted her blouse, pushed the girls more prominently, and decided to charm her way out.

Once inside, she sat down and signed the papers while they cataloged her items. Once they got to the gun (which she knew would be put under scrutiny) she batted her lashes and gave her best pout. It won her an award, surely some random man in Egypt would fall for it too. "Hey, can you blame a girl for wanting protection?" The Clerk kept looking at the papers and making his signature where it was needed before glancing up at her. "Not at all ma'am, these streets are quite dangerous," he said calmly before looking back at the papers and shuffling them a bit to straighten them. "I really adore you blouse, it is the perfect shade for your complexion."

Jospeine frowned. Perhaps she misheard the man. Maybe he was fashion conscious? Some men were more so than women nowadays. She cleared her throat and tried again, "So does that mean you big, strong men are going to protect me while I am here, darling?" Her words were like butter and if this didn't work, nothing else would. Cocking a brow he looked up to her as the corner of his mouth pulls up slightly into a bit of a grin. "Well, these men are the finest around, I trust them with my lives," he says coyly as he stands up.

Josephine sighed. "I bet that's not all you trust them with," she thought to herself. Whatever, she would demand her things back in the morning. She followed him out in a small huff.

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When it came to Harrys turn, he moved into the office in his usual military fashion, having to force himself not to give the Clerk behind the desk a salute as he approached. "Most of this should be in order." He'd comment plainly, setting out his standard items first, his notebook, cigarettes, papers, all that usual junk before he reached into his jacket. Drawing out his handgun, he went through the effort for the clerk, drawing the slide back to eject the cartridge within, sliding the magazine out as he set it onto the desk, along with his spare magazine, gently nudging them across the table to be taken by the clerk.

He'd been through scenarios like this often enough, on both sides of the table, he knew how the protocol was meant to go, and he planned to get through it as quickly as he could. Reaching over once his things were laid out for the clerk to look at, he picked up the pen and signed the NDA which had been laid out before him. He'd seen them before, had no need to read it in detail or really at all, he had no plan of violating it that evening. Setting down his signature, he gave the paper a tap with the pen and slid it back over along with the pen, sitting back while the Clerk finished up before taking some of his items back. "Thank you, chap." He'd give the Clerk a nod and a smile once he finished up, moving to stand and heading back out in search of Aziza, not planning to leave her side until he knew she was comfortably in bed for the evening.

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With some small portion of orderly satisfaction, Reginald bore witness to the metric fashion in which the guests of the Empire were led away and returned to the courtyard. Their expressions so far seemed to be muted shades of annoyance and nostalgia, though it was really more of assumption on his part, as he hadn't known most of these people for very long. He did know Aziza Tarek, though. Well enough that she was a good part of the reason why he went through all of this. Her life before Cairo was known to him, by way of private conversations throughout the last few years. He doubt he knew everything, however. Woman's prerogative, of course. A gentleman knew when to listen and not ask questions to a lady, especially as it concerned personal matters. Just so long as she knew that he would be available with whatever she required of him, in a close yet avuncular capacity. Such as now, as it turned out.

"Miss Tarek, I trust the Corporal behaved satisfactorily? Don't tell him I said this, but given a direct order, he is a crackerjack soldier. His manner, though..." the Lord Major shook his head, "It surprises me that I've not put him down like a rabid corgi, to be blessedly honest." He sighed. The Promotions Board was assembling in a couple of weeks, and guess who was bucking for Sergeant? Well, the Corporal was an annoyance. His present difficulty was a matter of life, death, and the ancient penchants of the Egyptian Pantheon. "But that shouldn't be a matter for you to fuss over, Madame." he continued, speaking to Aziza. "Would you prefer to see where you'll be staying this evening? You must be positively weary."

"Point of fact, does anyone have any questions before we proceed farther?"

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The feeling of oddity didn't subside as Haakon entered the barracks, on the contrary. He had already been inside the Qasr El Nil Baracks earlier that day enjoying a drink - and the demeaning looks from Peter Keystone -, but returning there within the night to protective his possibly endangered life, that he had not anticepated. This time he was even going to be searched.

First in was Aziza, then Harry and Josephine. Then it was him. Haakon was led into a closed off room by one of the soldiers. Putting his suitcase and satchel on the table, he listened intently while the contents of the aforementioned Non-disclosure Agreement was read up for him. Haakon gave a mental sigh as he looked down at the piece of paper, ready for him to sign. It wasn't that he wasn't going to sign, he already held the pen in his hand at this point; he was simply reading the whole text, looking for the infamous "small print" where his hand could be even more forced than it already was. After a moment of reading, he looked up at the soldier and asked him the question that had been on his mind.

"If I may, Corporal, I'd just like some clarification; will the agreement affect what's already written in my notebook and files? When I wrote in them weeks ago and earlier today, that was before the Lord Major direction our attention towards the agreement. I'm simply asking so that I understand it fully."

The Clerk stopped what he was doing and looked at Haakon, taking the notes and looking over them carefully. "Sir, it doesn't matter what you wrote, even if it was ten years ago. Once you sign this, it means that nothing pertaining to anything that you are doing with the Lord Major, his guests, this base, or the King's Armed forces can ever be written about, spoken about, published, etc. Ever, without being subjected to penalty and punishment determined by the Lord Major - which can include the penalty up to death," he stated flatly as his eyes went over the note book, flipping page by page. "That is unless you are granted special permission by the Lord Major in writing and in the presence of an official of his majesties legal department of the armed forces, such as myself."

Haakon looked at the soldier as he responded to him, keeping his eyes locked on him. He was determined not to appear as being shaken or concerned by those words, but inside he cursed himself. So the law was having a retroactive effect, meaning that as long as the soldiers there thought it was related, it could be confiscated or destroyed. Knowing how seemingly everyone disliked Haakon and his kind, he felt certain that nothing in his notes were sacred. Why had he decided to take them with him?

Oh yes, because he thought that was safer. And now he could do nothing but kick himself mentally. Externally however, Haakon nodded to the soldier, who was now looking through his notes. "Then we're on the same page, so to speak. Thank you." He said while he signed the papers. In truth there was little else Haakon could do, and so he would allow for himself and his items to be searched and catalouged. With that done, he was escorted outside to find the Lord Major himself asking if anyone had any questions. Haakon had tons, but a lack of energy and the conviction of his tainted reputation made him keep silent, simply wandering over to Josephine.

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Lauren watched from the window for a couple more seconds, she was glad that everyone else as far as she knew from the meeting back at the museum made it back safely. She gave Vera a friendly smile then she heard a knock on the door, as she started to make her way over towards the door she had a feeling that it was going to be Peter since he just came back from Grand Continental. When she opened the door it was the same steward from earlier that had given them water, and some food while Vera was drunk. "Sure, feel free to look at my stuff." Lauren said softly giving the steward a friendly smile.

Vera looked over as the steward came in and nodded, smiling back at Lauren. Vera was glad she had left the majority of her things back at the museum. It was easier that way, granted she had already signed a non-disclosure agreement a while ago so she didn't need to sign another and since the only thing she had on her were a few sheets of blank paper and a piece of charcoal wrapped in wax paper the Steward didn't need to pay a lot of attention to her. Granted it did help that he had been around Vera before when she visited her uncle from time to time. She was more than used to knowing what to and what not to bring within the barracks. Not that she really ever had anything that she needed to worry about.

She was fairly used to having her things inspected back home when prohibition started back home, their family bar was checked constantly for any booze or weapons. Still Lauren felt slightly uncomfortable whenever her things were inspected. Lauren handed her purse over with no issue, the book itself was something she just randomly bought before leaving the States and didn't really have a chance to read it since coming to Cairo.

"Is there anything else you need?" She asked just in case he needed anything else from her, Lauren turned to look at Vera, seeing her friend didn't have anything on her person since coming to the barracks.

"No, that will be all, is there anything I can get you two?" he asked as he stepped over towards the door. "Something more to eat? Or drink perhaps?"

"Chamomile tea would be splendid if it wouldn't be too much trouble," Vera said as she pressed her hand against her stomach.

"No trouble at all Lady Munn, and for you Miss Ridgeway?"

Lauren gave the steward a friendly smile and shook her head. "No thank you I'm good." Lauren said declining the offer for anything else to eat or drink, she was pretty full at this point. The steward nodded and headed out to grab some tea for Lady Munn and to drop off the papers with the clerk.She turned around and made her way back towards Vera when she requested for some tea, noticing the woman was laying her hand on her stomach. "Are you feeling alright Vera?" Lauren asked, she wasn't sure if it was the nausea kicking in from the drinking from earlier, or if it was just something else.

"I saw Peter when I looked through the window," she said as she paced the room, still pressing on her stomach. "It's nothing," she added after a moment. "Just nerves is all." It was obvious that Vera cared for Peter but there didn't seem to be anything romantic there when Vera spoke about Peter or was around him, granted he had just come back from the dead. Maybe that was just throwing her off.

From the pacing around the room and pressing onto her stomach Lauren got the feeling that Vera was nervous, though she knew that the two cared for one another as close friends. "Just relax, you've known him for awhile. I'm pretty sure he isn't going to just propose to you right then and there." She said giving Vera a gentle pat on her shoulder and gave her a friendly smile. "If you do need any more company tonight I can if you need it."

Vera nodded slightly as she looked over towards Lauren. "I know,
just the thought alone makes me shaky," she said before nearly tripping over her own two feet when she heard a knock at the door and Peters voice on the other side announcing himself. "Oh god."

"I'm sure it will be fine." Lauren said towards Vera when she heard the knock on the door, she watched as Vera nearly tripped on her two feet which made her let out a soft chuckle. She turned around when she heard Peter's voice on the other end Lauren started to make her way towards the door she opened the door and gave Peter a smile. "Welcome back, is everyone doing alright?" Lauren finally asked, she wanted to make sure that her friend Aziza made it safely as well.

Peter stepped in and smiled towards Lauren as Vera sat down in a chair next to the table. "Evening Miss Ridgeway, Vera. Yes, everyone is quite alright. We have brought them back here for safety but I do not think it is needed. The prisoner who escaped was apprehended. All is well," he said, letting them know the jist of what was going on before stepping over to Vera and resting his hand over hers. "I just wanted to see that you were alright, it has been a long evening."

Vera looked down at his hand over hers before glancing up at Peter and nodding. "Oh, yes. We both are fine, I am just tired." Peter smiled and brushed back a few curls from her face.

"Then you should get some rest. Tomorrow looks to be turning into an eventful day," Peter said before kissing the top of her head. "Goodnight Miss Ridgeway and thank you for looking after Vera," he added before stepping back out of the room.

Lauren let out a slight sigh of relief when she heard that the others were alright and that the murderer was apprehended. She watched as Peter moved over towards Vera laying a hand on top of hers. Lauren gave the two of them a soft smile, though probably to Vera it may have been awkward. But that was mainly her own opinion on the situation, and from what Vera and her have been talking about. "That's good to hear, everyone is safe and sound." She said softly.

Then Peter got up and was about to head out of the room, she gave the man a friendly smile and nod. "It was my pleasure to. Sleep well Peter." Lauren said giving Vera a slight nod, it was getting fairly late as well and today was very long. "I think I shall call it a night, i'll be in the room next door if you need me." She started to turn and head out of the room, and headed into the room that was next door to Vera's as they had given her that room when she came in.

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The havoc of the day in Cairo was winding down and the sun had long set. It was late in the evening and threatening to breech into the next day by the time the interviews and such were completed. Once the last person was interviewed and items were cataloged the Clerk sat at his desk and went over the papers. Something one of them said raising a red flag in his book and he made a quick call to somewhere outside of the barracks. He needed to look into things a bit more. Looking down at the papers he pushed off some graphite from one of the papers, rolling it between his fingers as the phone was held in his other hand to his ear.

"Yes, that would be wonderful. I thank you," he said before hanging up the phone.

In her room Vera bid Lauren goodnight and let out a sigh of relief before grabbing some more aspirin and curling up in bed. She was beyond tired and sleep came quickly. The only good thing about her lack of ability to hold her liquor was that it kept her mind from being able to focus on everything that had happened. It swirling far too much to complete a full thought and she found she was asleep before her head even hit the pillow.

Out in the front courtyard of the barracks Aziza was glad that things were wrapping up. The steward coming down now that he had finished dropping off the paper work with the clerk and ready to escort each person to their private quarters for the evening. "Lord Major, your Nephew has turned in for the evening. Lady Munn and Miss Ridgeway are in the diplomats special receiving quarters down the hall from you and the Lord Captain has taken the room next to your own," he informed Reginald respectfully. "The Lieutenant wishes a word with you in the morning concerning the paper work," he added before turning to their guests.

"I have arranged that each of you to have private quarters in the Northern Central wing of the barracks. It is nothing extravagant but I hope you will find it comfortable for the evening. If you will follow me, baths have been drawn for each of you," he added before motioning for them to follow. Aziza smiled over towards Harry before falling into step behind the Steward. He lead them through the main run of the buildings to the central north courtyard and then turned north. Going straight up to the central northern area of the barracks and up the stairs to the second floor. Showing each one of them their rooms for the evening.

Each room was set up with a window facing out to the north. The Nile could be seen over the rail road tracks to the west, and the museum to the north east. Granted these quarters were not as nice as Vera and Laurens, they were nice and well kept. A two room visitors quarters. A small sitting room which held a tray of food and some wine, in the bedroom area there was a claw foot bathtub with steaming water in it. It was minimal but comfortable. He set up the rooms girl, boy, girl, boy. Aziza in the room closest to the Suites and Officers quarters, then Harry to the room on the right. Then Josephine to his right, and finally Haakon.

"Please do get something to eat, and rest. Reveille comes early around here. Breakfast will be served in the Officers Club for you all at 7 am promptly. There will be guards posted along the walk way here," he said pointing to several who were already keeping watch, their usual positions: armed. "Should you need anything this evening, please let one of them know and they will fetch me or my relief. I bid you good evening," he said before walking off.

Aziza looked over towards Harry and bit her bottom lip before quickly moving in and hugging him tightly. "Thank you, for everything," she stated softly before looking over towards Josephine and Haakon. "Goodnight," she said kindly before slipping into her room and shutting the door. Turning the lock she looked around. She was ready to get some sleep but first things were first. A quick bite to eat and a bath were welcome, as well as a glass of wine. Once that was taken care of Aziza's head found the pillow and her eyes drifted close. Sleep was rough that night for her but she slept nonetheless.