---

---

Aton was glad they decided to come along for dinner. He knew of the perfect place but first things first. He had to finish this demonstration. He was a bit behind but thankfully he knew what to do to make up for it and instead of continuing to pause when he was explaining he kept working. Looking over at the bone Mosi had picked out he nodded towards her. It was a good choice and it actually helped him somewhat. Because of the bone and such, he could go without shinning the metal for the blade. It would look better in the worked darker finish that was natural with that bone. That would cut the amount of time down on this demonstration by a great deal. That was fine with him for as much as he enjoyed his work, the heat from the hearth and being in front of so many did make it a bit less enjoyable. Enough was enough for one day.

Back at the museum there was a lot going on and both Vera and Neema had a good amount to say but that all stopped when the loud mouth from the barracks came in and then the Lord Major spoke. Veras eyes widened as she reached out for the arm of a chair and slowly sat herself down. It was beyond tragic. They hadn't died because of anything going on, they hadn't been murdered in the streets for some random reason. This was just some fluke accident that had occurred. Two people trying to get away from trouble, to get to a safe place. And because they had decided to be safe, they ended up dead. The irony was not lost on the situation.

"Good gracious..." was all Vera could manage to say. She was not one that emoted well. Her dry senses tended to get in the way of that. She was either left flustered or she found herself hyper focused. This time it was hyper focus as she stood back up and went back to work. A question sticking out in her mind and before Neema could jump on the chance to reply to anything Vera looked over to the Lady Kingston.

"Let us pull out a global map and begin marking off the latitude and longitude. Those coordinates do sound familiar," she said as she walked over to the wall and began to pull down different maps from the top hanging to find a large one of the mapped world.

While she was tending to that Neema took the chance to look over towards the Lord Major. "I am sorry for your loss sir," was all she could say. She did not know them so it was of no personal loss to her but it seemed to upset the man so she gave her condolences before looking over towards Mahendra. "Yes he is right but there is more to it than that. In terms you may understand, they are the anti Knights Templar of Ancient Egypt. They fought against the Garamantes, protectors of Isis," she said as she sat down and took a breath. Those were ones she had not spoken of in many years. Not since Rome.

Back at the demonstration, Aton was wrapping up and dismissing those that had come to watch. He had finished the weapon and smiled as he looked down at it. Turning he walked over to Josephine, Mosi, and Akhmed. "For you," he said to Mosi as he handed it over to her. "Now, who's hungry?"

---

---

Josephine watched the man work, hoping he would finish quickly. She was starting to get very hungry as she realized she hadn't eaten for a while. Plus the whole thing with...Haakon soured her appetite. Now she was getting famished! She noted he was not explaining during his pauses anymore and was quickly getting through it.

Once completed, he made his way over to them and handed the weapon over to Priscilla. She would have been insulted if she wasn't already carrying her weapon of choice. In her eyes, range lethality trumped swords and knives any day. Instead, she was anxious to get going. "Yes, I am positively famished now. What will we be having, if I may be so bold as to ask?" So far, she had not been disappointed with meal choices here in Egypt.

---

---

Lauren eyed Nora for a moment and nodded slightly. "I'm thinking that whoever killed Haakon was the one who came up here and trashed Vera's office, there was a whole lot of dust that was collecting up on the top floor of the shelf in the archives." Lauren answered, as she could then hear the loud very annoying British soldier. Lauren remained quiet as he started to hand over some information for him, it was good that they would be able to get on the move for their little expedition by tomorrow morning which she was excited about. Even though she didn't have experience in looking for artifacts she'd be willing to help out however she could. Then Lauren noticed Lord Major Keystone's body language starting to change.

Seeing him leaning up against a nearby pillar, she raised an eyebrow it was certainly bad news but she listened to Mahendra as he spoke about Seperumu. They seemed to be bad news of some kind, and made note to not even try and go see them at all as Lauren then turned her attention back to the Lord Major. Lauren sat down in a nearby chair when she heard that both Harry and Aziza both were killed, she didn't know either of them very long. She knew Aziza very well she was the first woman she met in Cairo and considered as her first real friend in the country.

Lauren closed her eyes and whipped away a few tears trying to make sure that no one saw her, but she continued to listen in on the conversation going on about Seperumu. And looked over at the others and thought if they could bring Neema onto the expedition as well, she seemed to know more on everything that has been going on.

---

---

---

---

---

As the worked of the smith continued, Mosi continued ot find herself almost entranced by it. She enjoyed looking at smiths who were performing their craft. It made her feel nice, she studied their movements and generally she enjoyed the sights of sparks and clangs of the hammers heating the heated metals and the whispers of the flames. He seemed to have an idea in mind and she soon realized what it was. Aton was using the bone she chose for the handle, but didn't seem to shine the blade. It had a really nice blackened feel to the entire weapon. She was not against such a weapon. It had a unique charm to it.

“Ohhh, thank you, Aton.” She replied with slightly surprised, but very happy voice. As she took the weapon, she gripped it tightly at first, feeling the handle. Then she relaxed her grip somewhat and shook her wrist around, feeling the weight distribution of the weapon, before making a practice downward swing, of course making sure she's facing away form anyone she can hurt.” Mmm... I like this one. It's lighter than what I'm used to, but I like the weight better... and the feeling I get when I swing it. It's more fluid and agile...” She said casually before, bringing it at eye level, studying it from up close.” I'm going to need a sheath for this one.” She smirked in extremely pleased manner.

“Yes, I'm hungry!” Mosi confirmed with loud voice, agreeing with Josephine.” Been a long first day in Cairo, I dare say a good dinner will be a perfect way to end it!” She added, holding her new weapon with great enjoyment, planning where she was going to wear it once she gets a proper sheath. Maybe on the back of the waist?

---

---

---

It was clear that something bad had just happened, or just been related to the Lord Major, because even for the infamous British stiff upper-lip that he put on for Mahendra's question. It was the proper thing to do. Do your best to not let the emotions take control of you, even if it was terrible. And it was. Someone the group knew from before, not to himself, too had had their lives taken away from them too early. But unlike the reporter, theirs had been an accident. That was at least what the Lord Major communicated to them, but Mahendra had his suspicions; one death in a day was an accident. Two a tragedy. But three, all known to the group? And with the scorpion cloth left behind…

Mahendra smelled something fishy here, and not in a good way. "My condolences, Lord Major…it saddens me to hear of such tragedy." Mahendra said back, his voice somber. Even if he didn't know these people, death was never one to welcome with open arms.

The mystery didn't stop with the deaths, the red cloth or the "Seperumu" however. After Neema too gave her condolences, she turned back to him and continued explaining what this all meant. Garamentas…Protectors of Isis…The cogs in the Bengali's mind continued to clack along. "I've of heard them as well! They were the personal guards for the female part of Egypts ancient royalty. And if I'm not mistaken, Cleopatra was the first of the female Pharaoes to form them." Mahendra almost burst out, saying the words as the information realed through his mind at a surprising speed. But as he said them, his brows lowered into a look of deep thought. "This…this is starting to sound like something…something big."

---

---

Nora fell silent as the latest tragedy was detailed to them. Her thoughts flickered to all of the deaths that had been attributed to the curse of King Tut. She did not doubt that some conspiracy theorist or another would find a way to claim that Harry and Aziza had been among its victims. And yet, with all of the strange occurrences, she did not doubt that as a possibility. Perhaps the strange forces at play had also claimed the lives of those supposedly murdered by King Tut's curse wreaking vengeance on those who profited from the disturbance of his tomb.

Of course, Nora was very much aware that she should have had a stronger reaction to Harry and Aziza's death. Yet truthfully, they were no more than passing strangers to her. She had not retired with the others to the Barracks. And she had no prior affiliation or relationship with either of those two now deceased members of this Fellowship. She had known Haakon slightly more and that was purely because he had appeared in her dream the previous evening. She nodded at Lady Munn as Vera set herself at work with the identification of the coordinates, pulling out her own journal and making a brief note of the Seperumu. There was definitely something there, based on the conversation being had.

---

---

---

---

---

The Lord Major gave a terse but polite nod in the directions of both Mahendra and Neema, acknowledging their offer of condolences despite a distinct lack of familiarity with either of the recently deceased. It was the proper thing to do, however, and he could not fault either of them for executing good form in the face of a personal crisis affecting a recent acquaintance. Much in the same way that Sergeant Walsh was really more of an acquaintance to Reginald, himself, being that he died after being sent away, following his direction, made the death feel much more personal. Aziza, on the other hand, was a dear friend of the Lord Major and had been for years.

The circumstances of their meeting were not quite cordial, granted, but after that initial open-palmed slap across his face things got a lot better between the two of them. Reginald would have dismissed the whole incident (in hindsight) as a minor misunderstanding, though she might have felt differently. Nonetheless, they got over it and became good friends. It all started with a slap... Reginald would always feel the stinging warmth of her hand on his cheek whenever he thought of her, until the end of his days.

For now, it appeared that the more bookish of the Fellowship were getting time in with what information that they could locate, and that wasn't taken during the robbery-turned-murder, and so Reginald awaited the arrival of the labor detail from the Barracks. Curiosity did tend to grab him, as it did many a man, prompting the less soldierly and more intellectual bits of his psyche to come to the forefront. Thanks to his training, Reginald had a firm grasp on recognizing and ordering patterns, even if he could not fully understand the language in which it was written. Long shot at best, but a fresh pair of eyes and perspective likely could not hurt the situation any.

---

---

Akhmed smiled over at Josephine, he was obviously still rather star stuck just having her near. It wasn't as if Aton hadn't noticed her beauty as well but men knew better than to put the moves on someone their friend had an obvious interest in. Mosi was lovely in her own right but he wasn't getting a vibe that she was interested in him more than just an academic sense, which was fine with him. He did love what he did in his spare time, it made the rest of what he did worth it.

"I am not sure, the menu changes nightly. Let's go find out," Aton said. Akhmed gave the man a bit of a look but nodded in agreement. "And of course, it was a pleasure to make it. It is nice to see it is appreciated. Let it be a token if your trip here," he added before holding his arm out for Mosi so he could escort her.

Vera looked over the coordinates as she sat down and checked what Nora had found. When she found out what it was, she wasn't too shocked but she was a bit surprised. "This is the temple at Bubastis. It seems that we have more evidence that is where we should be going," she said as she looked over towards Nora. "This is good work, thank you." It wasn't something new but it confirmed they were headed in the right direction, at least in her mind.

Neema looked over towards Vera and Nora and then back over at Mahendra. "It is getting late, perhaps we should retire and get an evening meal. I would very much like to have you all over for dinner. I have a few items that may be of interest to you on this journey if you would be inclined," she said. "Plus my supplies are there and I would like to change your bandage Nora," she added as she looked over to the young woman. "It has been a long day and it would be wise to clean the branding."

Vera wasn't sure on the matter. They still had not heard word from Peter or George, she was supposed to already had dinner with him. Mr. Drake was still missing as well but for all she knew he was getting drunk in some dive or he was robbing another grave. Taking a breath she nodded in agreement. "Yes, of course, thank you for your hospitality."

---

---

---

---

---

Mosi had paid little attention to Akhmed and Josephine's way of acting. Mostly because it was so bloody obvious in more way than one. If one could see auras, she'd bet there would be a huge pink bubble of flowers and hearts around them. That thought aside, she could see the attraction between the two quite clearly with normal eye still. It was 3 parts charming, 2 parts cute and 1 part the desire to send them to their own room and sort stuff out and chill a little. All of which were good things in her book!

"Thank you." She smiled as Aton spoke to her about his gift to her. She then quickly settled the blade firm in her grasp with it's blade just under her forearm, not wanting to hurt someone in passing in a narrow place. Mosi then quickly gave a studying glance at Aton before making an expression that more or less voiced her thoughts on it. 'Why not~' Was what resounded in her mind when he offered a hand for her so he can be her escort. She didn't really see him in the way Josephine was seeing Akhmed, but that said she didn't see a reason to refuse this invitation. With a smile she took his hand." Lead the way. I can't wait to see what place you will take us to." She smiled friendly to him. Mosi had the good feeling about him that they could become really good friends. Maybe she'd show him her own skills and gift him a blade in return. She was already having ideas popping up in her head as of how to forge the blade, what shape to give it and what engraving to place on it too. Mosi was so going to sketch them all as soon as they arrived at whereever Aton was going to bring them to. All in all she was a happy woman right now and that happiness could easily be guessed by the huge grin she had.

---

---

Lauren was still processing the deaths of both Aziza and Harry as well, she was still listening in on everyones conversation in the room, occasionally looking over at everyone else in the room. Lauren felt a little bit out of her element right now, everyone else seemed to know more than she did. But Lauren remained quiet and leaned forward in her seat letting out a slight sigh as she then turned her attention towards Neema. She didn't realize that it had actually gotten pretty late, and she was getting a little bit hungry as well, and if Neema was willing to give everyone a free meal she was up for it.

"I am certainly pretty hungry right now." Lauren finally said as she stood up, looking over at Neema once more. "That's if your willing to have me." Lauren said, and she was curious what else she had that could help with their traveling to the temple, feeling her stomach growling slightly. She didn't want to think to much on Aziza, Harry or Haakon's deaths right now, she'd have time to mourn for them when she was alone.

---

---

Josephine would not showcase such, but she was positively giddy at the attention she was getting from Akhmed. It was the same amount she would normally receive if she was back in the states. Only this time, there were no nosy reporters hoping for a scoop for a rumor to spread about her. Thank goodness there was no easy way to pass information around. Could you imagine?

She followed Aton as he took Mosi. She linked arms with Akhmed, "I am excited about this. I ate at the hotel restaurant and it was really good, but I imagine home cooked food in Egypt will be better. Goodness, it's been a while since I have eaten too. Recent events have made me forget about such things."

Of course, Haakon's death was still fresh in her mind. All of this goodness aside, she could not forget her promise to him to see this adventure through and get to the story. She would listen to the others, of course. She had given her word. But once the time came, the truth would come out.

---

---

---

Mahendra's mind tried to wrap itself around the various bits and pieces of information they had come across within the last 24 hours, not paying attention to the map with Vera and Nora, mostly due to him occupied with his Sherlock Holmes'ian attempt at deduction. Which he had very little chance of succeeding at, it just seemed too big for him except being a strange series of divine intervention. Deadly divine intervention, which sent shivers down his spine. Still, it didn't make sense to him with ancient, secret orders...

What caught his attention was the mention of the time. Mahendra reached into his pocket and looked at his pocket watch. Indeed it was late, and a long time since the Bengali had eaten a filling meal. He failed to stiffle a jawn coming from him, hoping it was not taken notice of in the larger matter of more serious topics in that office, before turning to Neema. "It would be a pleasure, Neema. It's very generous of you, so thank you very much. Is it far away from the Museum?" Mahendra said, looking forward to the prosect of a meal and some distance from the site of severe incidents that day.

---

---

---

---

---

While the offer of a meal and change of scenery was appealing, the Lord Major was having some difficulty looking favorably upon another social event of his evening, past that which he had already partaken. Much was going on in his mind, and even the subtleties of their little adventure were not enough to divert Reginald's thoughts away from the initial grief of losing his dear, dear friend, nor his worry about his nephew's absence. The man really should have been back by now. Perhaps the others in the room were aware of his mildly fragile state, which is possibly why they silently declined his offer to look over the material that they were able to retain following the break-in.

"Regrettably madame, I shall have to decline your most generous offer." he stated simply, addressing Neema. She had so far been an enigma to the Fellowship, albeit a helpful one. The Lord Major had nothing against the woman, and indeed did hope that everything worked out well for her and the interactions with the others embroiled in this highly unsubtle business. "Someone shall have to remain at the Barracks, else here, upon the return of the Lord Captain and his associate. I trust that Lady Munn will pass along anything pertinent, should it be necessary. Again, I do thank you for the offer."

Briefly, he wondered where the detachment of soldiery was to assist with the items in question for safekeeping. Then he realized it had only been a very short time since the order had been issued. Patience would have to be exercised.

---

---

Nora frowned slightly, jotting down in her notebook the location the coordinates indicated - the very temple they were traveling to. Had it been an old journal that she had found the coordinates in, she would not be so concerned. Yet from what she could tell, it meant they would not be alone in their travels. No, someone - or something - would be traveling to the temple site as well. Perhaps it was to steal and then hide the artifacts they wished to examine - or even to deface them as to make them unusable. Considering the deaths of those in the Fellowship, she couldn't help but wonder if physical harm would come to them at the temple site. Perhaps it was for the best that the English military was involved in this operation.

"I would be honored to have supper with you," Nora told Neema with a soft smile. She then nodded, her eyes flickering down towards her bandaged finger. It was hard to imagine the brand being there, yet she knew that if she removed the bandage, she would find it. It wasn't something that would ever leave her - it would serve as an immortal testimony to whatever events would come to pass. She was glad to hear Lady Munn and Lauren agree to attend as well, having a friendship with both of them in her mind. The response of the Lord Major was mildly surprising to her, given that he seemed to be able to do whatever he pleased so far - but she put it out of her mind. She was not well versed in the inner workings of the military.

---

---

"No, not far at all," Neema said. It seemed that it was decided. It was made clear that the Lord Major would not be joining them but Neema did not push the issue. She seemed to understand. Had her own nephew gone missing she herself would have made sure she was not somewhere new, she would want to be the first to know he was safe. Vera felt similar to Reginald but it was not logical for both of them to stay behind, not where there was so much more that needed explaining and it seemed that Neema might have some of those answers.

Vera went over to the Lord Major and told him to please let them know the moment Peter and George returned, asking Neema for the address of where they would be going. Neema nodded and wrote it down on a slip of paper before folding it in half and handing it over to Reginald. With that, it seemed that things were wrapping up in the museum and they headed out.

The curator met them in the hallway and showed them out, making sure that security was keeping the place locked up tight. It was normal procedure but he was extra vigilant this evening considering everything that had transpired. Once they were outside Neema glanced around, there were several of them and the night while hot was not stifling anymore so a walk would do. It would take less than half an hour to make the trek back to Garden City on foot.

It was an interesting thing. They were traveling on foot to where they would eat. Aton was taking his guests in a cab but due to a little traffic and being much further away from Garden City when they started off than at the museum, both groups reached the building at the same time. Neema looked over at the cab oddly as the door opened and Aton stepped out.

The two conversed in their native tongue a bit while Aton held his hand out for Mosi to help her out. Akhmed was not about to be out done and quickly exited the vehicle and held his hand out for Josephine. Neemas eyes narrowed a bit but she nodded. Apparently she had just been informed Aton had brought guests for a meal. It didn't seem to be a problem and she welcomed it but there was obviously some tension between her and Akhmed.

"Yes, of course, right this way. You all can relax in the buildings sitting room while I prepare a quick meal," Neema said as she motioned for the door. "Can you please show them where it is while I go to the kitchen. Aton, a word," she said at first to Nora who also lived in the building. Neema lived there because of work, Nora on the other hand lived there because of wealth. Aton swallowed slightly but nodded.

"I'll be right back," he told Mosi and followed his aunt into the building, through the main corridor and to the servants area. Vera cocked a brow and then looked over toward Nora, waiting for her to lead the way.

"I was not expecting to see you this evening but I am glad you are well," she said to both Josephine and Akhmed. There was honesty in her voice as she spoke. With everything that had happened that evening so far and with both Peer and George seemingly missing, it was good to see they had not lost any others so far. It would be too much to lose another this evening.

---

---

Lauren was glad that Nora would be joining them as well, Vera and Nora she considered both of the women as friends with Aziza gone now she would probably be with either of them. Lauren watched Neema writing down the address to her place for Reginald, and started to follow everyone out of the museum seeing the curator there. Lauren gave him a friendly smile and nod before heading out of the museum noticing that there was a number of security there already. Lauren could understand since it was a building full of priceless artifacts and after what had happened as well she'd end up doing the same.

Lauren could feel the hot air across her skin, it wasn't as hot as it was earlier which was good, but still it was a bit unbearable with the heat. Lauren remained pretty quiet through the walk looking at the very few people who were out and about still, letting out a slight sigh. Still Lauren couldn't believe that three people were now dead, Haakon apparently murdered while Aziza and Harry died in some accident. They eventually made it to their destination and she noticed that there was a cab parked in front of the building as well, and saw three familiar faces coming out.

It was Josephine, Akhmed and that one woman that she met briefly at the museum but she didn't get a chance to find out her name when the three of them had left earlier. Lauren gave Josephine a friendly smile and wave towards her, as she listened to Neema and Aton speaking in their native language. Sometimes she wished that she could understand what they were saying and maybe make some conversation but that would take forever to learn. "It's good to see you guys again as well." Lauren smiled brightly towards the three of them, as she started to make her way into the waiting area and sat down on the closest chair.

---

---

---

---

---

The trek to the destination where they would dine took a lil longer than what Mosi thought it would because of the traffic, but eventually they arrived there and only to be greeted by a rather concidental surprise of sorts she was not expecting. The people they left at the museum were there too. Seemed like it was the Neema woman who was Aton's aunt from her understanding that was actually the one to prepare teh meal for them? Mosi had smiled as Aton offered a hand to help her leave the cab and she gladly took it." Thank you." She told him with a smile now that she was outside. Akhmed quickly followed suite with Josephine, which caused Mosi to smirk in amused manner looking at hte lovebirds.

She then threw a quick look about, it was a nice place they had here. Could be great to live, but she wasn't sure that she'd find a place this nice at good prices. After all the best spots were usually well filled with people, that and she preferred to actually live somewhere closer to the actual city streets... the natural state of this place so to say. For example one of the side alleys like the one Rosheen lived at. Yeah Mosi was going to start planning for searching a place to live somewhere around like that. The hotel was nice and all but in the end of the day it was a hotel and she was paying for every day there, so the sooner she was to find a place to stay out of the hotel, the better.

"Likewise, miss." Mosi replied to Lauren when the woman greeted them. Mosi didn't know her name but it was probably a good idea to learn it. Also the names of all the others, but everything at it's time. She tipped her hat at Lauren as the other woman movied away and looked back at Josephine and Akhmed. After all she was with them right now so it was probably good manners to keep with them until their host returned. That aside, she was begining to wonder if it was something beyond coincidence that she appeared to meet all these people time and time again. She wasn't going to complain even if it was. This was probably a good indication that she'd better make friends with them!

---

---

---

It was more than understandable that the Lord Mayor wouldn't be joining them for the supper; as an officer of His Majesty's Army, he certainly had business to attend to at the local British barracks. At a more personal level, Mahendra saw why he wished to be apart from the group, gather his thoughts after the last events and wait for the other gentlemen who apparently were missing. Mahendra wondered briefly if he should remain with Reginald or not, but decided against it on the grounds of him being a subordinate in the military world, and that he probably needed some space.

Perhaps Mahendra needed some space for himself as well? He too had many thoughts in his head as they walked through the streets of Cairo; how had all of this begun, both recent and ancient events? Who were involved, and why? What part was they to play in this Greek epic? And what about himself? What had the gods and his karma decided for him? Many questions, but very few answers. The night air, albeit hot, was fairly comfortable to most people at this time of day. Perhaps more so to those accustomed to the desert or tropical heat, including Mahendra. The air freshened his mind for a moment, and as they made their way to the Garden City, he let his shoulders down and walked relatively alone for now. The Museum had been somewhat crowded, but out in the open air he could look up and see infinity. Endless, but open.

Soon however, they reached the Garden City coincedentaly at the same time as a certain cab, carrying a certain group of people. Two of which the Bengali recognized, two he didn't. The American Starlet and Egyptian 'receptionist', Josephine and Akhmed, and another pair of a man and a woman. The unknown man appeared to be well-known by Neema, who shortly afterwards followed her inside and let Nora lead them. Mahendra, not wanting to appear rude and give off a bad impression, followed Lauren as she spoke to the three others and joined the conversation. "Indeed, a good sign it is. I hope you have faired better since last?" Mahendra first said to Josephine and Akhmed, before turning to the newcomer, Mosi. "Pleasure to meet you, Miss...?"

---

---

Josephine accepted Akhmed's hand and stepped out of the vehicle. She hadn't expected to wind up in familiar territory, but sure enough she was here and saw familiar faces. The woman from the museum (golly, what was her name?) seemed to know Aton and Akhmed, of course. However, she was surprised to see the others. Fate was so funny, wasn't it? Who would have thought a simple dinner invitation would turn all of these people, connected by one event, back together again?

"It is good to see you safe as well, Lady Munn. Given recent events and all I am thankful to see you." She paid little mind to the other women, except to give a small smile to the blonde woman, Lauren. She was getting quite hungry and she hoped food would be served soon.

She kept a firm grip on Akhmed's arm though. Greeting the man from before, "I am fairing better, I suppose. The outside air helped me quite nicely. But now I am very hungry."

---

---

---

---

---

Being a stalwart example of stiff-upper-lippage, Reginald maintained the quiet dignity befitting his age and office despite the emotional equivalent of a desert whirlwind that had beset him over the past two days. Give him an enemy to mow through or a mechanical difficulty to fix, he was your man. Need help planning a three pronged, amphibious and air assault upon a stronghold occupied by the most ungentlemanly sort of armed contingent? Ask the Lord Major! Hell, he'd even hop in a Bristol aircraft and let fly the first fusillade whilst waving the Union Jack and bellowing out "God Save the King". But this? No, he was not accustomed to this type of uncertainty and senseless loss. As soon as the others had shuffled out of the door, Reginald hung his head and let his shoulders droop. He was not happy.

On his way out, the Lord Major stopped to have a word with the Curator. "My good man, Lady Munn has marked some items that she wished to be brought to the Barracks for safekeeping. It involves the expedition. I've a few men on their way for armed transport to one of our safe rooms. If you have anything else that you wish to be removed to the safety of the Crown's Military, if only for the time being, please let them know when they arrive. Likewise, if you wish for secure accommodation until the noise around this abates, I shall be most satisfied to provide. Perhaps a good meal and a glass of decent spirits, as well? It has been a trying day." In truth, Reginald had obligation to remain at the Barracks, and if he returned on his own and Peter was still unaccounted for through the night, it was very likely that the Lord Major would wake up on a padded booth in the Officers' Club come morning. It had happened before. A few times. Further obligation of a guest might remind him of propriety.

At the door, Reginald could see the approach of a squad of twelve men with rifles, led by a very vocal Corporal. "Yes, here they come now. Loud fellow, but quite expedient when on task." He breathed heavily, just vaguely aware that he still held the address where he might reach Vera and the others. It wasn't in his nature to worry, generally. Tonight was different. He very much wished that he would have to send word to that address, and soon.