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Nora nodded, having lived in the building for some time. She could not help but imagine that Spot was eagerly awaiting her return upstairs. "Please, follow me," Nora said softly to the others, before guiding them to the sitting room. She recognized Mosi from earlier that morning, when she and Neema had stopped briefly in the alleyway. There were so many more in their party than she had anticipated, with most of the talk so far being nothing but empty pleasantries. She didn't mind them, truthfully, but she felt that she had little to contribute to the conversation. She saw little point in speaking when it wasn't needed - though that could be partially attributed to her upbringing.

Nora took a seat in the sitting room, quietly pulling out her notebook. She idly began to sketch a pattern on one of the blank pages. Sometimes, she found the repetition helped her think. In her schooling, she found that repeating a simple motion would help her to clear her mind, allowing new thoughts and ideas to come forth. Staring at a pattern with frustration never allowed it to be characterized. A clear head was the only way she could succeed in her task and hopefully identify more of the mysteries at play.

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Lauren gave Mosi a friendly smile when she greeted her, even though she didn't know the woman at all Lauren did get the feeling that the girl was pretty friendly. "I'm Lauren by the way it's nice to meet you." Lauren said deciding to introduce herself, she couldn't help but feel quiet hungry herself as well. When she entered the hotel Lauren looked around before eventually finding a spot to sit down, looking at the others in the room. She ultimately decided to sit down next to Nora given her friendship with the woman, and she knew Nora better than the others as well.

"So how are you holding up Nora?" Lauren finally asked looking over at her friend, then her thoughts went back to Aziza letting out a slight sigh. There was to much death today, losing a friend was never really easy either she eyed Josephine and Ahkmed seeing the man was still stuck to her like glue. Then she looked over towards the new girl once more she couldn't help but feel a bit curious about her, and wondered if the woman would end up getting roped into their little expedition or even had weird dreams like she had the night before. She then decided to ask her something. "So what brings you here? I saw you at the museum earlier but never got the chance to get to know you at all."

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“Name's Priscilla, but I prefer to be called Mosi. Been called that since forever.” She said to Lauren as the other introduced herself. Mosi didn't forget to give a slight bow with her head towards the woman before she moved away. With that done she returned to her thoughts for just a brief moment.

“Hmm?” Mosi made a sound of curiosity when someone spoke to her. She looked at the source of the voice only to find a man she suspected that she might have spotted earlier at the museum. How the world aligned itself right now indeed.” Priscilla Harker, that's my name.” She smiled calmly at him and studied him for a moment before continuing.” You can call me Mosi though. I prefer to be called that.” She explained with a calm friendly voice while she was fiddling with her hat which she had taken off now.” And I do not believe I've caught your name earlier...?” She made a question with a playful smile.

As the Nora woman had started to lead the way towards the place where presumably the dinner was going to take place, she looked at Mahendra and lightly nodded to the side towards Nora.” Shall we follow her?” She asked, clearly indicating she wanted to tag along with him as they moved over so they can continue their introduction talks. She had seen him at the museum so it made her curios as of what he was exactly doing there.

As she followed Nora inside, Lauren eventually had spoken to her once more.” Mostly a pleasure trip I have to admit. I just decided that I wanted to visit Egypt so here I am. Probably going to stick around for a good while, I'm liking it here already!” Mosi stated with a huge grin on her face. In her mind pleasure trip and work trip weren't mutually exclusive. She actually believed she can draw some great pieces for book illustrations or the like just from the sheer inspiration she was getting.

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"Mosi, I see. I will be sure to remember that, Madam." Mahendra said to her with a returning, friendly smile. She gave off a polite and friendly aura, which was a good sign to him; a good first impression, which he would remember to remember, as well as what she preferred to be called. He hadn't heard the name before, and he couldn't help but question why a lady called Priscilla would be called that? It would be rude to ask, of course, and Mahendra thought it best to let her explain when she saw it fit.

But he had forgotten one little detail, a special part of the social etiquette; his own name. "My apologies, Mosi, where are my manners? Mahendra Huq Zalil. No special name to call me, I am afraid, so Mahendra is good enough." Mahendra replied to Mosi, trying to be witty with that last part, but not sure if it was a success. He had been called by several names before, especially in the British Army and in England, but he preferred his real name. He was Bengali after all, and proud of it!

Mahendra turned to Jospehine - and Akhmed - for a moment, showing that he did indeed listen to her and that he was glad she felt better. The way she held around Akhmed, however, made him question in what state she was truly in. But he said nothing of it, and instead followed the other women inside to the sitting area as Nora led the way and Mosi suggested it. While some of the others sat down, Mahendra remained standing; firstly the female members of the party should be seated before he eventually did so, and secondly he didn't want to appear in need of rest. Especially not after his fainting at the museum. How embarrassing!

He did take notice of the sketching Nora did, but it would be rude to interrupt what she was doing, and so refrained from asking even for his curiosity. Instead he tried to followed the conversation between Lauren and Mosi. "It is a wonderful place, isn't it indeed? A land of beauty, history and mystery. Have you visited Egypt before, Mosi?"

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Josephine followed the others, almost clutching to Akhmed. If she was making anyone second guess her true feelings, she was doing so on purpose. Josephine needed other people, just as other people needed her. If she lost the one true friend she had here, she would need another. Akhmed seemed like a decent substitute, for now. She would have to find someone else to confide in though.

So far, the options were not great. Lauren seemed nice enough, but she barely knew the girl (plus she was blonde as well and Josephine hated that). Mosi was unique, but definitely not someone she pictured talking through the night about. Vera was out as Josephine saw her as the leader of this little group. Plus, she respected her too much to bog her down with idle chatter. The other woman (what WAS her name?) thatl ed them inside she just had a weird feeling about. So no, she was out.

And Josephine only needed men for one thing, so they were all out. This was frustrating. She could really use some food now. The conversation around her was unremarkable (Egypt was beautiful. We get it!). So she waited for dinner to be served, while she leaned on Akhmed. The man was a solid rock when she needed one, that was for sure.

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The squad of England's Finest was upon the front doors to the Museum, in a rate of speed that was deceptively speedy. It must have had something to do with the jaunty, often comical, yet highly efficient manner in which the soldiery of the British Empire set one foot in front of the other one, all in unison, with only a minimal of prompting (read: verbal harassment) from the Corporal in charge of their detachment.

"Y'right! Right! Y'right! Right! Company (wait for it) HALT!"

The squad came to a uniform stop directly in front of the landing of the Museum's doors. With customary vigor, the detail oriented Corporal addressed Reginald in the only manner befitting a man of his rank and nobility. Loudly. "Security Detail present and awaiting orders, Lord MAJOR!" One might actually see the intensity on the man's face, evident by the reddish tinge to his cheeks and the vein becoming prominent on his forehead.

"Yes, yes. Of course, Corporal." Reginald cleared his throat and addressed the soldiers directly. "Gentleman, within and just to the exterior of Lady Munn's office, you shall find certain packages and items that are marked. I shall accompany to ensure that nothing is missed, nor is anything unnecessary to the assignment removed. They are to be stored in a safe room until such time as they are called for. Additionally, if a ranking employee of the Museum need examine anything, they are to be given full access, and under active guard. That would be this man here or Lady Munn, are we quite clear?"

Reginald looked to the Curator, nodding in a manner that suggested cooperation. Quietly, he intoned to the man, "I have no desire to retain the treasures of Egypt, my good man, nor restrict you from them. Per Vera's request, they shall be kept safe and well cared for. Now sir, if I may again attempt to interest you in the safety and hospitality of the Barracks, it is available to you." With that, the Lord Major turned and led the soldiers down the short walk to Vera's office, hopefully to claim the items in question without incident.

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"You are most welcome," Aton said to Mosi before following his aunt. Akhmed was glad to help Josephine out of the car, waiting for her to exchange the usual pleasantries before following Nora and guiding Josephine into the sitting room and finding a seat for her. One of which was large enough for him to sit next to her. He looked like a proud peacock and Vera looked a bit confused before turning her attention to Nora and following in kind.

Vera took a seat near Nora and glanced around. What are you sketching if you do not mind me asking," Vera said to Nora. She sat there, fiddling with her hands a bit as she waited for an answer. She felt a bit out of place and it reminded her of many an event she had to attend in London during the season. Being among many she had nothing in common with. Peter was one of the few back then she could ever speak to about things. Thankfully Nora was on the scholarly side as well and she felt more comfortable speaking to her than the rest. It wasn't that she had anything against them, she just either didn't know them or they were just so very different in her eyes. Perhaps Mahendra wasn't but he was a male and those lines never went well when crossed.

Akhmed could have really cared less about the conversations going on with the others as his eyes were on Josephine. "Are you looking into any new roles to play?" he asked her, wanting to know more about her life than those that were dead.

Neema came in a short time later, pushing a cart with several pots of tea and coffee on them as well as some finger foods to hold people over while the rest of the meal was being prepared. "Will be a bit but this should tied you over," she said before making an exit and going back out of the room. Aton was in the kitchen it seemed and being forced to help his aunt make the meal. To Neema it was only fair considering he had bought some people there for a meal as well. She had been expecting him, not several others on top of it. Not that minded, she would feed anyone her nephew bought over but still he had to help. It was only right in her book.

Vera glanced down at her watch and noted the time. It hadn't been too terribly long since they arrived and the drive was short to get there. It was understandable she hadn't heard from Reginald as of yet but she still worried. Peter ad George should have been back hours ago, where they were and what could be going on worried her. She kept telling herself not to worry because if Peter had already survived so much, there would be no reason for something else bad to happen. It was just highly improbable.

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Nora glanced up from the page, hearing Lauren inquire after her wellbeing. The pain in her finger still lingered - though it seemed entirely different than it had the night before. It had been sharp and searing initially - and now, she found it to quite honestly be more of a dull roar. As long as she did not pay too much attention to the brand, she found that it could be easily dismissed to the back of her mind. "I am well, thank you Lauren - how are you faring?" Nora inquired softly. She imagined that Lauren had become much closer to those that had perished today than Nora had, simply due to the amount of time spent in someone's presence.

She returned to sketching the pattern idly, looking up and giving Lady Munn a slight smile. "I do not mind at all - it is called the Koch snowflake," she explained. "It is an interesting mathematical occurrence...As I add an infinite number of triangles, the overall area of the snowflake actually converges to a known value," she explained. She started fresh on a new page and showed Vera the pattern that took place using the first four iterations of it. Nora always enjoyed discussing mathematics, but she also realized that Lady Munn could perhaps do with a distraction.

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Mosi was certainly a weird name to go by, but then again it was something that Priscilla preferred to be called by which is what she would be calling her then. "It's nice to meet you then Mosi." Lauren said towards her giving her a friendly smile as she leaned back in the couch looking over her shoulder towards Nora, who seemed to still be a bit busy or something was on her mind. Mahendra seemed to be the very friendly gentlemen as far as she could see the man was still standing once everyone had taken a seat as well. Lauren decided to gesture for him to take a seat if he wanted to. "Come on and join us Mahendra." Lauren said, she couldn't understand why he preferred to stand currently, it was probably a British thing.

Her eyes then wondered over towards Ahkmed and Josephine, the man seemed way to clingy towards her, Lauren knew that she was a movie star and all. But man he was sucking up to her a lot, and Josephine was probably drinking it all up right now though Josephine seemed to be alright in her book right now. Lauren then started to think of possibly bringing up the dreams, but she assumed that they were apart of the contract that they all ended up signing earlier in the day and decided against asking about it. And there were people that she didn't really know and didn't want to reveal it in front of the others.

Then Nora finally gotten back to her, and gave her friend a slight smile and then shrugged slightly. "Been better, and could be worse." Lauren said softly, Aziza was a good friend to her and wished she had met her a lot sooner. But she didn't want to dwell on it to much right now. Nora then decided to show what she had been sketching, she leaned forward somewhat and looked at it, math to her was a bit out of her league and confused her quiet a bit. Her eyes then wondered over towards Neema when she came back with a cart of tea, coffee, and small finger foods. "Thank you Neema." Lauren said towards the older woman as she reached for a cup of coffee and started to take a drink, and then reached for one of the little things of food and started to eat some of it.

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“Pleasure to get to know you, mister Mahendra.” She greeted listening to him with a smile at his attempts at being witty. She let out a quiet amused giggle.“No, I haven't. I've been mostly traveling the states and the west part of Europe to a point.” She replied with a shrug. Truth be fair she didn't like Europe as much and especially England. She had blood ties there and had visited a few times, but frankly she didn't like it there, they didn't like her there and all were a lot happier when the only relationship they had was on a page in the family tree.

It wasn't much later when the older woman appeared with some drinks and appetizers. Mosi smiled and nodded gratefully towards her. She added, looking at the other woman moving away again. Tea and coffee, good choices of drinks. Overall not the most common met over in the states at this time of day though. Didn't matter, she enjoyed both well enough. She quickly poured herself a cup of tea though. Didn't feel like drinking coffee right now, maybe later.

She had thrown a glance at the Nora woman's doodles. While math wasn't her forte at all, she did manage to find it rather interesting. She had practiced more than a few similar things back in art classes when they were teaching them about proportions and just the whole random forms drawings to make the hand used to performing precise movements. For example she had drawn more than a few good spirals or circles by hand. Not a favorite to do since both required incredible precision to be good and she'd usually screw it up. Ahh the good times, Mosi let her mind quickly wander back to the days she was just a student. She quickly snapped out of it though and started to drink her cup of tea once more, throwing a look at Akhmed and Josephine. Wondering just when she should mentioned to them to go find a room already or leave them to flirt in public like that for a while longer to enjoy the show.

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While Mahendra did take note of the conversation around Nora and her geometrical and/or mathematical symbols, he didn't enter it. Not as of yet at least, waiting for a better time to join in when he could perhaps add something fruitful. He was a geologist after all, not a mathematician. Although he did enjoy doing some doodling himself. But Mahendra focused on the other ladies in company, first Neema as she reentered sitting room, rolling in a cart with various pieces of food for the guests. At first sight it was the tea that caught his fancy, but a small piece of finger food that looked tasty.

Mahendra waited for a moment first though, turning his attention to Lauren as she offered him to come sit with them, and then Mosi who answered his question. She had giggled at his little, witty comment, and made him smile a bit more as he felt more and more comfortable around these women. It took him a brief moment of ignorance, trying to figure out what states Mosi referred to, before he remembered what America was sometimes called. "It would seem we might be on equal footing then, Mosi. I have never to 'The States', but perhaps one day. Perhaps you will visit India sometime later in your life?" Mahendra tried to strike up in conversation, waiting for his turn to serve himself with a cup of tea and a small piece of food.

But the Bengali didn't sit down on a couch or chair as Lauren offered, but instead decided to do something he felt more comfortable - and in extension, relaxing -, as Mahendra sat down on the floor. Of course he chose to sit on a carpet, if there were any, but it had been long since he sat like he was supposed to. And in such company that he felt fairly at ease with, and with a good cup of tea, he thought it a good change. Looking up at Lauren and Mosi, he gave a smile of innocence as he took a sip of his tea. "I hope you do not mind me indulging in my colonial ways, my ladies?"

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It was with some relief that Reginald found the packages and items clearly marked for their extended outing precisely where they were left, just scant minutes ago. He had half expected some hooded figure to leap from the shadows and abscond with more of the artifacts that Vera and Nora were poring over, but not before dramatically twirling a handlebar moustache and issuing a full belly laugh. Perhaps there would have been a puff of oddly colored smoke accompanying the daring escape of said villain, along with a few bars of organ music. Considering the unpleasant happenings and the strange dreams that had been following him, or rather all of them, it wouldn't have been all that shocking to the Lord Major.

But no, it was a simple matter of a few armed men lifting a number of boxes and bags, while a few more armed men stood nearby being, well, armed. All the while, a generally vocal Corporal kept himself uncharacteristically subdued. Maybe he remembered his manners and was using his "inside voice", or was being respectful of the Museum overall. One would as soon scream the alphabet song in a public library or hurl a brick through a church window as disturb the perceived sanctity of the Cairo Museum. One would hope, anyway.

Reginald directed traffic as best he could, given the fact that there wasn't a while lot in that regard to direct. A simple "No no, lad. That's just a paperweight." or "The box with the chalk lettering, yes." sufficed plenty for the purposes of selection and hauling. Past that, a steadfast, "Mind the doorframe, there's a good fellow." was the last bit of sage advice necessary to have them underway. The sound of solid boots setting upon the floor in unison heralded the departure of the Lord Major, the distinguished Corporal, and a squad of uniformed Englishmen. Back out of the Museum, through the front doors, and out across the flat, sand-blown lot between the main gate of the Barracks and the Museum's entrance. Reginald stopped before the Curator very briefly, bowed and extended his hand for a shake, intoning, "The offer still stands, my good sir. Do be careful this evening."

Within the space of three minutes, the cadre of British regulars found themselves back inside of the Qasr El Nil Barracks. Reginald stayed in the courtyard as the remainder of the men saw to the artifacts. He had a lot on his mind, not the least of which being the safety of his dear nephew, Peter. He took in a lungful of Cairo's nighttime air and held it for a moment, allowing the start of strain to accumulate in his chest before blowing it back out. He wished he could do something about all of this. But no, the old war hero was relegated to his tasks without the ability to do more for his own kin. It was a touch worrisome.

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"That is truly stunning. Amazing, such art developed because of mathematical precision. Yet is that not the way of the universe, everything broken down into a mathematical equation whether we know it or not. It truly is the language of the universe," Vera said in a kind voice as she looked at what Nora was drawing. Vera was not fully understanding when it came to all things mathematical but she understood Peters love for it and she could see some of that same love in Nora. It was something she respected.

It wasn't long until Neema had returned with a meal for the guests. It was traditional dishes of the area, rather spicy, but wonderfully colorful and tasty none the less. As they sat and ate Neema sat down and did not par take. It wasn't that she was hungry but she had promised to tell what she knew. No whether or not she was telling everything was yet to be seen but what she was saying could be rather eye opening. Her nephew sat beside Mosi and ate as his aunt spoke. Akhmed seemed to not be paying much attention, his eyes never leaving Josephine but every so often he would shoot a look towards Neema.

"The ancient Egyptians ruled this world for thousands of years. This was no mistake. While many have tried to rule as much land for as long, it is not an easy task. Yet they knew how to tap into the power of the gods. And right now it seems that others are trying to reawaken that very power. It is the time of Bastet, the patron of protection, or magic, dance, love, and of course cats. Large and small. Her eye is fixed it seems and yet even with her protection you are vulnerable. Fight against it and you will drown in the river Nile. Flow with it and it could take you places you never dreamed. Look out though, the Sepermu are aware of your discoveries. While the tomb of King Tutankhamen may be shinning a light on Egypt, lurking in the shadows are the Sepermu. Evil people, who do evil things. They are bent on controlling the Dermeie and if they are able to locate all of the Re Vikn, our world may never be the same. These people have no soul. The person to hold them all was Thutmose and his reign changed the face of the ancient world."

Vera sat there listening. It was all a bit much to take in. She would glance over towards Nora and then the rest from time to time but she could not, even with everything that had happened, wrap her mind around it. It was all spirits and hokum as far as she was concerned. It would take more than a few events to change a life time of following science.

"So some magic items gave Thutmose the power to become the richest pharaoh? It couldn't just be because he was a great man during a time of prosperity? Why do great acts have to be caused by some higher power instead of our own?" she asked in disbelief.

"Some things are unobtainable by the hands of man," was all that Neema would say. Vera just huffed slightly, blowing her hair out of her features. While she didn't believe in what Neema was saying, she intended to research many of the names and words the woman was using. To see what she could find that was true. "It is getting late and you all have had a long day. I suggest we all get a good nights sleep. Tomorrow is a new day and if we are lucky, the sun will rise."

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Josephine looked over to Akhmed, he had been speaking to her and she had been distracted. Stupid really, considering she had the man almost in the palm of her hand. "No, not really. It's part of the reason I came to Egypt. For inspiration. And relaxation, of course, which is why all of this is such a bother. Though I do not regret coming here, not at all." There is much to learn here, she knew. Much that needed to be explored.

Josephine listened to Neema as she enjoyed the delicious meal. One thing about Egypt was definitely the food (though it was also very beautiful). It seemed Lady Munn was having none of it, and Josephine could see why. Hearing talk of magic and all of that would make anyone question it. But given recent events, it was hard to turn a blind eye to such talk.

"I believe you have a point. Given all that has occurred, it is hard to say that something man-made is responsible for the dreams and the burn on my finger. Still, I also believe man is at work also." After all, there was the issue with the thief and Haakon's death.

Once she was finished, it seemed the others would be turning in for the night. Josephine stifled a yawn. She was exhausted. "Yes, sleep is welcomed." She wondered if Ahkmed would be joining her. She would not be opposed to such an offer.

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"Which part of The States are you from Mosi?" Lauren asked turning her attention towards the other woman, she was pretty curious where she was from, and she seemed to be pretty nice so far. "It's my first time leaving the country for me." Lauren said, she had never left the states before but she didn't really have much of a choice. Then she turned her head as she looked at Mahendra and smiled towards him and nodded. It was his choice really to stand, and she respected him for that if he wanted to stand more power towards him. Lauren also listened in on Vera and Nora as they spoke about mathematics which wasn't at all her forte she knew how to mix and pour drinks and that's about it really.

Then Neema came back into the room wheeling the various food for everyone, it certainly looked very good which made her mouth start to water as she leaned forward. "Thank you so much Neema." Lauren said towards her as she started to fill herself up with a plate of the local cuisine that Neema and her nephew had made for them. Lauren started to eat her dinner as she also started to listen in on what Neema was saying and everything that she knew.

To Lauren it was a lot of information for her to take in all at once, she wasn't even sure what to ask she barely knew any of the history of the country itself. And it all also seemed to be superstition as well, which Lauren really didn't believe in, but now that bodies were starting to pile up she started to think that maybe there was some kind of truth to everything that is going on. As Lauren started to finish up the last of her food she was grateful for the meal.

It was pretty late, and she did need to go and check into her hotel room she had a change of clothes and her other personal belongings that she needed to get. "It is quiet a lot to take in, i'm going to be turning in for the evening." Lauren said softly as she started to reach for a napkin and a pen nearby. Lauren started to write down her hotel, and her room number and then handed it over towards Vera. "This is the hotel i'm currently staying in, i'll swing by the barracks in the morning." Lauren said as she stood up and smiled towards everyone in the room. "And thank you once more for everything Neema." Lauren was grateful for the meal and also all the information that was given, but she was truly tired and needed to turn in for the evening.

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“I may. I've heard some really good things about the ancient arts in India.” Mosi confirmed with a nod and a smile on her face. She was feeling rather adventurous in many ways and visiting many distant lands to see the way arts developed there and their mystique was a really good prospect in her eyes. She wanted to see those ancient illustrations on temple walls, ancient smithing crafts and then to study their occultism as well. Maybe she's going to get a clue about herself? After all what was life if not searching for yourself and have fun while doing so?

“I'm from California.” Mosi replied to Lauren with a sly smile.” San Francisco to be precise. What about you, Lauren?” She furthered her explanation, throwing a look at the other woman. Since she was also an American, Mosi wondered where she was from.

Eventually Neema returned with the food and they were brought to have a meal at long last. She smiled and joined. The food was along the lines of what she had seen in the local stalls for the locals, it was a little bit spicy, but it wasn't bad. It wasn't bad at all. She ate with pleasant smile on her face, listening to the story relayed to them by their host for the evening. Akhmed was not listening, not surprising considering the beauty that had entered his eyes.' Get a room~' She snickered softly thinking about it. Still her attention was on the story itself. There were a lot of curios things mentioned in that story, some a lot crazier sounding than others, but she didn't judge, because she was willing to believe it. Actually she was pretty sure it was true because she believed in the occult. She kept quiet though, arranging everything in her mind. The Vera woman didn't seem to be willing to believe in the supernatural though. Mosi sighed silently. Such narrow sight at times they will learn... or not. Not her problem for now.

“I do agree, it's been a rather pleasant night, meeting all of you. Lady Neema, thank you for the fine meal.” Mosi stated as others were starting to state it was time to separate and call it a night.” It's been my pleasure to get acquainted with you all and I do hope we meet again soon.” She added, throwing a look at Aton. Showing the weapon he gifted her.” And to you, thank you once more for this little piece of art and war.” She smiled.” I certainly hope I will get a chance to give you one of my crafts in the near future.”

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It was a pleasent breath of fresh air that no one objected to him sitting like he had preferred to do, well-placed and rooted on the floor. These people, he thought, he could enjoy spending more time alongside. He was probably going to do so either way, with all the earlier talk of an expedition coming very soon. For now the conversation between the three of them, Lauren, Mosi and himself about their places of origin was of high interest as well. Mahendra nodded approvingly back to Mosi, glad to see her interest in his homeland. And America sounded like an excotic place too, this strange place of mixed cultures, old and new, both familiar yet so very much alien.

Mahendra's attention was soon drawn towards Neema's food and story-telling, both figurativly drawing him further and further in with every bite. The food in itself was a delight to taste, even having the spicy sting that reminded him of his home. The food of his mother, and the food of his wife. What Neema told on the other hand, was far from comforting. Instead she once again spoke of Sepermu, Dermeie and ancient Egypt, all intertwined in words of gods and divine powers to create and controll an empire, and the fight for said control. What Neema had spoken of before, and what Mahendra knew in his mind from earlier, rang true again; these were not idle tales to take lightly. Not with the past deaths so recent in their minds.

At least he thought so, for his superior in Vera voiced her scepticism to Neema's words. Mahendra's own beliefs in the outer-worldy and mysterious made him see the reasoning in her words, but now as Vera's assistant, he felt it was better not to object to his superior. At least not until spoken. Which was perhaps best when Neema suggested the group turn in for the night. So did the others, and Mahendra pushed himself up from his seated position and stood up, giving each and everyone in the room a polite nod and smile. "I have to repeat Mosi, as it has been a pleasure to meet you all. Thank you very much for your hospitality and cooking, Neema. I hope tomorrow will smile fairer at us all, if the Gods so desire." Mahendra said to the group, before turning to Vera. "Is there a preferred time and place to which I shall gather at tomorrow, Lady Munn?" He asked her, knowing that he would have to and should do his best to assist her as her new assistant. Never too early to make a good impression. Which also made him turn at last to Lauren and Mosi. "May I accompany you two on the way home, ladies?"

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Nora smiled, nodding in agreement as Lady Munn praised the Koch Snowflake. She did imagine that mathematics must have been the language of the universe, that if everything was reduced to its simplest terms it would just be a network of numbers and equations. She then considered Neema's words, finding that there were points that almost seemed at odds with what Neema had told her earlier. She recalled Neema explaining that Nora had to protect the Bastet and seek them out - which Nora had deduced to be Lady Munn and the others receiving necklace brandings - and now, it appeared that Bastet was protecting them. Nora thought more on the slight contradiction, taking note of the words that Neema referred to.

The Re Vikn stood out to her in particular. She could not help but imagine some sort of cosmic puzzle. Perhaps it was just something of occult or religious significance, but Nora knew that faith could be incredibly powerful. Many chose to ignore facts and logic in favor of the divine. And yet on the other hand, if mathematics truly did provide the foundation of the universe, they may very well have just been introduced to calculus. And while Nora did not wish to rely on a spiritual explanation for these events, perhaps there was no reason it had to be in opposition with logic. Magic was simply science that was not yet understood, was it not?

"Thank you for imparting your wisdom, Neema," Nora said softly, giving her a kind smile. She had every intention of retiring to her own rooms here at Garden City. Perhaps as she tried to fall asleep, she'd talk over everything she learned with Spot. He was a horrible listener, but Nora found that just whispering the information to him allowed her to notice new patterns and connections.

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Reginald's thoughts on life in general, as well as the many, growing worries of the day aside, there was a stillness in the air that he had not felt in quite a while. It was the tingling, growing feeling of anxious energy that he generally only felt before a coming battle. This wasn't too far off, if one thought about it. A mission, if you will. Even if exploratory in nature, it was something that got him out into the open world to accomplish a task with lettered professionals and talented lay people. It did not involve sitting about the Barracks rotting of boredom and booze nor signing the same papers on regular intervals. It was a taste of living again.

And just so long as he was preparing for another little adventure, he had failed to notice the temporary pavilion of muslin colored canvas set up near supply. There were a bevy of boxes and crates, each stamped with the seal of the Crown and labeled for basic content with thick block letters stacked neatly underneath. Sadly, there was more than a fair amount of the same type of tinned rations that he was subjected to back during the Great War, but a fair amount of rice, potatoes, and the like that were ordinarily reserved for garrison rations but would hold up well to travel. The makings for road bread were present, as well as tinned meat, bacon, coffee, and of course, he would have access to his own private selection of fine teas. Quartermastered dry goods were there as well, rope, utility clothing of appropriate sizes, packs, tools (oh yes, lots of those) etc, and while they all would have to make certain little sacrifices that one must make when away from large areas of civilization proper, they should be decently taken care of for their journey.

Reginald ran his hand along the boxes and crates, eventually giving a long sigh. He did wish that his dear nephew was there to share the moment with him, but that would have to wait until his return. Perhaps there would be a huge bundle of good news when Peter showed back up, one which could be dropped on him in a huge explosion of optimism. Yes, perhaps. But something kept him from being quite so hopeful. Maybe it was something he and/or George mentioned that he hadn't really paused to figure out, that also did not make sense at the time. All he could do was wait.

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Vera wanted to learn more, but she understood what was going on. It was nearly midnight, the day was nearly over. They all had been through the ringer so far and they had lost one of their own. Sure they had not been well acquainted, she had only just met Haakon and Aziza and Harry but they were all gone. All three in some terrible accident. Two different accidents but accidents none the less. And it seemed that Haakons was no accident, just meant to appear as such. Was it the same for the other two? She didn't know. She had questions. Questions about his death, about their deaths, about the brandings, about the break into her office, about the missing tiles, about Bastet, about everything.

Peter crept into her mind. Where was he? Was he a victim of some accident as well? No, he was fine. She kept telling herself that he was fine. That he had gone back to the museum, found they were gone and headed back to the barracks. Found his uncle and he and Reginald were having a fine cup of tea right then. Yes, they were having tea and catching up since they hadn't had much of a chance. Yes, that was where Peter was and George as well. They were fine.

Neema wasn't so sure of things but she was ready to wrap things up for the night as well. At least with this group. She nodded and gave her thanks for coming, it was a pleasure, you are most welcomes and so forths. Aton looked at Mosi and smiled. "Of course, I hope you enjoy it," he said with a kind voice but excused himself so he could head out as well.

Akhmed looked over at Josephine. "Would you like me to escort you back to your hotel?" he asked her, holding his hand out. He had no intention of letting her walk the streets alone. Not after everything that had happened.

It wasn't long until the group was walked out of the building and everyone said their good byes. Seemed people were breaking off into different groups so no one was going alone. Vera stating, "Yes please, let's say the Barracks around ten A.M.? I will be at the museum before then," she said before climbing into a car and heading for the barracks. She had to check in with Reginald. Not only to see if things were coming together for them to depart but to check on Peter. He had to be back by now right?

Neema packed a small bag for each of them as they left, to ensure they had something to eat should they get hungry again before morning. Before Akhmed had left he invited Mosi to come back to the museum tomorrow morning if she would like.

Outside of the Statistical Department George sat down, coughing. The fire had engulfed the building and beside him lay three bodies, covered with a sheet of fabric. The local fire department had given up trying to put out the blaze. All they could do was try to ensure it didn't spread to another building.

"Sir are you okay?" one man asked him and he nodded.

"Mmm," was all he said as he nodded.