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Josephine stood up and began to leave with the others. Lady Munn called for them to gather in the morning and that was just fine. A good night's sleep is what she needed. Among other things, of course. She took Akhmed's hand as if to say "Yes, please accompany me" as they left.

Josephine assumed she was still staying at the barracks. Hopefully, they wouldn't mind an addition to her entourage. "Thank you for everything today, dear Akhmed. Truly, you have been a rock when I needed one. I do not know how I would have gotten through the day's events without your strong shoulders supporting me." Jo made her way towards the barracks, assuming the others had adequate escorts. After all, Haakon had been murdered. Were the rest of the targets as well?

Josephine did not want to be alone tonight. "I am still a bit afraid, you see. I really do not wish to be alone tonight. I've gotten so used to having you around, I would hate to have to give that up." Having someone there for protection (among other things) would make her feel right as rain for the morning.

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Lauren gave Vera a nod and smile ten in the morning would work well enough for her, she needed to get some sleep and also go over in her head all that had happened today. "I was born and raised in Philadelphia Pennsylvania, I think I have a cousin out in the San Francisco area." Lauren answered Mosi, she remembered having some family there, but she never really had the chance to get in touch with them over the years.

As she was about to leave Neema was handing them out some bags of leftovers she gave the elderly woman a friendly smile and accepted the bag. Then she turned her head to look over her shoulder when Mahendra asked if either her or Mosi needed an escort, Lauren thought for a moment. After three of their own were killed either in some tragic accident or what appeared to be murder Lauren did feel a bit safer if there was someone with her. "I wouldn't mind the company, i'm staying at the Savoy Hotel." Lauren said giving Mahendra a friendly smile, and then looked over at Mosi wondering where her place of residence was currently.

"I'll call a cab for us." Lauren said and gave Neema one more friendly smile before heading out into the night. Closing her eyes as she felt the warm night air around her. She turned and headed out of the alleyway and towards the main road. As much as she wanted to walk back to her place, she didn't really feel all that safe especially if she ended up traveling alone as well. Lauren reached down into her purse and made sure that she did have the amount of money in her hand for the fare as well.

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“Can't see why not, I'm personally staying at the Shepheard's Hotel right now.” She replied to the Indian man with a smile at his apparent proposal to accompany them to their homes right now. Mosi was grinning quite widely right now, mostly because she realized what he had just said could be taken partially under different meaning, but the man clearly didn't intent that.” Having a fine gentleman escort us, is a sure way to get home safely after all.” She smirked, poking slightly at the man in a clearly teasing manner of course. She had nothing against him, just wanted to see how he reacts under a little bit of teasing is all.

“Well can't say I wasn't thinking about the idea of walking to the hotel, but given the probable distance a cab would be a better choice indeed, Lauren. Thank you.” Priscilla said with a nod at the woman, before turning her attention to the people at the location for a last time, then quickly leaving as to not intrude any longer. With a sure movement she hopped her cowboy hat onto her head, took her newly gifted weapon in hand, studying it for another few moments, before putting it down once more. Frankly between her weapons, Mosi was quite sure she'd be able to take out more or less anyone who can jump her with the possible exception of a good gun wielding person. After all swords did NOT stop bullets. Another thing that having an additional person with them made easier, after all more targets, the less likely to get shot.

“So, I spotted you earlier in the museum. Do you work for it?” She asked Mahendra with a curious expression. Might as well ask the question while he was at a conveniently close distance after all.

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Mahendra did his best to respond to the various comments and farewells spoken as the most of the group was making and about to make their way out onto the streets. Giving Neema a appriciative smile and a bow, Mahendra accepted the small bag of food she offered everyone. It was a kind gesture on her part, and a good act done to a fellow being. Hopefully the Gods would look favourably upon her and her kindness. To Nora and Josephine he gave a polite farewell and bow, before making his way outside.

"Very well then, Lady Munn. Ten o'clock at the Barracks it is. Have a good night." Mahendra said to Vera just as she got into a car and drove off, not sure if he was quick enough after catching what Mosi said to him. Or rather, how she looked at him. He could see why she and Lauren welcomed the safe company on their way home, but the wide grin Mosi gave him was difficult to prosess. It was as if he had said something silly, or inapproriate. It slowly dawned on him what his words could have been interpreted, and a faint colour of red could be observed pass over his coloured face, before briefly passing away as he tried to behave appropriate. He was a married man after all, such adventures was not befitting of him! "Yes, getting you two home safely, certainly..."

With the new knowledge of where they were housed, and Lauren suggesting the trio taking a cab, Mahendra continued with his line of thought for getting home safe. "The Savoy? Then I suggest driving you home first, get you inside safely and then driving to the Shepheard's last. I live at that hotel too, Mosi." He suggested as he followed behind Lauren some distance, then turning back to Mosi with her question. "Oh yes, that was you. I think I remember. I was given a position there just earlier today, as a matter of fact! Lady Munn's new assistant." He said with a restrained pride. Never good to brag or show off, but this was still an achivement for him. "But may I so inquire how you found yourself at the museum earlier then?"

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Nora had retired to her own rooms when the others left the building, as it would have been rather impractical for her to leave the Maratos just to reenter a moment later. She smiled at those she knew as they left, before she ascended the stairs and went to apartment 301, unlocking the door and slipping inside. Spot barked at her as she walked in and ran over, jumping up on her legs. "Oh sweet boy, I know I was out far too long..." Nora said sympathetically. The poor thing had been cooped up in her rooms all day and it showed. Spot apparently had enjoyed having free reign, having chewed and scratched at various pieces of furniture. Had Spot not been alone all day, perhaps Nora would have been cross with him. Instead, she just gave him affectionate pets.

Spot followed her back to her bedroom as she changed into something more comfortable for sleeping. Her blanket had more or less became Spot's blanket, as she often found the heat of Egypt made it unnecessary for a comfortable sleep. Nora sat down on the bed and patted the spot next to her, with her dog happily jumping up and sitting there. Nora couldn't help but smile at him. "I like you better than most people, Spot," Nora whispered to him. She had a better relationship with her dog than she did with most of her family. Spot barked at her in response and Nora couldn't help but smile.

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It wasn't the first time that Reginald had taken his supper from a bottle, and it likely would not be the last. This was becoming a very, very negative evening for the Lord Major, one of the more disheartening of his decades of service to the Crown. Something had to have happened. He was almost sure of it now. This was not good. Reginald had already placed a phone call to the local constabulary on the matter mentioning a missing person and giving a general description of the man, the fellow he was with, and the fact that both were unaccounted for. It was more of a call-upon for professional courtesy than anything else, seeing as the law was quite clear on what constituted a missing person in Cairo. They didn't quite fit the bill on that one. Hopefully, he was just being an overprotective old man. Somehow though, he knew he wasn't.

Reginald had eventually found his way into the Officers' Club, empty though it was, and was pouring himself a tumbler of brown liquor from behind the bar. I had gone above the point on the glass that would have distinguished it as a nightcap, sloshing about as the liquid continued to roll from the bottle. He stopped before it became a matter of crude, plebeian coarseness, but it was still a formidable glass of booze. He sat there for the longest time, just sipping from this glass and coming to grips with the worst case scenario, all the while trying to convince himself that it was a silly notion.

He wasn't sure how long he had been slumped at his favorite booth in the back when a solid clinking sound was heard directly in front of him. It was a small ceramic plate, set down by a certain obnoxiously loud Corporal. The plate was laden down with a simple, cold meat sandwich with an olive pinned to the top by a frilly toothpick, a whole pickle, and a glass of warm milk on the side. Reginald looked to the Corporal, who merely nodded back at the Lord Major and pushed the plate in front of him. In return, Reginald lifted his glass as if to toast the man, but instead plunked it down heavily in front of the Corporal and gestured to the seat across from him.

The Corporal wordlessly accepted the glass and sat down, but refused to take a sip until Reginald began putting solid food on his stomach. After a few tense seconds, the Lord Major relented.

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Akhmed was more than happy to escort Josephine to the barracks and be at her disposal for any and all attention she needed. The mans eyes were star stuck to be sure. At the gate to the barracks they were welcomed in, as Josephine had stayed there the night before. They knew Akhmed since he had been working closely with the Lady Munn for sometime. Not to say he didn't receive the ninth degree from the gate before he was let in but it seemed more to tease the man than anything. He didn't care though, as long as he was let in with Josephine in the end. Which he was and he quickly escorted her to her room, making sure to go in with her. One couldn't be too careful today. He had to make sure no one was waiting for the woman in her room, in the closet, under the bed, or even between the sheets. He was very thorough.

Vera had walked with them to the gate but kept back a few paces. She didn't want to interrupt them. Feeling it was better to stay back a piece. She had split off at the museum to gather a few papers and such and arrived back at the barracks a few minutes after they had gone through the gate. She was given no issues coming in but as she glanced over her shoulder she spotted George, he looked.... horrible. And there was no sign of Peter as she stood there and waited for him to be let through the gate.

She felt a knot forming in the pit of her stomach as he came towards her. Half of his face covered by his mask but the single eye that looked in her direction refused to make direct eye contact with her. Reaching out to him she shook her head slightly and tried to speak but nothing came from her. He couldn't say thing in response either just nodding slightly. His arms wrapping around her gently and they both began to walk silently towards the officers club.

Entering it, Vera found herself having to be half carried to a plush chair and sat down. She refused to look up from the ground. Mr. Benaszewski stepped over to Reginald and there was a slight grunt from him. "Lord Major.... Sir...mmm.. There was a fire..." he said before he pulled out a chair and seated himself. He had much to explain.

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Lauren looked at Mahendra and nodded, she couldn't help but smile slightly seeing him blush slightly when Mosi ended up teasing him for a little bit. "Sounds like a plan to me then." Lauren said softly as she looked around the main street until she saw a taxi driving just down the street, and took a step forward and waved it over towards them. The driver came up towards them, she listened to Mosi and Mahendra as the two of them spoke. She of course knew Mahendra became Vera's new assistant at the museum, she wasn't sure why he wanted the job as the cab parked by the curb Lauren stepped forward and opened the door.

"So what do you do for a living Mosi?" Lauren asked as she climbed into the cab getting the closest seat to the other side of the door, and left it open for Mosi and Mahendra to get in as well. Lauren thought for a moment, she felt like she could trust them she did work as a bartender, but didn't want to say what she actually did back at home either. "I work as a bartender back home, my dad owned a nice bar back in Philly." Lauren said softly as she smiled slightly remembering her dad, and wondered how he was actually doing as well, she remembered him heading back home to lay low for awhile from what she remembered before leaving for Cairo. "Where are you all going?" The driver asked. "The Savoy Hotel and then the Shepheard's Hotel please." Lauren said, she'd pay for her part of the ride to the Savoy while she would let Mosi and Mahendra pay for their part.

Lauren simply smiled and nodded towards Mosi, she could understand liking bartenders they did always end up handing out drinks all the time which was good she also nodded towards Mahendra. She could also give him some soft drinks. She was about to say something, but then heard that her stop was there and got up, looking at the two of them. "Have a good evening you two." Lauren said as she closed the door and started to turn and head into the Savoy Hotel.

She knew where her room was exactly as she headed down the stairs where her room was located, normally it was used for staff, it was the cheapest that they had as Lauren got her key out she unlocked her door and headed inside. Lauren yawned and stretched out, she decided to get changed and then just crashed right on her bed, it was a very long day for her and tomorrow would surely be an even longer one as well.

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*Transferring post from SI for @FantasyChic

Josephine was thankful that they were let in so quickly, though she feigned humor at the guards questioning Akhmed. She really was tired and wanted to get inside her room and forget about how horrible this day was. By any means. She held the man's hands as she led him to her room. She felt almost like a giddy schoolgirl who shouldn't be leading a boy into her bedroom.

She opened the door and let him in. She felt quite safe now. "Thank you ever so much for escorting me back. I do not know if I would have been all right walking home alone. Now that we are here, perhaps you can help me with other matters?" As she spoke she walked around the room, making sure the man got a full show.

She slowly undressed. Totally unabashed by the man she had only just met in her room, watching her. The night was not over, quite yet, as she made her way into bed in what would hopefully be an enjoyable evening.

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"Ohhh what a coincidence!" Mosi exclaimed when Mahendra stated his purpose at the museum. So it was for looking for work and getting himself a job! She could relate to needing work, but the way they were all being drawn towards each other was weirdly coincidental. From her meeting some of them before she even went to the museum to now. It was all almost rehersed. She had noticed it to some of her other life experiences though too. There were times when reality just alligned in weird ways.

She was about to reply when Lauren got them the coveted cab, so she quickly hopped in. "Mmm, was just visiging the museum for the sights and some research into old crafts." She admitted, showing her new weapon she got from Aton." I'm a little bit of a smith you see, so one of my purpose in the museum was to study the local ancient bladed weaponry. Another was to just study the old arts in general. I'm also an artists, mostly deal with sketches though, made some illustrations for books too." She explained with a smile towards Lauren who asked her of how she made her living." Well smithing and drawing are just to make do back home as bonus spending money. Mostly I have to admit it's the money I get from my family that's my living. I plan to eventually break away from it. I mean I can be independent, I've proven it in the past, but if they are willing to give, why shouldn't I use the chance? Especially when I can use said chance to travel." She asked with wide impish smile on he face.

"Mmm I've always liked bartenders." She suddenly stated." Your profession I can respect! Everyone who's selling me drinks is usually alright in my book. Well I'd prefer those who are seeling me alcoholic drinks all the more." She added with another devilish smile, amused at memories.

Since she was the last in the line to get driven home by the cab, she bid the others a fare well as they left and finally when she was by her hotel, she paid the man the last part of the fare and hopped outside. With a happy gait she walked into the hotel and headed towards her room. This was a productive night after all. Without a nary a moment to waste once she was inside her room, she took off the dusty clothes from a day long wandering and laid into the bed, placing her new weapon on the night stand.

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As it didn't take long for Lauren to catch them a cab, Mahendra waited a short while before continuing to respond in the conversaton. It was Lauren who took her turn to ask what Mosi did for a living after all, and it would be rude to press a question twice, so Mahendra smiled gentlemanly to his two female companions and let them climb into the cab like ladies are supposed to, before climbing in as well and closing the door.

Inside the cab Mahendra felt his heart skip a bit, seeing the weapon Mosi had just pulled out on them. But it was just for show, as she explained it was the reason for her visit the museum, which made a lot more sense than what Mahendra's mind feared for a split second. So he resumed his calm demenour and looked at the weapon she was holding out. "It is a fine piece indeed. And I would be happy to see what you have sketched, as I a little bit of a sketcher myself." He said to Mosi as the cab started driving, and they were on their merry way to the Savoi.

Philly? Mahendra hadn't heard of such a place, if it even was a place. He had heard fellow students in England been called Phillip or Phil, so it could be a name. But he focused rather on her profession, which once again was a side of Lauren that surprised him. Such a sweet lady serving alcohol? The world was indeed a strange place. But she did give a soft smile on the issue, so how could he judge?
"While I can't say drinks is one of my preferable beverages, I guess it is an honest living. Perhaps a soft drink later?" He wasn't talking down on her profession, just trying to state his own preferances coming from a non-drinking culture.

The ride with the cab would probably not take too long to either of their hotels, seen as they hadn't been far away while staying in the Garden City. When it was their turn, Mahendra would pay for his part of the ride and wish Mosi a good night, before making his way back to his own room. It had been a long day already, full of surprises in the fullest sense of the word, and he welcomed the prospect of a good night's sleep. And he had little doubt that tomorrow too would be by no means any shorter of unexpected events.

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Nora slowly closed her eyes, unable to help but wonder if she would be experiencing more ominous and foreboding dreams. She kept her journal close to her, knowing that the details would be clearest just after she awoke. She didn't want to forget a single detail, in order to consult with Neema and see what she could learn. She didn't feel she could discredit any sources of information yet, especially given that Neema's did appear to explain the occurrence of events whereas other methods of reasoning had no answers. She intended to give serious consideration to this hypothesis and seek out more information, to either support it or discredit it.

She rolled over slightly, knowing that it'd irritate Spot a bit but that her dog would get over it quickly. He wouldn't even remember that she had disturbed his slumber a moment later. Nora sighed a bit, finding that sleep was still eluding her and she opened her eyes, staring at her bandaged finger where the brand was. She could still recall the intense searing pain and knew that the mark would be there for the rest of her life. It was just further evidence that she wasn't quite meant for the world of manners and politics - that British society would never accept her and she would never be a part of it. Nora shut her eyes again and just listened to the sound of her own breaths.

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The look on George's face, rather, the half of his face that was capable of demonstrating emotion, said much. It imparted bits of worldly advice like "prepare for the worst" and "do not react yet". Advice of that nature was sound as well as obvious; as much so as carrying an umbrella on a rainy afternoon. Unfortunately, the effort required to maintain calm in the face of personal tragedy was significantly more difficult than hoisting an umbrella against the elements. As George sat in front of him, Reginald swallowed a building lump in his throat and took the man's unspoken advice.

"A fire, you say?" he started carefully. Controlled concern was etched his voice as he continued, "Do continue, if you would."

This was not something that George wanted to go into, for many many reasons, but he had to. He wasn't one to speak much either so this made it more than doubly difficult to explain. He kept it as short as he could, as unaffected by intonation as he could, but it was still difficult. Having to explain to both Vera and Reginald that Peter was gone, that he was dead. He tried to leave as many details out as he could, not wanting to make matters worse. The fire at the statistics office. That what was blamed. Peters leg left him unable to be as quick in his movements as he once was. Georges single eye made things more difficult for him to see, some things people could never see coming. This was one of those times. To lose Peter, again, was one of them.

Vera sat there stunned, unable to say anything. Just listening. She didn't know if she was in shock or disbelief. Perhaps both. Peter had just stepped back into their lives, coming back from the dead yet it seemed that death was only taking a holiday in this case and he was gone again. She sat there, her hand resting on the arm of a chair, just staring blankly at a half empty tea cup, the stillness of the remaining tea matched only what was going on on the surface of herself. Inside she was a storm of emotions she wasn't sure how to deal with. Stiff upper lips of the aristocrats was hard to maintain right then, especially as tears started to drip from her eyes.

Reginald carried the same businesslike demeanor, but the volume of his voice had decreased dramatically. His own eyes softened, but he refused at that moment to allow himself the luxury of physical emotion. Or much of it, anyway. "I see." was all he could manage at that point in time. He cleared his throat, trying to continue but noting that his voice was losing a bit of its stability. "Was it, ah... Did he suffer? Was it a clean passing?" he asked hopefully. It was probably a moot point; he was just as dead regardless of circumstance, but both men were soldiers. Soldiers deserved a clean death. He hoped that Providence allowed his dear nephew at least that one gift.

Vera's eyes twinkled in the light of the room, the tears watering her eyes seemed to dance slightly as she looked towards George for an answer. Whether he suffered or not she didn't want to know. Even if he did, she didn't want to know. She wanted to hear he didn't suffer no matter what happened. She wanted to hear he passed peacefully even if he didn't. She wanted to hear he felt no pain even if he did. George looked at Reginald and shook his head slightly.

"No sir, mmm he didn't suffer. It was a clean death," George said, the gravel in his voice more than usually evident. Could it have been emotion? The smoke he inhaled? Or more? One couldn't tell but it was there. Vera lowered her head and the tears fell to her clasped hands resting in her lap. A slight whimper coming from her as she choked down the emotions. George rose and pulled out a handkerchief, placing it in her hand.

The Lord Major seemed very much the old man right then. His posture slouched and he signed heavily, his eyes staring down at the table in front of him. "Good. That is good, at least. Thank you, Mr. Benaszewski." He had lost his dear nephew again, and just when he had gotten the man back. His death was one of the factors that made Reginald the way he was; his return lightening the old man's soul. That light had been snuffed, and he could already feel urgings of the recent past coming to the fore.

Wordlessly, the Corporal rose and left the table, returning with the Lord Major's bottle from earlier and a handful of stacked tumbler glasses. While it was the Corporal's intention to prevent Reginald from drinking himself into a stupor that evening, it seemed that a drink was fitting. He set the glasses down on the table and poured a dram for each of them. "For the Lord Captain, sir?" he inquired.

"Lord Captain Peter Keystone." responded Reginald, a little more strength in his voice. He reached for a glass and raised it from the table.

Reaching out George took two glasses, setting one in front of Vera who was visibly trembling. George raised his own glass and nodded. "Mmm, to Peter, may he rest in the peace life refused to grant him..." he said quietly.

Vera coughed and nodded as she wiped away the moisture from her upper lip. "Yes... to Peter," was all she managed to say before nearly knocking over her glass as she reached for it. George reached out with his free hand and steadied her enough so she could drink before drinking his own.

The Lord Major waited with his glass raised high, until the others started to imbibe before he started on his own glass. It was a tiny touch of etiquette in a situation where etiquette might be called upon favorably. The Corporal, wishing to show proper respect to a member of the Lord Major's family and an officer in the Royal Armed Forces, immediately snapped to attention and threw a proper British salute, sounding into the otherwise quiet air of the Officers' Club an alternate version of the bellow normally reserved for his highly revered Commanding Officer:

"Lord CAPTAIN!!!"

The drink in the Corporal's hand disappeared into his face the instant that his salute snapped to his side. Highly unexpected as the man's actions were, it did serve to startle Reginald a bit, earning the Corporal a glare from the older man. It lasted for a mere second before his gaze softened; when it came down to it, it really was how he showed respect. Shaking it off, the Lord Major turned his attention over to George, inquiring, "Which hospital or mortuary service has possession of my boy's remains, sir? He deserves full military honors, of course. And he really should be interred with his family."

Resting his hand on Vera's shoulder to try to comfort her, George set his glass down. "I requested, mmmm his body be brought here sir. They said it would be taken to the Anglo-American hospital until it could be claimed by family or country sir. Mmm, they said they would be in contact once it was ready. Mmm, I told them to contact you," George said quietly. Vera sobbed slightly and George's eye went to her. "Sir, mmm, perhaps I should escort Lady Munn to her room?"

"Indeed." agreed Reginald, albeit quietly. He rose from his seat ponderously and stood for a moment before shaking George's hand, and shuffling over to Lady Munn. "I am so very sorry, Vera. So very sorry." Back to George, he intoned, "You have my gratitude, Mr. Benaszewski. Please, do take your leave. Let us know if you require anything at all." He poured himself another drink and settled back into his chair, a thoughtful look etched across his face.

"Thank you sir, mmm." George shook the mans hand firmly but respectfully. Turning he wrapped an arm around Vera's shoulder and helped her to her feet. She leaned against him, sobbing quietly as she could manage, trying to push it down but she couldn't. Only able to give a nod towards her uncle. "Let's get you to bed," George said softly towards Vera as he lead her out of the room.

The room became devoid of people yet again, except for Reginald and the overly enthusiastic Corporal. The two of them sat in silence for a long while, occasionally sipping on their drinks. The Corporal broke the silence with,

"Permission to speak, sir?" Reginald just nodded. The Corporal continued, "Big day tomorrow, right sir?"

"Indeed." responded the Lord Major dryly.

"Your plans remain unchanged, then?"

"They do, Corporal. I cannot put off plans that have already been set into motion, you see, particularly as they require my assistance to continue. I am as bound to this as I am anything. My personal grief notwithstanding."

The two regarded each other silently for a while. It was late, and time waited for no man who was still alive. In the quiet, one could hear the calls of the insects along the river. It was indeed late. Some might say too late. Their path was already set. They had no choice but to travel down it.

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Once everyone had turned in the night was blissfully uneventful, or at least as much so as those involved knew. Vera still had not emerged from her bedroom at the barracks, not even for breakfast yet. Spending most of her night sobbing in and out of sleep. George held a heavy heart and remained with her, tending to her as best he could. Mostly that had involved just being there for her and changing out a handkerchief every so often so she was not trying to wipe away her tears with a soaking wet piece of fabric.

Sitting in a chair on the other side of the room he watched her, his single eye keeping vigil. He could understand her sorrow or at least he thought he could. To lose someone you cared for was never easy. From what Peter had told him, he had cared a great deal for Vera and it seemed she in turn returned those feelings. What exactly Peter had felt for Vera, the world would perhaps never know. What Vera felt for Peter was only for her. She wasn't sobbing because she lost a love, she was sobbing because she lost a friend. She was sobbing because she had not loved him. He had come here for her and died. The guilt weighed heavily on her.

The tears had stopped and she was awake but she still didn't move. Just laying her bed, staring blankly at the wall across from her. George offered to go get her something to eat, to drink. She did not respond. He wasn't just going to leave her there. He only got up to open the door when there was a knock. a member of his majesties army standing there and informing them breakfast would be served for another hour. George nodded and shut the door. He would stay unless she told him to leave.

Others were still laying in bed. Akhmed being on of them but he was anything but sobbing. He laid on his back, a broad satisfied grin on his lips as he ran his fingers gently up and down a certain starlets back. What a night it had been. While others were in mourning, unbeknownst to him, he was in awe. Certainly he could have returned to his home once things were done but forgo awaking that morning with that luscious blond hair next to him? Never. He only finally stopped his hand moving when the knock came. Turning his head he called out what but there was no answer, just another knock.

Letting out a huff he sat up, letting his legs fall over the edge of the bed before rising and stepping to the door, swinging it open and not bothering to cover himself. "Yes?" he demanded. The man at the door just repeated what he had told George before walking off. Turning Akhmed shut the door and glanced back towards the goddess. "Shall we get something to eat? I have a feeling you are famished."

There was a knock at Nora's door, Aton was standing there with the push cart. Neema had left a small note on the breakfast tray for Nora letting her know she had a few things to tend to that morning but she would be back home this evening. Something had come up apparently, something Aton had no idea what it was. It seemed that Neema wasn't the only one that was busy that day. A certain red head was not at the food stand this morning. She was out for the day it seemed and would not be working that day. No answer at her door. Those she worked with were unsure when she would return, only that they had been informed she wasn't available to work today and had taken the day off. She was scheduled off the next two days as well, so the earliest they hoped to see her back was in three days time.

The city was buzzing, the smell of smoke hung heavy in the air and the morning papers read about a fire that had broken out at the statistics department the night before. The fire had burned through over half the building before it was contained and there was word in the paper of a death caused by the fire. It did not say who. Yet a message was sent to the barracks, addressed to a Lord Major Keystone from the Anglo-American hospital.

~Dear Sir,

We regret to inform you that there was in a fire at the Statistics Department last evening. Unfortunately one perished during the fire. The body itself is unidentifiable due to the fire but we were informed that the persons identity is a Lord Captain Peter Keystone of Englands Royal Air Force. Due to the non native nature of the deceased we require a member of staffed military or diplomatic of the United Kingdom to identify and claim the remains, otherwise they will be interned here in Cairo in an unmarked grave.

Dr. Moreau~

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Josephine tossed in bed after a marvelous night. In fact, she would register last night's antics as definitely in the top 5. Where in that is Akhmed, she will never tell. Still, the man did everything right and it was a great way to pass the night away before today's events started. Josephine knew what would be happening today. The knock on the door signaled that it was about to get started.

She remained in bed as Akhmed got up, not bothering to put on clothes as he opened the door. Jo did not mind (hell, she LOVED the view), but breakfast would be a good way to start. "I am positively starving, darling. You really worked up my appetite. Breakfast would be lovely."

Jo rolled out of bed and aimed to get dressed. Since, she imagined, today would be a "roughing it" type of day, Jo opted to wear a peasant top and high waisted pants along with comfortable shoes. Soon as she was done, she turned to Akhmed, waiting for him to get dressed before she left to meet up with the others for breakfast.

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It hadn't taken long for the tired Bengalian man to fall asleep in his bed, it was just that he hadn't slept all that well. Other could have blamed the stiffling heat or unbearable humidity in the air, but to that Mahendra was already quite accustomed to. No, it was little to do with the physical world around him, and more the psychological dimension his mind was engulfed in during his sleep. He dreamt of the past day's events, in more or less the same way they had happened. The only difference was the divine presence he felt in his dreams. Then again they were merely dreams, and he was after all a man of faith or many faiths. That's what his friends in Oxford had told him when speaking of dreams, and perhaps they spoke some truths. But Mahendra still couldn't shake the feeling off, not until he finally woke up the next morning.

When Mahendra woke up the time was already half past eight in the morning, a little late for his usual schedule. Perhaps he needed it though, for he let out a long yawn as he stretched out all his limbs. The sun was shining in alongside whatever sounds Mahendra could pick out from the street outside. People, carts and horses, all the sounds one would expect from a buzzling metropolitan city. It almost made him think of home. He missed it, his wife and friends, and the little things he now realized was a world away. But he would still bring a little piece of India with him.

Mahendra got out of bed and started his usual routine for the morning; washing himself, doing a hindu excercise of breathing, washing his mouth and sitting down to pray to the Gods for a favourable day. It looked as if he had done this a thousand times, which he probably had, but he still felt a sense of comfort doing it. It made him himself.

With that done, Mahendra got dressed in a clean set of clothes; a pair of light brown pants with his newly polished pair of shoes, accompanied by a white shirt and light brown jacket over. And today Mahendra wrapped the dark red turban around his head, feeling and hoping it to be appropriate for the day to come. All dressed and ready for the day, Mahendra looked out his window one last time wondering what today would bring, before he made his way out of his room, locking the door and going out on the street. If he had enough time, perhaps he could get a quick bite of breakfast before going to the barracks?

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Lauren slowly opened up her eyes as she felt the early morning sun hitting her in the face slightly, she rolled over onto her side and brought the covers over her head once more. She wasn't much of an early morning person on somedays she did want to get a little bit more sleep in. Lauren remained under her covers for another few minutes before finally waking up, and opened her eyes once more and rolled out of her bed. Stretching slightly as Lauren slowly made her way across her small hotel room, and looked at herself in the mirror she hadn't slept well since she had stepped foot in Cairo. But today seemed to be a lot better than most, she didn't get any weird dreams that made her feel restless which was good.

Lauren eyed the bag of food that Neema had given her and the others to take back with them from the night before, she certainly did feel quiet a bit hungry as Lauren quickly started to dig into her meal. Closing her eyes as she enjoyed the breakfast, once she finished Lauren threw away the remaining bits of crumbs into the trashcan. Lauren decided to grab her clothes out for the day and started to get changed, she needed to get to the barracks as soon as possible, she didn't want to be late.

As Lauren grabbed all of her things, purse and then grabbed her room keys as well, and turned to leave her room, Lauren made her way into the lobby of the Savoy Hotel, looking at the clock in the room. She needed to get there by ten, so she had about an hour to get to the barracks. As Lauren left her hotel she smiled towards the receptionist there one last time and headed out into the hot morning of Cairo, she picked up the scent of smoke in the air as well which was a bit off to her. As she walked over towards a nearby newspaper stand and picked it up, seeing that there was a fire a few blocks away which seemed to explain the scent enough to her.

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Mosi found herself awakening from a rather crypic dream about cartwheeling monkeys followed by what was without mistake a greek statue of a warrior with a sheild who was doing tapdancing by a riverbed. She rubbed her eyes, her hair freely falling across her skin and moved her legs down from the bed to touch the floor. She yawned and shook her head before reaching for her sketchbook to do a real quick sketch of her dreams." What was I smoking to dream that?" She wondered as she tossed the sketchbook to the side of bed once she was done and moved away from the bed.

After dealing with the usual morning routines she quickly got dressed in a white shirt, some trousers and finally her hat. She was skipping the jacket this time around. Finally she did a quick rundown of things to do today and took her notepad, writing down the dimensions of the short sword like weapon that Aton had gifted her. She was planning on getting a sheath for it today. Once that was done, she walked ot hte window, looked outside, smiled to herself while thinking about her meet up with Rosheen and quickly left the hotel room.

With an almost running gait she was moving down the stairs, waved a hand at the receptionist telling them she'd return at a later point today and that they shouldn't be concerned with tidying her room today and stormed outside. She smiled widely, looking around and then made a sharp turn towards the direction of the museum since the alleyway of wonder as she took to calling it was in that direction.

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No odd dreams of ancient gods or armies of the dead, no creatures from myth spanning back to the uncertain origins of humanity to plague him as he slept. No, Reginald had enough of his own difficulties the previous night without having to add the splash of horrifying mysticism that had been everpresent into the mix. Alcohol or not, the Lord Major had swayed between dreamless sleep in the night or staring at his ceiling, wondering why so much was happening to and around him. Why had this drama waited until now, his declining years, to visit unannounced rather than when he was younger, stronger, capable of dealing with the problems in a more vigorous manner.

Reginald came back into the land of the waking in the same manner as he finally got to sleep: Gradually, and with a bumpy ride. He slowly pulled himself from his bed and cleaned up, dressed appropriately, then set about the ordinary tasks a man of his age and standing goes through to meet the day. After all, he did have an example to set for the rest of the people under his command, regardless of whatever personal difficulties beset him.

He took his breakfast in the common room of VIP quartering, the same place that he had the day prior. It was the spot where his guests, or "The Fellowship", had bunked, for those of them that had accepted his offer of the safety of the Barracks. The food was a bit less garish than it was the previous day as well; still lavish for someone inclined toward soldiers' fare, but not the epic, five-star affair that visiting dignitaries might have expected. Still, it was enough to get his fill of jam and scones, fruit, and a helping of decent sausage. "His fill", as it was, sated easily as the man had little appetite and ate mostly because he knew it would be a trying day that day. He would need his strength. The first such expected trial occurred as the military courier appeared with a message from the Anglo-American Hospital. The mundane tasks that must be performed after a death always wearied him.

"It seems that I must be off directly following breakfast, you see." he said aloud. He wasn't talking to anyone in particular that time, but his next words were addressed to the soldier who delivered the message to him. "Make sure that a car and driver are waiting within a quarter hour. I've some business that requires my immediate attention, prior to our other engagements." He waved the man away and poured another cup of strong, black tea. Hopefully, this day would be better than the last.

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As Mahendra took the first steps out onto the buzzling streets of Cairo, he had to watch his step as he nearly stepped on a large pile of newspapers that had been recently tossed on the sidewalk. He hadn't noticed the man selling papers there on the street, and initally hoped that he hadn't been noticed by the news-selling man, which he of course was. It was not appropriate of him to argue back at the man speaking to him in Arabic, though he only wanted to apologize, and thought the best way to make amends was to buy said newspaper.

"Sorry, sorry, sorry..." Mahendra began to apologize as he handed the man the money and recieved the newspaper, before his other sensory organs began picking up the world around him. First his eyes registered the words on the newspaper speaking of a fire, and then his nose picked up the smell of smoke. It was heavy, like the smell of spices and incense that filled the city market of Bengal, except it hinting at a tragedy rather than pleasentries. Apparently there had been a severe fire at the statistics department in the city, and a casaulty because of it. Mahendra sighed deeply at the words, reminded of the deaths already haunting them.

But he couldn't stand still forever, so Mahendra folded the newspaper neatly under his arm and continued down the street towards the Barracks. He had already wasted some time apologizing and reading, so who knew had long he had stood there. Hopefully not too long, or else he was sure to give off a bad impression to Vera, and everyone else for that matter. But even a man in a hurry could not ignore something very, very important; breakfast.

"Yes Sir, I'll take one of those. They can be eaten while on the walk, right?"