Barracks: The representative from the prison looked over to the Lord Major and shook his head a bit. "I am sorry sir but that is not within our..." he started, searching for the words in English. "How do you say? Cooperation? They will be taken in the vehicle that I brought for them, and escorted to the prison in such under our guards," he said rather matter-of-factly. While he was extending a courtesy to the Lord Major and the crown to come in and ask to speak with the Lord Major first, it was well within his power and within the law of the land to just take them in cuffs without warning or word and haul them off. Letting them travel back to the prison in British vehicles was beyond anything he was willing to do.
"Now, let us be off. Whatever legal man you are sending, as well as any soldiers can come in a separate vehicle," he added before turning and motioning that they were on their way.
Aziza perked a brow slightly but looked away and over to Harry. She wasn't sure what to think of the situation but Egypt was no longer under British rule right then and many Egyptians did not take kindly to British troops still being in the city of Cairo. With Haakon and Josephine being escorted out, Aziza was not sure what to do with herself right then. She wanted to ask what was going on with the confiscated papers but she felt it was probably best not to ask right then.
Her mind went back to her son, the attack on her the night before, among other things. She was worried and unsure what she should do next. She had nothing to change into. Lauren was off with Lady Munn. Josephine was being escorted towards the front gate to go to the prison. All of this had made her lose her appetite. Picking up her plate she took it over to where she spotted a pile of other discarded plates and sat it down before brushing her hair out of her face.
Gathering a few folds of her skirt she made her way outside of the Officers area and out into the back courtyard. Making her way over the trees and beneath the shade she placed her hands on the stone wall and looked out over the Nile. Forcing her mind to the necklace and the mystery surrounding it. It was odd to want to focus on such an unknown thing but it was less emotional to her than everything else going on. Why had her and Harry's jewelry had marks appear? Why was he in her dreams? Her lips thinned as she thought back to stories she had been told by her mother when she was younger but they were all stories were they not? Just something to help a child sleep.
He had to give it to the Lord Major, he was not treating them as bad as Haakon previously had thought. Okay, he had been rather overwhelming and patronizing towards them before, threatening them with the hard punishment of the British Empire and Army and generally just annoying Haakon; But in light of recent revelations, he was slowly starting to understand the reasoning behind it, especially as they were now being sent to prison. Hopefully only for the briefest of a moment, could you imagine if they were actually imprisoned?
Alas, the friendly gesture of Reginald to allow them transport and armed escort was swiftly declined by the prison's representative, stating that Josephine and he would take the prison's car. Haakon silently listened to the exchange, sure that these matters were already settled, and the persuasive talk of a foreign journalist probably wouldn't help too much. He looked from the representative and over to the Lord-Major, before resting his eyes on Josephine and offering his arm for her to grab. "Shall we, Jo? Thank you again, Sir Lord-Major, we'll be back shortly."
Nora enjoyed the side streets and the less traveled paths through Cairo. While she herself was not a native to the land, the tourist attractions struck her as gaudy and off putting. It was a shame how the tourist thoroughfares clogged up the main streets of Cairo, but Nora also supposed that the real joy was the journey. Nora's gentle pat of her hand was a comforting one, though her eyes widened slightly at the news that Neema had been at the dig in Bubastis. The more she learned about Neema, the more it struck her as odd that they would meet by chance. Nora did not believe in fate or destiny, yet for this to have been purely coincidence felt so strange.
"Lady Munn did discover some tiles in the archives last night," Nora replied, giving more information to Neema. "I am sure she would be more than willing to allow us to search for more items of interest." Yet Neema hadn't just mentioned tiles. She had mentioned that other items were donated as well. How much of this puzzle was collecting dust in the museum, pieces that they had not thought to examine the previous evening? It would be a cruel twist of fate if everything they needed appeared to be in the museum already and an expedition to Bubastis was not needed.
She giggled slightly at Neema's words about the cats. They did appear to be everywhere in Cairo, a fact that amused Nora's dog, Spot, to no end. It struck Nora as a bit odd that the cats seemed to be watching them, though she supposed that could easily be explained as paranoia. There was no reason to believe that the cats were watching the pair of them in particular, was there? And while Nora did favor dogs over cats, she could not deny how adorable the little felines were.
The Lord Major nodded with understanding as the Cairo Prison representative informed him in absolutely no uncertain terms that the hospitality of the British Military would not be acceptable, given the circumstances. In truth, he might have expected that this would have been the situation, given that it would be the standard practice of an active police force (and one that was trained into local law enforcement by British soldiery, including himself), but hope sprung from his more optimistic mood that morning that maybe, maybe, they would bend the rules just a skosh if he showed a sense of cooperation and hospitality. Sadly, this was not the case.
So he changed gears.
"You are patently correct, my dear sir." he spoke in grand, mellifluous tones. "I apologize for the lapse in established protocol. It must be the vigorous effects of the tea. In any case, I shall ensure our absolute cooperation immediately." He leaned in a bit, voice growing raspy with quiet intensity, "But is it really necessary? I mean..." the elder's eyes widened, a look of concern creeping over his face, "The Wagon?" He shuddered.
Very soberly, Reginald continued. "Very well, then. My men shall follow you directly in the luxury of the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, and shall act as counsel on behalf of the two outlanders. Do be a chap and inform my Corporal of the change of plans on the way to the gate, yes? Perhaps when all of this balderdash is over, you might join me in a tumbler of single-malt, as means of further apology for our little misunderstanding, hmm? And Miss Clark, Mr. Elvsgaard? Let us not waste time with ingratiating conversation. We shall have plenty of time to discuss concerns after. Nonetheless, you are welcome for the hospitality of the Empire."
Glancing back and forth between Aziza and the others, Harry allowed only mild curiosity to take him as the issue of papers and the prison was discussed. He figured he could form at least a slight understanding of what was going on, but made no effort to question it proper. As far as he was concerned, it was not his issue, and he should leave it. Getting involved with anything of the sort, particularly when the involved parties were discussing a visit to the local prison under guarded escort. His eyes drifted back to Aziza as she stood and then made her way outside.
Clearing his throat as he found a pause in the present conversation, Harry moved to stand as he picked up his own plate, giving little more than a simple and respectful nod in the direction of the Lord Major to excuse himself, not wishing to intrude upon the conversation as he took a step aside and moved to set down his empty plate in the pile along with those discarded. Making his way out toward the door Aziza had left through, he stepped quietly and glanced around, eventually finding his way out into the back courtyard as he looked over at her.
Harry considered whether he should give her some time to herself, she had clearly appeared frazzled by the conversation, and indeed any time that Haakon's notes came up she seemed quite concerned. However, it came to his attention that he hadn't really had the time to ask if she was okay, and he was brought back momentarily to his own 'outburst' as it were the night before. Taking in a breath, he moved over toward her, footsteps quiet as he made his way over to her, hands clasped behind his back as he watched her. "Is everything alright, Aziza?" He figured there was probably a better way to put his question, but comforting others had never been particularly his area of expertise.
William Drake
Location: Qasr El Nil Barracks - Infirmary
As Vera responded to his insistence that he and Lauren came along, William stood there somewhat awkwardly, believing that his vain attempt at ensuring he did not appear as though he wished to be along with Vera had failed drastically. However, he wondered, should he really have been trying to hide it? At this point, it was all so frustrating that perhaps it would have been best to avoid beating around the bush. Were he to say anything of course, he'd have probably preferred a more private setting, having Lauren and the Medic there was complicating the thought a bit.
As the Medic spoke up to explain everything was okay, his mind began to wonder what the true cause was. Could it be that she had actually not been ill or clumsy, but something else? Could it have possibly been caused by him? Suddenly it dawned on him. All of this frustration and irritation, the fact that she'd seemed so faint and ill, and could hardly cast a look in his direction. Oh no, it was so much better than he'd though, she was, clearly, head-over-heels for him! He grinned, unable to help it as the thought came to him, he'd had 'triumphs' as Vera would call them before, but this time, he felt genuinely happy as he came to the realisation.
Clearing his throat, determination took him then as he turned back to Vera, he knew that Lauren and the Medic were both there, but now he didn't care. Turning his gaze toward Vera, he took a step closer, confident in his movements as he went to speak up. "Vera, I-" William froze as he heard another voice, seeing as Peter entered the room behind him and moved over toward Vera. That bastard. Momentarily, William clenched a fist, struggling to keep his sudden frustration and anger from boiling over as he shook his head, not even bothering to say anything now as he turned around, moving out of the infirmary and down the hall, feeling like he was about to explode.
Barracks (Infirmary/Courtyard): Vera looked over towards Lauren gratefully and a small smile broke on her lips despite the nervousness she seemed to be having, and sickness that was flooding her. The medic kept a close eye on her, looking at the dramatic change when Peter entered the room. He had an idea what was going on but figured it was surely not his place to say anything with so many there.
"Oh yes, just a small fainting spell, Lady Munn should feel better over time," he said before giving Lauren a wide eyes look of ~I ain't saying shit~ to her before turning away from the group. Vera nodded slightly in confirmation.
"Oh yes, I am fine. Just the drink and heat. It has.." she began to say before noting that William was storming out of the room. Swallowing the lump in her throat she looked down and closed her eyes. Of course he was leaving, there was another man there now. The one that courting her. Why would he want to stay around now? He wouldn't. He could wash his hands of her, pass her off on Peter, and be on his way.
"I see, well we should get you to bed to rest then," Peter said, not completely convinced but he wasn't going to press the issue. He just wanted to make sure that she was alright and could rest. Vera shook her head slightly.
"I... I can't. I sent word this morning to meet with Lady Kingston at the museum. I meet with her in an hour. I should hurry over there," she said in protest to the idea of her going to bed. There was a quick exchange between her and Peter about how she needed rest versus her needing to keep the appointment and that she felt fine. Peter did not like the idea, especially since he needed to remain at the barracks for a time to work out paper work with his uncle so he could remain within the barracks and help. Vera eventually assured him that Lauren would be with her and what better place for her to be than in the one place she enjoyed being more than anywhere? Surely reading books and sitting wouldn't take too much out of her.
"Very well, I will be over there by tea time to check on you," he said before kissing her brow and thanking Lauren for being such a good friend to Vera. Excusing himself he went to find his uncle. Once he was out of the room the Medic excused himself as well and shut the door. Once the men were gone, Vera sunk onto the examination table and let out a long breath.
"I am beginning to think I am sick..." she admitted meekly as she looked over towards Lauren.
Out in the courtyard, Aziza stood there looking out over the Nile. Her thoughts swimming about tales she had heard growing up stories she had wished she could have told her own son. She didn't even notice Harry come up behind her until he spoke. Turning around she looked up at him. Seeing him there put her almost at instant ease. He seemed to have a calming effect on her mind and thoughts when he was around.
"Just worried," she said truthfully to him. Gathering the folds of her shawl she pulled it better around her, wrapping the ends around her forearms a bit. "I am scared," she added as she looked down and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. She looked nervous for a minute before taking a step forward and burying her face against his chest. Her arms slowly slipping around him.
It was not like Aziza to suddenly press her body against a man, or to hold onto him the way she was but she needed comfort right then and she trusted Harry. "I am sorry. Just so much has happened recently. I worry. I...." she said softly before tilting her head back and slowly gazing up to him. "Can we speak? In private?"
Cairo Headed Towards The Museum: "Ahh, well I a sure there is more. At least I do hope there is. Would be a shame if they had lent out the pieces to another museum right now," Neema said in passing as they continued on their way. It wasn't uncommon for museums to trade pieces of a collection for a time, or to lend them to get attention of the locals. Some trade was done for research purposes, others was to try to get more people interested in traveling. Neema just hoped that the things she was referring to were still there. She wasn't sure if they would help but if they could at least rule out anything, well that would be something.
Taking another few turns Neema slipped down a side street. They seemed further from the museum than they should have been but they had time and this route was far less congested than the main roads that they were having to cross from time to time. Letting out a slowly breath Neema continued walking, felines still seemed to be watching them but if Neema was aware of it she wasn't saying anything about it.
"Neema!" a man called out from behind a countered window along the side street. Neema smiled over to the man and waved. He was younger than Neema and seemed to be very busy right then spouting off about his food to those that were passing by. A dark haired foreign woman was sitting at the counter, among other locals, and a red headed woman was standing near the man that called out to her.
The Road To The Museum: Rosheen smiled a bit as she looked over towards Mosi. "Oh, um," she said looking at Mosi's plate and then raising her eyes upwards as she did a bit of what seemed to be calculating in her head. "Trying to figure out American..." she admitted. Biting her bottom lip slightly her eyes closed for a minute in thought before finally coming back to Mosi's properly. "It's 5.89 Egyptian, I think that is thirty-six cents American," she said but she wasn't exactly sure of her conversion right then. They didn't get many tourists back there on the side street so having to convert to anything outside of the local money wasn't a common occurrence.
Looking over at the cat she smirked. "Yeah, I can get some for her," she said before turning and whisking away to the other side of the counter where the food and dishes were being prepared and held. Grabbing a small bit and a bowl she fixed up a small sampling for the feline and poured some almond milk over it. Coming back over to Mosi she set it down on the counter next to her. "There you go, that should make your new friend happy," she said with a light smile.
The cat rested back on her hind quarters and meowed up at Mosi, batting playfully at the leg of her pants a bit as if to say - feed me! Rosheen leaned over the counter to get a better look at the cat. "Haven't seen this one before, but that isn't saying much, there are always new cats running around here," she said before shrugging to herself. Glancing over as she heard a name called out Rosheen smiled and waved towards Neema. "Neema! How are you?"
Location: The road towards the museum!(The mysterious filled with adventure Side Street!)
“It's alright, I have Egyptian currency too.” She replied with a smile, trying to not make things for her new acquaintance difficult. She liked Rosheen, the woman seemed nice. It was so good to see that foreigners to this country could live so well and be so nice towards everyone. A thing she didn't really like in some americans. There were nice people everywhile, but also bastards everywhere. Luckily for her so far in Cairo she had only met nice and mostly nice folk in her opinion.]
As the redhead moved to get the meal for her new feline friend, Mosi turned towards the cat.” There, there, please wait a little bit more, your meal is almost here.” She smiled kindly towards the cat. Cats were such beautiful creatures and she was told she liked cats since the day she was born. Mosi didn't know how much of that was true, but liked to believe it was.
“Thank you.” She replied to Rosheen with a smile, carefully took the bowl and placed it on the ground next to her just a little bit closer to the wall for it to not be in the way of people so the cat get stepped on or the bowl kicked while the kitty ate.” This is better, right?” She asked the cat, looking at it with a smile.
“That's a good thing. I like cats, a lot more than dogs. Seeing so many of them all about is like a dream come true.” Mosi stated, returning to her meal as Rosheen's attention was pulled away by the mentioning of the name Neema. Mosi couldn't help herself, but throw a curious glance in the direction for a moment since well this attracted attention, but in reality she was still mostly focused on her meal, though she herself was now tapping with one finger at her glass of almond milk, watching with amusement the way it rippled in the glass, before drinking form it.
Lauren looked towards the Medic seeing the look that he gave her, and gave him a slight nod true it wasn't really his place at all to tell her. Lauren turned her head to look at William as Peter tended to Vera and making sure that she was alright, a few seconds later Lauren watched the man turn around and storming out of the infirmary. Lauren knew that Vera liked William, and William liked her pretty much as she saw the awkward chemistry between the two of them.
Peter offered Vera to take some rest, which Vera declined she needed to go and meet with Nora at the museum which would be good to see her friend even though they didn't talk much last night. Lauren always did enjoy having a few drinks with her if they were in the same bar, she gave Peter a friendly smile and nod. [color=cyan]"Of course, no problem always have my friends backs."[/color[ Lauren said, when Peter thanked her for being there for Vera.
A few seconds later Peter turned to tend to other matters, leaving her and Vera alone in the private exam room Lauren turned her attention back towards Vera and moved over and sat down next to her. "You aren't sick at all." Lauren said as she gently gave Vera a pat on the shoulder, she wasn't sure if she should actually even say what was on her mind or not, and what was the actual cause for the sudden fainting spell.
Location: Qasr El Nil Barracks -> Following Escort To Prison
She walked along with Haakon, turning to give the Lord Major a cheery wave, though she was anything but cheery. This whole business burned her up something good. It wasn't bad enough she got marked by some ring and had to chase down some criminal to look after a darling woman she came to like, but now she was being escorted to a prison to be interrogated like some criminal. Really?!? This country's way of doing things was madness. Be that as it may, she had little choice. If she were to run, she would look guilty. So she would play along, but the moment things seemed strange, she would be out of there.
As they walked, she whispered to Haakon, "Listen, darling, I don't like the sound of this. We know the truth of the matter. so long as our story matches, we should be ok. Just tell them exactly what happened. We didn't do anything wrong other than help a poor woman out. Just..be mindful of how you mention your career. If the Lord Major and Aziza took an instant distrust at you for your profession, I assume they won't like it either.
Barracks (Infirmary/Front Gate): The representative to the prison looked over towards Lord Major and nodded. "خائف. كانوا في مكان الجريمة. لم ير أحدهم يدخلون الجبهة لكن موظفي المطبخ رأواهم يأتون من الخلف حيث تم العثور على الجثة. وقد اعترف الهروب بكسر دخول غرفة في الفندق ولكنه ذكر أن المرأة هناك اندلعت أيضا من خلال الشرفة. وفي أحسن الأحوال قد تكون مذنبة بالكسر والدخول، في أسوأ من ذلك، ملحق بالقتل. عربة أمر لا بد منه في هذه المرحلة.," the man said quickly to the Lord Major as the group made their way to the front gate. As they arrived the gate was opened and outside it awaited the ride for Josephine and Haakon.
Several guards from the prison stood outside what could be best described as a ~Paddy Wagon~ - A Vehicle that had seen better days, barred windows, it stank of many unmentionable things. One of the guards opened the back door and moved aside. Inside were two benches opposite each other on either side within the steel caged walls of the truck. "If you would," the man said looking at Haakon and Josephine as he motioned for them to get in. Meanwhile the Corporal drove up into the main courtyard and pulled to a stop. The man from the prison shot him a look. "You will be following us," he said rather frankly. It seemed his hospitable like attitude had run out.
Vera looked over towards Lauren confused as she sat there. Her hand pressing to her stomach a bit but at least whatever was ailing her seemed to be letting up. Why she had no idea but she felt better just sitting there. The rapid heart beat subsiding and the greenness to her skin fading away. "I do so hope not. I have much work to do and do need to be off to the museum to ready for Lady Kingstons arrival. It would be most unseemly of me to invite the lady to a luncheon and not be ready for her arrival," she said, completely oblivious to what was going on with her own body.
Sliding off the table she smoothed out her skirt a bit before forcing a smile to her lips. "If it would not be too much trouble, I would not mind you still coming with me. It seems that my escort has left me for more agreeable company," she said as she stood there. William had stormed off, why she had no idea but she would not rush after him to ask. He had offered, nay insisted, to take her to the museum but if he wished to be elsewhere who was she to say anything? What did he care? Oh, what she care that he didn't care? It mattered not to her, she told herself as she walked over to the door of the infirmary and swung it open. "I just need to collect my things from my room."
Harry watched Aziza closely as she turned to face him, standing a couple of feet away to give her some space if she needed it. His eyes shifted back and forth over her face, searching her expression as she spoke. When he thought about it, it was evident to Harry that he and Aziza had not been too closely acquainted for long, until the events of the previous night, most of their interactions had been limited to friendly discussions at her work. He had always enjoyed her company and found something relaxing about being around her, but the last twenty-four hours had done a great deal.
Harry found that he trusted Aziza, being around her managed to keep him calm even under particularly stressful circumstances, and when they were completely alone as they were then, he found himself often lost in his thoughts or memorising the details of her face, as if for some reason or another he would not see them again. It was an exercise he'd only done once or twice before, right before he'd shipped off during the war, and yet he did not know why now he was so compelled to do it.
He was snatched back to reality as he felt Aziza's head gently press against his chest, his gaze turning down toward her as he felt her arms slip around him. It gave him pause for a moment, and it took a couple of seconds before he actually moved his own arms to wrap them back around her in kind. Aziza had hugged him before, but there was a difference this time, though yet again he found himself ill-equipped to figure out what it was. He shook his head gently as he heard her apologize, eyes meeting hers as she tilted her head back to look up at him. "Of course; I'm here to listen to anything you need to say..." He assured her in a quiet voice, eyes never leaving hers as they stood in each other's arms.
William Drake
Location: Qasr El Nil Barracks - Infirmary
As he stomped through the barracks, William's frustration slowly but surely began to subside. He had not been frustrated with Vera, nor had he even been particularly frustrated by Peter's arrival, now that he thought about it - when he considered it William realized that what had really aggravated him was himself. He almost appreciated that Peter had come and interrupted him when he had, after all, what had William been thinking? Vera was a lady, a noble lady, William may have been an American, not bound to the kind of etiquette and 'proper' manner that Vera and Peter observed, but the man had clearly set his eyes upon her, and she had accepted his offer of courtship. Sticking his nose in it was foolish, he knew what was 'proper' was that he should stay out of it all.
On the other hand however, William figured what was 'proper' could go to hell. He could almost see the two sides of his conscience, locked in a fierce battle over Vera, it irritated him more than anything how he couldn't get the woman off his mind. However, as he walked, he slowly found himself calmed, the time away from her and the strange feelings her presence gave served to relax him, at least to a degree. He considered returning to the museum ahead of Vera and Lauren, he half-expected Peter to be coming with, and at that moment the last thing he wanted was to be around both Vera and her beloved. Sighing, he made his way toward the main courtyard, peering briefly out toward the cars which had pulled up to take Josephine and Haakon to the prison. He did not press on however, shaking his head as he remained by the front doors, rather begrudgingly deciding to remain, and follow his offer to escort Vera.
Location:Qasr El Nil Barracks -> Following Escort To Prison
"I know, Jo, I don't like it either. What we did was right, perhaps unorthodox but still right, so I hope they'll believe us. And you don't need to remind me of that. It would seem the whole universe judges me for serving a free press, so I'll keep to the case. But I fear your fame won't help you, unless the local police have gained a fancy for American films. Be careful." Haakon whispered back as they walked towards their destiny, whatever it may have brought.
The vehicle that was their transport, was something Haakon had been witness to before. Back home they called it "Svartemarja", though it looked awfully similar. He had time and time again seen and reported on those who were dragged into the back of those trucks; both blood-colded killers and innocent youngsters had their shame fulfilled by being transported in it, regardless if they were guilty or not. That, alongside the filthy smell that accompanied it, made Haakon shudder ever so slightly. He looked at the man who had opened the doors for them, gave him a polite nod, and climbed into the back before reaching out a hand to Josephine. This was wrong on so many levels, but it was very little that either of them could do about it. Right then, Haakon hoped that he and Josephine had taken their sorrows to early, and that the Corporal would make a difference for the best.
Nora felt a bit pessimistic, once hearing from Neema the possibility of the tiles being at another museum. It seemed all too likely, as Lady Munn hadn't pulled any other tiles from the archive the previous evening. But she also hoped that returning the tiles to the Cairo Museum, if needed, would not be too much of a fuss. Lady Munn appeared to have great influence, a Countess in her own right and the niece of a prominent member of the British military. Why, even her long lost love was famed for his prowess in mathematics!
Nora continued to follow Neema's winding route through Cairo, noting how far away from the museum they were. It certainly wasn't the most direct path, but the stares of the cats were more alarming than the distance they were off by. Cats were just cats, after all. They were intelligent creatures, but it was silly to imagine they were all staring at Neema and Nora. The only logical explanations for that, as far as Nora was concerned, was that either a) she was being paranoid and imagining things or b) she smelled like Spot.
She stood a few steps behind Neema as they reached the side street, with Neema's friends calling out to her. Nora noted the odd collection of people standing there, as well as the cat eating a meal near the dark haired woman. Could they have accidentally run into Neema's talkative friend, the one who followed Bastet? But in the interest of being polite, Nora remained quiet. She was both a quiet person by nature, as well as one who followed some of the most basic social customs--as she had done the night before when in the company of the fellowship.
Reginald shook his head slowly, expressing lament as the pair of them were shuffled off by the man from the Cairo Prison. He gave it a good wait, merely observing those still present in the meantime. He carefully attended the plate of breakfast still before him even though it looked very much like the hour for it was coming to a close. As it turns out, speaking frankly to multiple persons about matters of civil importance took time, and communicating in a manner of respectability demanded that he stop inserting food into his gullet. Otherwise, certain breaches of etiquette would have occurred that really shouldn't in polite, civilized environs. Such bandying about was best left for when he was in the field, after the meat of their little adventure began.
Thinking about just that brought the smile back to his face and warmed the cockles of his heart. Maybe the sub-cockles. Maybe even lower. All he knew was, now that the Corporal and the odd pairing of Reporter and Starlet were otherwise occupied for the next stretch of time, he could attend to his official duties to the newformed Fellowship.
To begin with, the Lord Major called upon one of the sentries in position, speaking with a voice of authority. "Soldier! Yes, you... Come along, then! I require you to pay a visit to Supply. Tell the Sergeant on duty that I require a full reckoning of our present inventory against par, accounting for our present garrison! You tell him to give me a full accounting of how much we have and of what, in surplus or dearth. And the next full supply delivery."
"In brief, I want to know what personnel supplies we have in excess, and when everything will be replaced. What we can comfortably spare. If that isn't clear, you have him come see me immediately. I shall be situated in my office for the remainder of the morning, barring emergency. Quickly now! One two, one two, one two..." He swiveled briskly on his heel, snatching up a small plate of pastry and small jug of tea. "If anyone has questions or wishes a short conversation (and I do mean short), I shall be in my office in Main. In the meantime, please continue to enjoy the hospitality of the Qasr El Nil Military barracks. Any restricted areas will be pointed out to you be strapping lads with rifles nearby, the Bar is open, and do inform the sentry on duty at the main gate should you wish to leave. Otherwise, consider these rooms (and the Club, of course) our Fellowship's collective refuge for plotting and the like, until more appropriate accommodations can be had."
Ladies, gentlemen... Good Morning." He walked from the room to pursue his dailies and make the appropriate calls promised the previous evening.
Lauren looked towards Vera, she seemed to look and feel a little bit better now that William and Peter had left the room, she gave Vera a friendly smile and a nod. "I don't mind going with you at all." Lauren said as she walked out of the room when Vera held out the door to her, she ran a hand through her hair as she made her way down the hallways of the barracks. "It gives me a chance to see the museum a bit better, I haven't had the time to really visited there yet. Well except for last night, but we were mostly in your office at the time." Lauren hadn't had that much time to fully explore Cairo just yet, as she gave Vera a slight smile.
Lauren was also wanting to see Nora since she briefly saw her last night, though her mind then started to go back towards William, and the situation with Vera. She wasn't sure if she would actually see him there or he would be escorting them over towards the museum, as she walked past the courtyard Lauren looked out to see the prison guards just outside of the barracks. She wondered why they were actually there. "Are you feeling well enough to walk over there?" Lauren asked Vera, she knew that she was feeling a bit better now, but she wasn't sure if the fainting spell would come back again or not.
Jo nodded at Haakon's thoughts. It was true. While he would certainly be viewed with contempt for his career, she doubted she had any sway here. If she were back home she was sure she would have no trouble getting out of this, but things were different over here. Still, she would have to keep her ears open for a way out of this, or at least survive it. She just needed to tell the truth right?
She looked at her...transportation and tried not to be visibly sick. They were being treated like common criminals! [colorF48CA7]"I was under the impression we were going for an interview? If that is not the case, I would like to be notified and would like to know why we must be subjected to this type of treatment. I will go along with it, but should anything happen I will make sure repercussions are made." She stepped inside and sat down. It was hard to get comfortable, which was the point, she imagined. She shook her head and spoke to Haakon, "I don't have a good feeling about this, darling. We may have to think of other plans should this go up in smoke."
Barracks: Vera nodded towards Lauren. "Most assuredly. I feel right as rain. I will just be a moment," she said. She did feel better. Peter was off trying to find his uncle, William was not around, though she doubted that had anything to do with her health. She had just drank too much the night before and the food and smells of the morning breakfast combined with the activity and mystery from the night before had just been too much. That was all it was.
Walking through the barracks quickly she went to her room to retrieve her things and made her way back over to Lauren in the main courtyard. "I believe I have everything. We should hurry so that I can prepare for the Lady Kingston's arrival at the museum. I do not think we should bother Uncle Regi with a car, it is but a short walk to the museum from here. The fresh air will do me good," she said before she began to head for the gate.
Turning slightly she spotted William standing there... Placing her hand on her stomach she swallowed slightly before feigned a smile towards Lauren. "So, um, shall we be off?" she asked. Was he coming with them still or was he just awaiting for a ride to leave and go about his usual prowling? She didn't ask, though she wanted to know she also didn't. She could feel her face warming as she walked.
Aziza smiled somewhat and nodded. She was glad that Harry was so understanding and easy to speak with but she didn't want to air her dirty laundry as it was in public. Reaching down she took his hand into her own, her fingers lacing with his as she led him towards her room from the night before. Perhaps it wasn't exactly proper to be alone with a man in her room but it was the best she could think of right then. Privacy was more important to her at that moment than propriety.
Once they were in the room and the door was closed she sat down in a chair by a small table and let out a shaky breath. "I was married..." she started, figuring it was best to put that out there. She told him of the arranged marriage, how young she had been, about her son. About how he had been taken from her and how they had nearly stoned her to death when she fled the village. How her husband divorced her, false accusations of adultery, and how she had been in hiding since then for fear of her life. It was a lot for her to speak about, pulling at her fingers and biting her bottom lip from time to time as she tried not to cry when she spoke of her beautiful son who she missed so much and how she was afraid that if her name got out into some story that people read that she might be killed, that the attack last night had to come from someone sent by her ex-husband.
Road To The Prison: Once the two were loaded up the back door was closed to the make shift cage on the truck. The guards at the back of the truck gave a quick thump on the side and the representative motioned for them to go, keeping a slow enough pace with the drive for the Corporal to be able to keep up behind them with the traffic out in the streets of Cairo.
Looking back through the small barred window he eyed Josephine and Haakon. "Interview... Oh yes, my mistranslation. English is such a difficult language. I believe the word I am looking for is... oh, how to say this..." he muttered rubbing his chin before the driver said something quietly under his breath.
"Yes, that I believe is correct," the representative said before continuing. "Interrogation," he said flatly but with this odd smile before turning around in his seat and facing forward. Seemed there was more going on than what initially appeared.
The Road To The Museum: "Hello," Neema said brightly as she walked over to the little food perch where Rosheen was. The redhead stepping into the house proper before emerging from the side door and walking into the side street where everyone was to embrace Neema. The two hugged for a moment and exchanged the usual pleasantries. Momentarily ignoring their respective talking companions before Neema looked over towards Nora and smiled to her. "Oh excuse me. Nora, this is Rosheen, a friend of mine," she said, feeling a bit silly for ignoring Nora the way she did. "Rosheen, this is Nora Kingston. Lady and how do you all say? Scientist?" she asked trying to figure out the right word.
"Pleasure to meet you," Rosheen said kindly. "Can I offer you two some..." she started before she was cut off by the boisterous man behind the counter.
"Yes! Please sit, please eat, wonderful today!" he called out.
"Oh shh you, peddle your food on someone else," Neema chortled. "He never stops does he?" she asked Rosheen.
"Never," Rosheen laughed. "Where are you headed?" she asked.
Location: The road towards the museum!(The mysterious filled with adventure Side Street!)
Mosi ate her meal as Rosheen talked with the new arrivals. The meal was indeed as tasty as advertised, she'd have to stop by here a lot from today on. Probably as long as she was in Cairo actually. The fact that the side streets were the main attraction to her was something she well enjoyed. The better products and experiences were here and not on the main streets were it was more or less a tourist trap she didn't really like.
The conversation between Rosheen and her friend didn't really concern Priscilla any at least until certain words were spoken. They too were headed for the museum. Mosi stopped eating just for a moment as she perked up, intrigued. What were the chances to meet another people heading to the same place at the same time as her, at a place she arrived at random and stopped for a meal?
She smiled, amused by the coincidence that had just happened." What are the odds?" She said quietly to herself with amusement, throwing a look at the kitty that was by her.
Nora didn't mind Neema and her friend talking as if no one else was present. It was quite normal, in her experience, for people to forget her existence. It was a fact of the universe that she had resigned herself to a long time ago, being the youngest of seven. Even her brother Earnest, who had died during the Great War, continued to receive more attention than she. In fact, it was no great surprise to Nora that her father had not become alarmed that she had not shown up to perform her duties as an assistant yet that day. He was likely pleased that his youngest daughter was not going to work, perhaps even hoping that she had finally decided to become normal like the rest of his children - even if she was damaged goods, per say.
"Scientist works quite well, I must admit the details of my occupation are a bit fuzzy," Nora explained. She was officially an assistant to an anthropology professor here in Cairo. However, she dabbled with cryptography in her free time, and if she could choose a profession for herself, she likely would have become an accounting clerk of sorts. She would have spent her days crunching numbers and enjoying independence. Needless to say, scientist appeared to be a good enough title--and one she far preferred to being called a lady.
"And a pleasure to meet you as well," Nora replied, smiling slightly at Rosheen as was to be expected. She held back a quiet chuckle at the man's antics, before making a note to stop by and purchase some of his food at another time. It would have been rude to eat lunch before meeting Lady Munn for the luncheon at the museum. She also noticed the look of intrigue on the other woman's face, though Nora was hesitant to speak with her. She had no ill will towards her, of course, but it was just who Nora was. She was quiet.
Reginald walked as briskly as his age would allow, taking confident strides back through the courtyard, past the arches, and to the few trees planted inside of the Barracks. It was one of his favorite spots; overlooking the Nile, usually caught cooling breezes during the afternoon and early evening. He did like taking tea there, if it wasn't too busy or noisy in that half of the courtyard, likewise if he actually had the time to, what with his regular duties. The vast majority of the time, he could get away with performing little tricks of paperwork - ordering in bulk, requisitioning emergency pay if a paymaster was unavailable (or he had an event to attend before making that decision), or splitting minor duties between Officers under his command. In this way, he kept the illusion of being the ever busy, hard drinking Lord Frigging Major, when in reality he was keeping himself open for, and jumping upon, opportunities as they arose.
The Lord Major was not a lazy man, quite the opposite. But he was a crafty old dodger who had spent his entire life in the service of the Crown. He knew a thing or two about a thing or two. And his job, if structured with a bit of forethought, was rather cushy. Important (very), but cushy nonetheless. It could not be given to just any officer, but one well liked and respected by locals and military alike, with sterling reputation of service. The Lord Major fit the bill precisely, which was probably why he had never been supplanted by a slightly younger man of equal or higher rank. He was, quite simply, The Man of his time and place.
He would have given it all away to have died in glorious battle, or serving a purpose greater than himself. He even longed for it, sometimes.
Reginald pondered his existence for a time, staring at the Nile from that small copse of trees. Then he remembered, he was, hopefully, about to set off on another grand adventure. Possibly his last chance to do so, before Death greeted him. Whether it be Angels or Valkyries that carried him away to glorious afterlife, he could not say for certain. Perhaps that Anubis fellow would weigh his heart against a feather, like in his dream from last night. It was Egypt, after all. If the Old Gods of the Sand, Sky, and River saw fit to claim him instead of the Father and the Son, it would be the ripples of his presence left on earth that would act as his judge, his proof of any decency he might have had. His litmus test of Honor. Reginald had not lived a fully virtuous life. He tried to be a decent, upstanding gentleman in all things, but he knew there were times he had failed and nothing could take it back. He had done things; things in war and choices in his personal life that were questionable, even dark. The Lord Major was an old man now. This was probably his last opportunity to live well, and by extension, die well. He needed that much, at least.
Why these emotions stirred so vividly while looking at the Nile, he could not say. Tears formed in his eyes as he thought of his wife. Well, ex-wife, and his children from that union. He screwed that one up, and how. There was little actual love there, but there was an understanding to uphold at least the appearance of mutual familial honor and obligation. He did find love, just not with her. However, that thought was where he drew the line of his moral introspection for the moment. Oh, he would revisit, probably while staring at that very body of water yet again. For now, he had something to take care of.
Carefully and surreptitiously, he pulled his pocket handkerchief and dabbed the moisture from his face in the bright morning sun. He reached into a pocket and pulled out his wallet, a largeish affair that looked more like a leather bound notebook than a money carrying device, and located a blank paper and pencil. Upon the paper, he wrote a few lines of legible print with an even hand, and turned to locate the nearest unassigned man.
"You there, Soldier!" His voice was a steady as ever.
"At service, Lord Major!" he replied without hesitation.
Reginald had reflexively braced himself for the scream most commonly vomited out by his favorite Corporal, finding himself satisfactorily surprised by the less abrasive outcome. "Take this message ahead, have it sent by wire immediately to the War Office. Tell the attending clerk that I shall be in my offices. Go on then! Handsomely now!"
Office of the War Department STOP If circumstances can be worked out with your logistics, I respectfully request the option to present Lord Captain Peter Keystone the opportunity to supplement my roster of officers at Qasr El Nil here in Cairo STOP Further, I understand that the Army and RAF ranking here in Cairo is still utilizing pre war ladders STOP Nonetheless, promotion lists and recommendations are due here in a fortnight STOP I shall endeavor to reconcile our situation against current Theatre protocol STOP Again understand that I cannot accept a promotion or alteration that takes me away from present command due to civil and personal circumstance STOP Respectfully, Lord Major Reginald I. Keystone STOP God Save the King STOP
The young man flashed a salute and immediately ran to attend the Lord Major's orders. Meanwhile, Reginald resumed his brisk walk back into the main building. He located his office easily enough - it's not like he didn't work there almost everyday, anyway, and began his short but necessary task of reviewing and signing basic daily forms, already filled out and proper, just waiting for his approval. Just as soon as he was done with his "work" for the day, a matter of minutes, he would attend his real reason for being there: Requisitioning, reshuffling, and scrounging appropriate vehicles, food, and supplies for the adventure to come.
