[IC] 🦄 Deeper Than The Sands - Merged With T.S.

[ONL]

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Mahendra Huq Zalil&Priscilla Harker

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Location: The Barracks (Infirmary) - Shepeard's Hotel - The Barracks (Front Gate)
Skills: N/A

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Either it had all happened to fast for Mahendra to react properly, or it was futile for the energy drained Bengali to do anything about it. Regardless of what it was, Mahendra too got tangled up in the mess that was the table, Mosi and Nora, and the sludgy puke that was the cause of all this. Tumbling backwards and over the table alongside the ladies, Mahendra fell flat on his back (again for the third time in a span of less than 24 hours!), punching the air out of him. He wasn't sure if it was more disgusting, slapstick or shameful, but perhaps a combination of the three.

At least the only thing that hit them were the clothes, and not the glass.

"Mosi...I should not say it, but this behaviour suits you not." Mahendra said once he got his breath back, gently pushing himself out of the pile and back on his feet. Before anything else silly could happen, he hurried as fast as his blood-depleted body could carry him to the restroom. He got changed and got back to the infirmary, feeling a little better now that he wasn't losing blood anymore. "Okay, much better. Perhaps it is time we..." he started, catching himself as the world started spinning for a moment again, before continuing. "...went back to the others?"

Once Mahendra went ahead and pulled out of the body pile, Mosi promtly had done pretty much the same and went to get a shower and a change of clothes from the place the medic fellow informed her off. There was an annoying stop for a little while while someone decided to give her directions of what to do afterwers, but overall she didn't waste much time, out of the clothes, a quick wash, then into the new clothes which were plain and simply military standard ones. Just pants of some variety and a button down shirt. She tilted her head looking at her new self and still with wet hair, her previous clothes wrapped in a burlap made of her shirt, she walked out to promptly locate Mahendra.

"Hey, time to return to the hotel... apparently we are 'advised' to join whatever expedition they have in mind for a reason of I assume brands..." Mosi said to Mahendra and patted him on the shoulder." We should return to the hotel and grab our luggage and promtly return back here to the barracks." She explained what she got informed off just as she was about to enter the showers earlier." We are going on an ADVENTURE!" She finally said with quite the happy for whatever reason face and voice." Come on, let's go! The Adventure awaits for the moment, but it won't wait forever!"

"Expedition? Adventure? Oh yes, that of course." Mahendra's recovering brain surmised from what Mosi told him as the two of them were finally clean and re-dressed. Regardless of Mosi's earlier cheerful comments on death, her current attiude towards what was surely an unforgettable adventure into the secrets of Ancient Egypt was welcomed. Mahendra himself was still concerned about the meaning of their brands - and in extension they very lives and death! -, but hopefully it would also answer certain questions. "Just a moment...Yes, now let us go."

Mahendra accompanied Mosi to the best of his abilities out of the infirmary, out of the military barracs and on their way to the Shepheard's Hotel. "I must have forgot it in all of the recent commotion, but may I ask what your profession is again? Was it something to do with the research of the occult?" Mahendra asked her as they walked, hoping whatever her field of study was could be useful in whatever they went out on.

The walk to the Shepheard's Hotel was going to take a little bit, but she was going to tell the reception to prepare a cab for them to ride on the way back to the barracks so it was all good, as far as Mosi was concerned actually." Well..." she started as Mahendra began inquiring on her field of expertise." To be fair by education I'm a painter and a historian..." She admitted with a shrug." My field of education were focused on those two, but aside those, I'm a blacksmith of some skill and I do in fact have done studies into European and North American occultism. So I might not be the most useful person around, but I will make sure everything is well sketched for presentations later." Mosi explained as they walked. She really wanted to arrive as fast as possible, since time was short, walking there was going to be a bother so she stopped and hailed a taxi that was nearby." Let's catch a ride, walking there probably isn't the best idea given the time available and your health, pretty sure you should still be weak from the loss of blood." She smiled as she opened the door of the taxi for him to enter, before hopping in it herself." To the Shepheard's Hotel!" She exclaimed with great urgency as if this was a life or death matter!

Taking the taxi was a much better idea than the two of them simply walking, and as soon as Mahendra got to sit down on the soft(ish) seats and take a breather he felt better. Perhaps it was his stubborness or inclination to present himself the best way that made him walk first, but this was much better. "Everyone has their use in work, a meaning in life. I'm certain you'll be most useful, dear Mosi." Mahendra said with a smile to Mosi, before changing his tune to more serious. "But if I may be so bold, it might be wise not to joke about the dead..."

The pair soon arrived at the Shepheard's hotel and made their way to the reception. It had been a place of safe heaven for the Bengali in Cairo, and now they were to leave it behind. For how long, only the Gods knew, for better or for worse. "No time to lose then. We'll meet here in the reception when we're done packing? I will do my outmost to not stall the time. See you very soon." Mahendra said politely to Mosi, leaving Mosi behind to order the cab while he made his way to his room. Hopefully it wouldn't take too long to gather up his belongings, but then it depended on what Mosi was bringing with her.

Having been left by Mahendra, Mosi quickly told hte cab to stay since they will be in need of a ride in a little while again and quickly headed into the hotel, but instead of going directly to her room, she went to the reception. She told them she will be vacating the room now, quickly arranged anything htat had to be dealt with and made sure to leave a message for her redheaded friend in case she comes looking for her. Mosi told them to inform Rosheen that she's going on an expedition. She had the feeling this might not be the last time she was going to see the woman, but better inform her just in case.

Afterwards she made a direct dash to her room. Well dash was a little bit of an overstatement since she was walking there because of the brand, but all in all she wasted no time in getting to her room, moving out of the military clothing and changing it with her spare clothing from one of her suitcases and threw out the dirty clothing form earlier in the trashbin. SHe wasn't going to be bothering to wash it anyways. Once she was done with it, she was about to head out of the room, but not before she reached over and grabbed the fabrics she bouth yesterday and put them into one of the suitcases. Only then she returned to the reception. All in all she hadn't unpacked her luggage when she moved in the room, so she didn't have much to pack. All in all she was done rather quick. Now all that was missing was for Mahendra to show up.

Okay, what to bring? Looking around the room, the Bengali geologist-brain was thinking out the most important things to bring along. But as he started listing things in his head, he realized he was travelling somewhat light, he simply started packing all his belongings into the one travel-bag and suitcase he owned. Clothes, books, geological tools, you name it. Everything were packed tight into their respective containers, even if it took a little longer than he expected. Nonetheless Mahendra had packed all he needed and soon made his way down the stairs. As fast or slow as he could, mind you, still being a little dizzy.

"Sorry for the delay, Mosi. But I'm ready now, after you." he said to Mosi as he re-entered the reception to see her standing there already ready. Alongside her and with a little help, the pair got their luggage in the awaiting cab and went on their way back to the army barracks. "Like you said, Mosi; adventure awaits us."

"Wasn't how I planned my visit here, but might as well go. When will I get the chance to take part of an expedition of sorts otherwise?" She snickered with pleased voice as they were riding along for back towards the Barracks." Granted I would have liked a day or two more to enjoy the sights... visit the clubs, see the ladies dance, but ohh well." She then sighed, this was the second thing she'd regret, but non the less she will go because dammit it seemed fun!

With a car the journey from the hotel to the barracks was rather quick one all things considered. After a while she could already see the building in the not too far distance." You think we will be the first ones to return?" Mosi asked Mahendra with a smile. She wasn't sure on this point since they also spend some time getting ready before departing, but who knew. All in all they were almost done.

Mahendra shuffled uncomfortably in his seat at Mosi's indiciated of a visit to a certain dance, not sure how to respond to her suggestion that she fancied it. Luckily he didn't have to as she put forth another question, one which he was in a much better position to answer truthfully. Like a gentleman. "That entirely depends on how much the Gods favour us." Mahendra chuckled on, before contiuing as the car eventually pulled up in front of the barracks. "But more importantly, how much luggage the others brought. Let us see."

The pair exited the cab, got their luggage from the back of it and made their way towards the front gate guarded by the King's finest men of England. "Excuse me, Sir, but we are expected inside by Lady Munn and Lord Major Keystone. We were allowed entrance earlier today, do you remember us?"

[FantasyChic]

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Josephine Clark & Nora Kingston

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Location: The Barracks (Officer's Lounge - Garden City Hotel - The Barracks (Front Gate)
Skills: N/A

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Jo took the letter from Vera and pocketed it. She had to admit she was rather touched that she would task her with something. Perhaps she was finding herself as part of the team. "Will do, darling. I shall head over there right now and deposit this before making my way back to my room to collect my things. Oh I am so looking forward to this. Absolutely thrilling!" Granted, death had occurred, but still, excitement was palpable.

Outside, Josephine waited for Nora to come out so they could walk together. She was feeling a tad odd since the two of them had never conversed before and she didn't want the trek to be just dead silence. Still, surely there was something the two had in common?

Nora had changed into the spare clothing that they had on hand at the barracks, irritated to be stuck in a pair of trousers. Not only was the heat of Egypt bad enough already, she found the garments to be awfully constricting. There was just a limited range of motion as compared to wearing a skirt or dress that she found abhorrent. Of course, her mind was also on the matter of her traveling companion - the American starlet.

She just hoped that Josephine could not be any worse than the Mosi woman had been. "I am sorry for holding you up ever so slightly, shall we be off?" Nora asked quietly once she arrived outside.

Jo waved the woman's comment off. "Think nothing of it, darling. It's a lovely day out here. One thing Egypt has going for it is the weather, if you enjoy heat, of course. Much better than the States. Rain often and the winters there. Ugh. Anyway, shall we?" Jo motioned for them to walk and they set off for their hotel.

"So what brought you to Egypt, if you do not mind my curiosity."

"Oh..." Nora paused, thinking of the best way to formulate this. While some in her position would have lied and come up with an alternate reason, Nora was an honest person at her core. And she did not mind sharing this information with Jo. "My father has business here in Egypt, working as an anthropologist. He offered to bring me here to serve as his assistant, as he did not approve of my intended choice of vocation - a clerk." She then paused for another moment. "Truthfully, I believe he means to hide me from the eyes of the Ton here."

Josephine listened as Nora spoke and her story was similar to many she has heard of before and probably will again. The dreams of women being dashed and put on hold so they can do what their parents want or for them to be married off and start families right off the bat. "Too common a story, I fear. I was lucky to have a grandfather who respected my dreams of wanting to be in movies otherwise, who knows what I would be doing now? Probably at home with two or three kids, cooking meals while my husband worked. That's not the life I want."

As they walked, Jo couldn't help but see Nora in a new light. She seemed uptight before, but perhaps there was more to that than she originally thought. "If I may be so bold, darling, you are young. Plenty of time to chase your dream still. If a clerk is what you want then a clerk is what you should be. But if you hadn't been put here, you would not have been brought into this adventure we are on. That can be either a good thing or bad thing, depending on your view."

The expression struck Nora as a bit strange - all Americans were bold. Yet she felt relieved as well, seeing that Jo was not nearly as fake and inauthentic as she had initially suspected. She had judged her harshly initially perhaps. Her eyes flickered over as Jo gave her counsel on dreams. "...I do not know what my dream would be...It never seemed something meant for me - to have the luxury of a dream." Perhaps it would be to work as a clerk. Yet Nora truthfully did not know - she had long ago accepted that life would always be unsatisfactory, a little bit empty, too distant and unfeeling.

Jo shook her head. To see a young woman not have a hope in the world was a horrible thing. Really, how many like her were back home? Content to being just a housewife, just a mother, just a person that is meant to look good, not talk, and have the paper ready for her husband every morning? And how many of them hated it? She had nothing against housewives or mothers. Far from it, if that is what they really wanted to do. But often women were forced to do such things without thinking. "Darling, everyone has a dream. Surely, in your younger years, you've given it some thought? I knew I wanted to be seen by the masses ever since I was little."

As they reached Nora's building, Nora nodded at the man at the front desk - her thoughts still partially on poor Neema and the events that had transpired - as she went up to her set of rooms and got quickly packed. She had left word at the desk to have her father come and collect Spot, to ensure that he was cared for. Of course, Jo's words brought out a certain sadness in her. She hadn't been able to afford a dream as to what she wanted to be or do one day when she was younger. "I suppose back then, all I wanted was to live," she said softly. "...I was not supposed to live to my tenth birthday, according to the doctors."

Jo had to admit she was not expecting that answer. It was a sad reality that there were many out there in less fortunate situations. She often overlooked them. She would have to break that habit, when the time came. "I am truly sorry to hear that, darling. But I am happy you got through it. And, if anything, that just means you get to make a new dream. That's the best thing about dreams, you see. You can create them at any time and anywhere. Like...I would like to see more of the world. Egypt is the only country I've visted, but I would love to see more. France. England."

Having collected her belongings, Nora placed the bag over her shoulder, accompanying Jo now to her place of residence. The thought of a new dream...Nora wasn't certain if she dared to hope for that much out of life. It seemed to be something meant for others, those like Jo who were able to move so effortlessly and attain what they desired. "Thank you," she responded first, dealing with Jo's condolences. She hadn't told her the worst of it yet and she saw no reason to. Even though she had survived the illness, she could never have children - an option taken away from her before she was old enough to ponder whether or not she would ever want to make that choice, to become a mother. "The English countryside is lovely," she added softly. "....Perhaps traveling would be enjoyable."

Once Nora collected her things, they moved easily to Jo's room, where she packed her own belongings. Once outside, she continued the conversation. "Oh I would love to visit England. Though I would visit London first. But a pleasant trip to the countryside would be enjoyable too. I just like the hustle and bustle of cities. When you live in Hollywood, you tend to get used to it." Jo didn't mean for that to come out braggy, but it couldn't be helped. That is where she lived. "Once the matter is settled here, I imagine you could travel anywhere you'd like. You are a young lady with a bright future, whatever you choose. If you wish to travel, you travel. If you wish to stay and be a clerk or an assistant to your father, then you do that. But you should do it only if you desire. I don't believe for a minute that women should be told what and what not to do. We are our own people."

"Perhaps...." Nora mused, falling relatively silent. She wasn't sure what else she could say on the matter. She couldn't come up with a dream or intense desire like that on a whim. "Are you ready to return to the barracks?" she then asked Jo quietly.

Jo was a bit frustrated, unsure if she got through to the woman. She hoped she would ponder her thoughts on the matter. She hated seeing women unsure of themselves. They ruled the world, after all. "Yes, let's make haste."

[Nallore]

Lauren Ridgeway & Reginald Keystone

Location: Qasr El Nil Barracks -> Savoy Hotel -> Qasr El Nil Barracks
Skills (Lauren): N/A
Skills (Reginald): Leadership

Rather than wasting time attempting to flag down someone for his forementioned plan to send a man ahead to secure adequate (and adequately classed) passage upon the northbound ferry, the Lord Major simply cleared his throat, turned his head toward the door leading out of the Officers' Club, and inquired as to a specific man's presence by means of a generic, enlisted man's rank, "Corporal?"

As if summoned by salt and magic and a circle of flaming hawthorn, one could hear the approaching footsteps of a man at a frenzied run, sliding to a halt the moment that they neared the Club. The door burst open with a force almost unnatural in nature; a singular but oft repeated bellow was flung from the lungs and throat of the man revealed by the door's sudden movement:

"Lord MAJOR!!!"

"Yes!" For once, Reginald seemed to be genuinely pleased to see the man. Or perhaps he was just placating the Corporal to ensure a speedy and thorough job done. "Expedient as always, there's a good chap! Now, if you will give me but a moment..." Reginald reached into his jacket pocket and produced a large gentleman's wallet, from which he retrieved a bearer bank note and a small but official looking piece of cardstock, the latter being a Notice of Military Classification. Such paperwork was common when a subordinate acted on behalf of their commanding officer, with the person of lesser rank receiving certain liberties based upon the job they were called upon to complete. In this instance, Reginald inscribed with bold strokes that the bearer, as mentioned by rank and name, was to act as his personal Valet and Concierge in the interim. A decent thing to grease some wheels, with the knowledge that any and everything would be reported back to the Qasr El Nil Barracks. Among other things, it meant that he would be speaking with the Lord Major's authority and reputation to get the ball rolling on their immediate needs.

"I charge you, old boy, with the acquisition of passage for myself and all of our guests upon the evening riverboat - northbound - as well as appropriate supplies (which you will have no doubt noticed in the courtyard), animals and sundries thereof for a journey besides. Gather a team of soldiers to move these things, see to our spacious and befitting accommodation, and when you are done, old chap; ensure that my travel personals are handled to my stateroom. Have you got all that?"

The Corporal was looking in amazement at the card that Reginald had just handed him. He was beaming in slack-jawed appreciation at the thing, seemingly lost to everything else in the world. When asked if he had gotten all of the Lord Major's instructions, he replied with a stately, "Oh, most absolutely, Lord MAJOR!!! A thousand blessings and a pint of barley whisky upon your head, sir! Right positively away, then! Much to do, much to do!" He ran from the room, already barking orders at any supporting soldiers that he had authority over. The door came to a full close, but the moment hung expectantly. Within the next two seconds, the Corporal poked his head back into the room, screaming a last "Lord MAJOR!!!" before returning to his new assignment.

As annoying as he was, Reginald did trust the man to do a good job. That in place, he turned to Lauren, who had quite made herself at home behind his Officers' Club bar. "Miss Ridgeway, if you would be as kind as to discontinue pilfering His Majesty's Booze," He paused to finish the dram within his own glass, "I and our driver will be waiting outside to ferry you to your usual Cairo accommodations to gather your personals for the trip. Cheers, Miss." Reginald then looked to Vera and George, nodding, "The soldiery shall be at your disposal Lady Munn, Mr. Benaszewski, for purposes of heavy lifting and act as escort. Miss Ridgeway and I shall be away by means of motorcar." he turned to Lauren, "I shall await you in the rear seat of the Rolls-Royce, sitting in idle in the courtyard outside." Reginald then excused himself and exited the room, anxious to get started.

Lauren gave Vera a friendly smile and nod, she was grateful for her to make sure that the cat would get whatever it needed, she hated to leave the thing alone she did get attached to it rather quickly. She jumped slightly when the Lord Major called out for a Corporal and then heard the guy yell out. Which made her rub her ears slightly as Lauren went back behind the bar to set the booze that she gathered for the other ladies. Lauren would watch occasionally as the Lord Major and the corporal talked amongst each other, as she finished putting the drinks away Lauren looked up to him. "Was just finishing putting them away." Lauren said giving him a slight smile.

She then winced slightly hearing the corporal yell out again, before going on the assigned duty that he was assigned to by Reginald and gave him a nod. "Lead the way just finished." Lauren said giving the Lord Major a slight smile as she quickly caught up with him and headed towards the courtyard.

"Ah yes, very good then." bubbled the Lord Major, noting the approach of his companion for the next hour or so. The moment he waved to a soldier standing post at the Motor Pool, he nodded vigorously and ran inside, screaming something unintelligible from their distance. Within a short minute, the familiar vehicle had pulled up and doors opened for Reginald and Lauren.

Lauren stepped out onto the courtyard looking over at some of the soldiers that were there then over towards the motor pool as one of the soldiers quickly got their ride ready for them and followed the Lord Major over towards their car. Lauren climbed in and looked over towards the Lord Major and gave him a nod. Once inside, Reginald addressed the American lady, "It was the Savoy Hotel, yes? I seem to recall you mentioning."

"That is correct, I wont take long at all." Lauren said towards him as she leaned back slightly, she just needed a change of clothes and a few other things as well. Reginald looked to the driver, repeating, "Savoy Hotel, soldier. And be ready to stand as personal guard following our arrival." The driver spoke a militant affirmation, and eased the vehicle out out the Barracks and into the streets of Cairo.

The general hustle and bustle of the city had taken its late-morning lull, people having had breakfast and settled into work for the next few hours. It was mostly clear and open for the motor vehicle to make its way down the streets. The Savoy Hotel wasn't so far away either, making the journey a relatively short affair. As they pulled up to the front of the hotel, Reginald reminded Lauren, "Of course, Miss Ridgeway, do remember that we are embarking on a little adventure over the Nile and desert beyond, possibly with other parties acting against our plans. Dress and pack accordingly, if you would madame. I shall supply as best I am able, naturally, but I do not know how you might take to military accoutrements."

The driver exited the vehicle and walked around it, opening the rear door for Lauren and Reginald to exit. He then snapped to attention and waited on the Lord Major and his guest. Inside, Reginald insisted, "After you, Miss Ridgeway. Do show us to your temporary lodging."

Lauren turned her head to look towards Reginald and nodded, she didn't really have clothing that was appropriate for the desert and mainly had a few dresses with her. "I'll be fine with whatever clothing and other needs you are willing to supply with." Lauren said towards the Lord Major as she looked out the window seeing the various people going on about their usual duties during the day. A few seconds later they were at the Savoy Hotel, and climbed out of the car once the soldier opened it for her. "Follow me please then." Lauren said as she left the car and headed into the hotel, going down a flight of stairs where usually some of the employees lived in it was the cheapest place she could get.

Taking out her room key and unlocked it, and made her way towards one corner of the room where she had her bag and started to open up a few drawers putting her clothes in it. Then a few letters of her family and two bottles of her family's beer as well and stuffed them all into a single bag. "Alright i'm ready to go." Lauren said towards Reginald and the other soldier as well.

The Lord Major looked upon Lauren's single bag. Moreover, he attempted a quick eyeballing of the items she packed within said bag. She was most assuredly not prepared for a journey in the open desert. "Ah. Miss Ridgeway, I had mistakenly expected that you might have attire better suited for rural shenanigans. This expectation did not take into consideration the fact that you likely did not come to Cairo to romp about in the sun-baked Sahara. When we return, I shall make certain you have access to some proper footwear, khaki cargo shorts, and a ripping good pith helmet, wot! Come along now, if there's nothing I can help you carry, let us be off!" The spirit of adventure was taking hold of Reginald; he held the door open for Lauren with a big, infectious smile, and proceeded back down to the car as soon as she was through. "Mayhap you should check out before we depart. There is no telling how long this outing shall last. Not to worry, the busy season has not started quite yet."

Lauren gave Reginald an awkward smile and nodded towards him, all of her clothes wouldn't be used well while out in the desert even her shoes would be well in the sand. "That would certainly be great, my clothing isn't really cut out for the road out in the desert really." Lauren said towards him, as she held up her bag over her shoulder and started to make her way back up the stairs. And then over towards the receptionist desk, giving the Lord Major a nod she was ready to leave then paid up the rest of her money for the rest of the day as well as returned her hotel room keys. "Thank you for the room." Lauren said, as she turned around and followed alongside Reginald and the other soldier back to the car.

The ride back to the Barracks was highly uneventful, unless you count an overzealous street vendor attempting to assail them for some fruit pastry or another whole they were allowing intersecting traffic to pass. Reginald waved the man away with a polite smile, declining in flawless Arabic. It was a tricky language to pick up, but he managed well enough during his time in this part of the world. He did enjoy Cairo, the light and dark of it all.

As the car pulled into the Barracks, Reginald was happy to see that the pallets of supplies as well as the cart full of "luxury items" were already taken away. This was a good sign. It meant that, more than likely, passage aboard a reliable riverboat had been secured. He personal and travel effects had been packed and piled neatly outside of the motor pool with a man guarding it; apparently the Corporal must still be with the bulk of the supplies at the boat, wisely waiting until things were a definite go before moving the Lord Major's own possessions out. He could understand the logic. Or he was horribly misjudging the scene. Reginald took over for the man with his belongings, speaking to him as a commanding officer might. "Private! Excellent bit of labour, keeping the ne'er-do-wells and vagabonds away from my personals and sundries. Now, I require you to perform a service for young Miss Ridgeway, and in quick time. Linens, soldier. Civilian Auxiliary wear; khakis of course, and one of those charming pith helmets. Oh! some decent socks and broken-in boots." He looked to Lauren, "Now, what size boot do you wear? You may whisper it into my ear if it is not a ladylike dimension, of course."

And back to the soldier, "Four changes of each. We may sort the remainder out another time. Off with you!" As the man ran off to get the items requested, Reginald confided in Lauren, "The cargo shorts I mentioned shall still conform to a woman's modesty, if that is a concern. Though they are indeed considered short pants, they are long enough to pass your knees. And the socks, well... None shall question you as anything but a lady of practical decency."

Once they were at the barracks Lauren quickly hopped off of the car as she held her bag over her shoulder, looking over at Reginald as he started to address a private and smiled as he told him to get her some spare clothes as well. And then bit her bottom lip for a moment as she thought about her shoe size. "Of course Lord Major." Lauren said as she leaned in and whispered into his ear to give him her shoe size, and then leaned back. "As long as it's comfortable while we are out there i'll be fine and should fit perfectly." Lauren said, it wasn't really the first time she had to wear pants or socks either.

A scant bit of time later, the soldier had returned, bearing a large pack of tan, duck-cotton canvas. It was not completely full, having only the contents requested within. He handed it over to the Lord Major, threw a salute, and left for other business. "Here we are, Miss Ridgeway. I might suggest penning your name into the fabric of the pack somewhere, or otherwise make its new possession known. There are quite literally hundreds of these within the city at the moment, and more in parts beyond." Reginald handed it over to Lauren, continuing, "Four changes of khaki knee shorts, long puttie socks, Victorian greyback undershirts, light, ah, lower undergarments of a boxer short variety, and one pair of brown B5 issue ankle boots. You shall notice that they remain without rank and insignia, as to do so would be a grave offence as you are, indeed, a civilian (and American, though you cannot help the circumstances of your birth, madame). You shall also notice that they are cut for a man's physique, though he seemed to be able to locate items small enough in size for yourself."

"Now madame, I leave this to you: We might keep our belongings here with little fear of molestation by others. Shall we wait out here in the burning sun until the others arrive, or shall we abscond to the Officers' Club to await the triumphant return of the rest of our Fellowship? Perhaps take in some light refreshment ere we leave for adventures unknown?" There was a twinkle in the old man's eye, as if something might have brought him back a decade or three in humor or disposition.

Lauren watched as the soldier came back carrying a bag with a change of clothes for her, looking over at the Lord Major as he handed them over to her and gave him a grateful smile. "Thank you once more, these will fit just perfectly." Lauren said, as she looked at them once more. Though they didn't have to go for any sort of undergarments she had spare ones in her bag as well, but didn't say anything really about it. "I think we should head inside and wait a little bit in the officer's lounge for the others, I have a feeling we will be in the heat in the next several days." Lauren said, as she grabbed her things and gave Reginald a smile as she headed over towards the barracks and up to the Officer's Lounge once again.

[Lady Absinthia]

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October 5th, 1924

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Pulling back up to the Barracks, George opened the car door and held a hand out for Vera. Assisting her out of the vehicle and keeping an arm around her waste as she nearly tripped over her feet as she caught her slip on her heel. "Mmm, careful," he said as he helped to right her and then got a few guards to help him get her things from the cab. There were several trunks and bags. It seemed much more than the others were bringing.

Vera looked sheepish slightly. "I am sorry I Was not here quicker, I wanted to make sure to have as much research material as I could get the curator to agree to sign out as possible. Wouldn't want us caught without something vital while on the dig," she said as she came to the gate.

Once everyone was moved into the barracks, everyones belongings were loaded up on a truck by the men of the barracks. George rolling up his sleeves and helping to make sure everything was secure and handled with care. Vera watching him closely, he seemed to take particular care each time her hand raised and she nearly said careful but never had to. George was on top of it and handling each box that contained anything from the museum with the utmost care and caution. Even if the crates were not stamped Fra-gee-lay. Tickets had been secured and they would be sailing out that evening. It wasn't much time so with haste the group clamored into cars and trucks in the courtyard and headed out.

Arriving at the docks, it was a mad house but the military men of the barracks knew what to do. Quickly unloading and getting the items checked in with the ships baggage claim. Funds were exchanged with the purser. Ticket were set. It seemed to be a rather full boat. Some people had boarded earlier that day, as it had been in port since that morning. Many were at the rails of the three stories above port looking out below. Others were enjoying drinks on the deck or settling into their rooms. The ship would travel from Cairo up the Delta Nile to the northwest on the Damietta Branch and dock in three days time in the port city of Zagazig. Now that they were at the docks Vera seemed to brighten up some.

"This is most exciting. Zagazig was once known as Tell Basta during the ancient times. Now, several miles to the south east of Zagazig we will find Bubastis. It was the capital of the 18th nome, or as what we would call counties in England. It was a captial during the 22nd and 23rd dynasties. Most fascinating. There is actually a cats tomb that dates back that far on the dig site. While in Cairo we have the pyramids for the pharaohs, they placed far more value on cats. They were incarnations of the goddess Bastet. In fact the catacombs from Pepi I Meryre hold the remains of the felines they held most sacred. Entombed with all the pomp and circumstance we would give the King himself." Vera kept rambling as she made her way up the gang plank.

George adjusted his hat and wiped the sweat form his brow as he stood there looking once the baggage was secure. Feeling a tap on his shoulder he turned around and one single eye widened a bit. "Mmm, what are you doing here?" he asked to a dark hair woman standing in front of him now. His head tilting to the side quizzically like a dog that was very confused.

"ALL ABOARD! Anchors up in ten minutes!" a man standing by the gangplank bellowed as he looked at his pocket watch.

[ONL]

---

Mahendra Huq Zalil

---

Location:The Docks -> Onboard the boat
Skills: N/A

---

It was going to be good to get away from the events that had shaken the whole Fellowship in Cairo, even though Mahendra was sure to miss the city for the good memories he'd gotten from it. Mahendra had at least gotten one positive thing out of the whole endeavour so far: Employment, though hopefully it would not lead to the death they'd experienced so far. Once in one of the cars taking them down to the docks, Mahendra watched as the scenery changed from the inside of the automobile. The barracks were replaced by the familair Cairo streetview, vendors and carts littering the street alongside natives and foreigners alike, not having changed between the two times Mahendra had spent there. How long would it be till he once again saw the streets of Cairo? Would he see it again at all? Mahendra shuffled in a state between being comfortable in his seat and being uncomfortable with the thoughts of never returning.

The docks were a madhouse indeed, but Mahendra saw it as a calmer madhouse rather than a fully-fledged asylum. It was just as tightly packed and lively as Calcutta on a busy day, but with less elephants and more ships. Mahendra climbed out of the car, again feeling the dizzyness and burning brand still affecting him like before, causing him to hold onto the car for a moment as he steadied himself. Eventually he managed to straighten himself and board the boat, be it slowly and steadily. Vera's lecture about the city of Zagazig he didn't manage to pick up much from, trying to not fall of the gang plank, even if he would have found the subject interesting. Turning to the closest of his companions, the tired Mahendra asked "There wouldn't happen to be somewhere I could, well, lay down?" Mahendra held his hand to his head, as if to stop the world from spinning further around. "I do believe I'd need a few moments…hours, just to be up and running again."

---

Richard Barker

---

Location:Onboard the boat (Second-story rails)
Skills: N/A

---

"Let me ask you something, Kid."

Standing in-between the number of passangers looking out on the docks and surrounding view from the second story of the steamboat, Richard stood leaning forward on the rail, his gaze observing the military personell unloading their trucks and doing whatever it was they were doing. The detective's eyes were hidden behind a pair of sunglasses and sheltered underneath a wide-brimmed fedora, while the bandages wrapped around his nose made him stick out like a painfully sore thumb in a church. Richard took a good, long drag from his cigarette as he continued to look out from the second story, as if waiting for the young lady's permission to ask a question. Without looking at her, he finally asked it.

"What do you think we'll find up there, in Zagazig, just for arguments sake?" Richard asked, placing the cigarette back in-between his fingers as he straightened himself up and looked towards the lady standing beside him on the railing, Faye Masterson. "I know there's a solid chance that Mr. Gould actually spent some time up there, good job catching that up by the way Faye; say he was there sometime before or after he caught whatever snuffed the life of him. What do you think we'll find? If you ask me, that little sniff of motive that could explain this little puzzle, that would be nice. With our luck, though, I doubt it."

Richard could feel the eyes of the passangers around them stare him in the neck, ice-cold glares that were aimed at him and his sore thumb; his nose. He hated it, the looks, judging him and his ugly nose. It was only made worse by the large number of people crammed around him. In New York he felt that most people ignored you, if you had a cut nose or not. In this foreign land it felt worse. Richard took another long drag of the cigarette in his hand, trying his best to ignore it. It was little reason to get into trouble, especially with Faye around him. She would just get hurt, and he didn't want that. "You think we'll finally have a break?"

[rivaan]

---

---

Priscilla Harker

---

Location: The Docks -> Onboard the boat
Skills: N/A

---

---

Mosi was rather amused with the whole turn of events. She liked traveling and it turned out she got a whole other ticket to a place she was probably not going to go on her own for a while if ever. Tagging along with this museum expedition sort of thing was bound to be exciting and filled with adventure! She noted that so even from their arrival at the docks by the ship. Hell there were just so many people around! Admittedly she did leave with some sadness in her heart. She had so much more to see and experience at this fine city. She made a promise to herself that when she returns from this expedition, she was going to give herself the pleasure of visiting one of those bars or whatever they were where they had the dancers. She really regretted not having the chance to visit one.

Still she had to look forward to the other things that were bound to happen! And on a filled ship like this one, there was almost bound to be some sort of excitement going on. Maybe someone was going to get drink and start a bar fight on the ship! Or maybe they were going to have something interesting organized for them while traveling. Or maybe she was going to find a nice gal to pass the time with? Mosi was certainly for the mood of the latter one!

As they were exiting the vehicles, she made sure to use that oil thing the medical person gave them. The smells at the dock were rather intensive between all the things going about. That and there were also so many people that it felt like a giant antmound to navigate. Somehow or other she managed to reach the gank plank and got up onto the ship, keeping as much attention as she could on Vera's little history lesson. It was interesting enough, but her attention did waver a few times towards other areas...

Listening to Mahendra, she did also feel hte need to rest down for a while, but she was at least in better condition than him overall! She didn't have a face full of stitches right now. She imagined those might be affecting him even more in some ways or anothers." Might not be a bad thing..." She agreed with him, but looked around." Still I do want to see the ship depart..." Mosi mumbled once they were on board and she moved a little away from the gank plank as to not hinder anyone behind her.

[Morose]

---

---

Nora Kingston

---

---

Location: Docks - The Ferry
Skills: N/A

---

Josephine's words had stuck with Nora, the quiet mathematician contemplating them on the journey to the docks. She tried picturing a dream for herself - some sort of worthy cause for her time - yet she continually felt that she had fallen short. Did she want to be a clerk? Did she want to be in Egypt? Desire had been ridiculed as too strong an emotion by her mother - at first, due to fear that she would die if she became too emotional with her illness, and then at last, due to the British ton's emphasis on politeness and appearances.

By the time that they arrived at the docks, Nora had concluded that there was perhaps a single dream worthy of her time: to live. It was simple, yet she figured there was no shame in starting small - to go from the passive to the active. She followed Lady Munn up the gangplank, avoiding the loudmouthed woman, Mosi. She truly did detest her and would not have been taken aback if Mosi were to fall overboard on this trip. Her disgraceful and disrespectful treatment of Neema's death...It still had Nora shaken.

She attempted to distract herself with thoughts on Lady Munn's explanation about Bubastis. Cats were continuously popping up over and over again, yet that was to be expected - all the signs were pointing towards Bast. However, what she could not yet deduce was why, if Bast and Set were mortal enemies, those branded by Set were with them on this venture? If Neema was right - and Nora assumed that she spoke the truth - then those branded were supposed to protect the Bastet...Was one of their number the Set, then, for those with the other brands to guard?

---

---

Gene Benaszewski

---

---

Location: Docks - The Ferry
Skills: N/A

---

Gene smirked at George a bit, pleased to see the surprised expression on his face - or at least, the remaining portions of it. "Now, is that any way to greet your twin sister, Georgie?" she asked him, her dark brown eyes staring into his hazel eye. She took in a breath of the air, glancing around at the bustling docks. It was busier than she had expected and it thrilled her. For the last few months, she could have sworn she had been surrounded by toddlers and while she was a nurse, her patience was very much limited. A few of them she had wanted to send to the madhouse - permanently.

She pulled out a piece of candy from her pocket and unwrapped it, popping it into her mouth. She always had a terrible sweet tooth, no matter what age she was. It wasn't a habit she'd grow out of anytime soon. "Little brother, I have loads to tell you and luckily, I've got a ticket for the same ship as you. So we'll have plenty of quality time to spend together catching up." As light as her tone might have seemed, the slight force and urgency in her words - actually giving a time and place for a talk - would clue George into the fact that she really did need to speak to him about something important. She glanced around once more, wishing that she had the time to go and get a trinket of some sort. She really did love collecting them.

"Do I get a hug or are we still estranged from one another?" Gene quipped, finally letting him get a word in.

[Nallore]

Lauren Ridgeway

Location: Docks - The Ferry
Skills: N/A

---

---

Once they were all ready to leave the barracks behind Lauren quickly got into the car that would take them all to the docks where they would then get onto the ferry. Once all of the vehicles all got to the docks Lauren looked up at the large ferry she was impressed at the size of it, she had never gotten on a boat before and she was actually fairly excited as well to get to leave Cairo for a little bit at least. Lauren ran a hand through her hair, and held the helmet that was loaned to her by the barracks under her arm. She looked over her shoulder towards Vera as she started to give a little bit of history as to where they were going.

Lauren shuddered slightly at the idea of seeing some cats being wrapped up like mummies that were always in Egyptian tombs that she always had heard of. "It will be nice to get out of Cairo for a little bit." Lauren said, even though she didn't know Neema all that well she did wish that she was still alive to help, she started to head up the gangplank when she saw a dark haired woman and George turning around. Lauren didn't know who she was but listened a little bit on their conversation, seeing that they were brother and sister but Lauren didn't know much enough on George and she didn't want to barge into their conversation. Lauren followed shortly after Mahendra and Mosi seeing the stitches that covered Mahendra's face feeling concerned for him as she moved up to him. "I'm sure we can find a place for you to rest a little bit." Lauren said giving him a smile.

[FantasyChic]

---

---

Josephine Clark

---

Location: Docks - The Ferry
Skills: N/A

---

Truth be told, Jo had been looking forward to this ever since she was branded. Getting away from the humdrum of the museum and the barracks. The only drawback was that she was not with Haakon. She still remembered her promise though. She would figure this mystery out and, when the time came, the story would be told and Haakon given the credit he deserved.

And, of course, a movie would naturally follow.

She would let that figure itself out later. She had dressed for sailing today. She wore a Navy Blue dress reminiscent of sailors. She thought it would be a nice nod. Plus it helped with the heat. She sidled over to the rest, particularly Nora. She had to admit her talk to the girl was good for both of them. She hoped the girl would take her advice. And maybe find a nice man. "I am so looking forward to this. Frightfully fun." Jo ignored the new woman who approached to talk to George. It seemed he had a sister. More people the merrier, she supposed.

---

---

Faye Masterson

---

Location: Aboard The Boat (2nd Story Rails)
Skills: N/A

---

Faye often did enjoy people watching and there was certainly people here that needed watching. It may have been her eager mind at work, but she was sure that something exciting was about to happen. She was practically shaking with anticipation. It only settled her down to know that her partner (if one could call him that) Richard was near her. She didn't dislike the man. Far from it, he was smart and knew his stuff, but he waved off the supernatural as if it were nothing and credited himself with being her protector. She needed no man watching over her shoulder. However, she would be remiss to not show that she was thankful for the help.

"Well, and I know you'll be flippant about this, but I am positive there is more in the works there. I mean, Egypt is riddled with mystical history. I am positive we are heading in the right direction. I mean, we are heading to his last known location, right? Surely there is something there."

She looked around her, at the people. There was an assortment of color. This certainly would not be boring, at the very least.

[Lady Absinthia]

---

---

Vera Munn

---

Location: Docks - The Ferry (Main Deck)
Skills: History (Ancient Egypt), Mythology (Ancient Egypt)

---

Vera kept moving up the gangplank and eventually onto the main deck of the boat that they were boarding. She would bump into people but she wasn't really paying attention. Granted, everyone was bumping into everyone right then. Those boarding, those disembarking, people milling about as they waited for the ship to raise anchor and pull out on the tide. The docks were just as busy if not more so as there were more ships in harbor, each with their own destination and time table they had to follow. Looking over at Nora she smiled as she continued to speak.

"Now this you might find fascinating, I know I do. Some historians attribute Bastet as Horus twin. I believe this is just a mistranslation. Not on purpose mind you but one sometimes wishes to see what one wants instead of what is true. I am hoping that once we reach Bubatis I can find the original hieroglyphics. Now you might be asking yourself why this is important. Well, I will tell you. You see, many want to tie in ancient religions. They try to link Bastet with Artemis and there for she must have a twin, so let us slap that onto Horus. Preposterous! Bastet is the child of Ra. Singular, with no other parental lineage. At most they could tie her to Zeus as Athena due to her birth legend. Everyone knows that Horus is the child of Isis and Osiris and that his sibling was Anubis. Now, how they tied Horus and Set together to give us Thoth is beyond me, I would need to see the original tiles. I mean there is enough evidence that Set killed his nephew, not consorted with him."

It seemed that Vera was on a bit of a diatribe when it came to Egyptian History of the Ancient world but there it was and she kept talking, even if no one was listening as she stepped onto the main deck of the boat and over to a seat. Motioning to the table before her. There were several open as most were either trying to get to their rooms or to the railings to watch the boat push off and wave to people they had never met. Vera had not time for this. "Granted, this is all hokum of course but it is very fascinating to see how these beliefs molded and structured the old and new kingdom."

---

---

George Benaszewski

---

Location: Docks - The Ferry (Boarding)
Skills: Observation

---

George rose a brow at Gene. "Sister... no..mmm. Sorry, just surprised," he said before finally leaning down and giving the woman a hug. He was very surprised to see her. They had not spoken in sometime. Not too terribly long in the grand scheme of things but he was not expecting to see her pop up in Cairo, that was to say the least. Last he had heard she was at home and dealing with a lot of people that made her want to pull her hair out.

Releasing her he replayed what she had said in his mind and his brow furrowed. That couldn't be good. "Mmm, okay. I have to help with somethings first. Um, you have a ticket?" he asked even though she had already answered that question before it was even asked. Of course she did, her getting a ticket was like pulling a rabbit out of a hat. Gene had a knack for getting a hold of exactly what she needed right when she needed it. "I..am..um, helping take over for a friend. Um,mmm," he said before turning to the Lord Major.

"Mmm, Lord Major, this is my sister Gene," he said introducing the two. "Mmm, sis this is Lord Major Reginald Keystone. He is Peter's uncle, the one I told you about from the war," he said solemnly. He had spoken about Peter when he returned but she wouldn't know that Peter had passed just yet. He hadn't mailed a letter off this week telling her of what was going on yet. He figured he would ask her how she found him later. Not in mixed company. It wasn't the time. "We mmm should board," he said before looking around. He had lost sight of Vera and quickly pressed his way up the gangplank only to find her at the main deck sitting at a table rambling on like she did. There was a hint of a smile on his lips as he started towards the table.

[Sigil]

---

---

Reginald Keystone

---

Location: Docks - The Ferry (Boarding)
Skills: N/A

---

---

It was a truly wondrous sight for the old man. Not the boat; it was fine enough of a vessel but he was really more accustomed to travel by air. Probably the person most accustomed to travel by air than anyone else on the planet. But he did love Cairo, and the river which ran through it. This was to be an entertaining and leisurely trip along the Nile. That was the plan, at least. The beginning steps of a new adventure; possibly the last one of his days. Indeed, the wondrous sight was his Fellowship of erstwhile strangers gathering together, persons of wildly differing background coming together and actually embarking upon their grand quest. It made him absolutely giddy.

Reginald took a moment to observe the loading of their supplies and animals upon the boat. Care and feeding cost extra, but Reginald was a man of some means. His credit was weighty and they were being bankrolled by very respectable sources. He was able to see his personal property for just a second or two as it was getting moved to the boat. Hopefully it should be in his stateroom within the quarter hour. He'd asked the Corporal (acting in his role as the Lord Major's valet) to attend to his belongings himself. Be it that the Corporal was an obnoxious, loud individual, he did his job quickly, completely, and to the letter. More, if he felt something was missed in the exchange.

The gangplank lay before him, truly the hustle and bustle of activity. Such were ships. Part of the bodily traffic was a pretty young lady who had stopped in front of the good Mr. Benaszewski, and treated him with apparent familiarity. The short discussion between the two of them (that Reginald tried very hard not to eavesdrop upon) behind them, he was pleased to note that George took the occasion to introduce them.

"Thank you, Mr. Benaszewski; you are ever the gentleman." he looked to Gene and bowed, doffing his cap to her in a gesture of grand British near-histrionics. "It is a defined pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Benaszewski. And quite the good fortune that you should meet up with him in this place at this hour! Madame, I would be remiss not to formally invite you to join our party, and unmistakably rude to even consider otherwise. Please, take an old man's invitation and platonic company as we board this waterborne Inn." he returned his cap to his head and extended an arm, even as he joined the press of movement onto the vessel.

[ONL]

---

Mahendra Huq Zalil

---

Location: Onboard the boat
Skills: N/A

---

While he despised any thought of taking joy of Mosi's own pain in comparison to his, it gave him some sense of relief that he wasn't alone in his wish for a quick rest so early in their journey. It would be ungentlemanly for him to leave the company of others so quickly, unless it had been night and time for a good night's sleep, but taking all things into consideration a good round of sleep was the best thing he could get right then. Mahendra looked up at Lauren and gave her a tired smile as she reassured him there were somewhere he could rest on the steamboat, thankful for her presence. "That would be most excellent. Just a chair or bench against a wall would be enough."

More of the Fellowship boarded the steamboat to Vera's continuous elaboration of their intended and highly anticipated destination, and this time Mahendra managed to listen in more than before. As she waved them forward to join her at a table, Mahendra took the polite but risky decision to join her. While it was far from laying down his head, he was sure sitting down too would help in some way or form. She spoke the lineage of the Egyptian deities they had been in close contact with those past days, some closer than others. Mahendra, now seated in a somewhat comfortable chair and ungentlemanly resting his hands on the table, felt the double-edged pain discomfort branded on his stomach. The fiery pain was one thing, but what it itself meant was frightening as well. And yet Vera, all respect to her, labeled her own words as "hokum". Mahendra knew better than to speak against his superior, and kept his mouth closed and words back. He was only her assistant after all.

---

Richard Barker

---

Location: Onboard the boat (Second-story rails)
Location: N/A

---

"Two out of three aint' bad. At least we can agree on something." Richard responded, cigarette smoke accompanying his perhaps harsh or rather blunt words as he thought about what Faye said. He could agree that there were something else in the works behind Mr. Gould's death and that they were heading in the right direction by travelling up to Zagazig. But that there was something mystical about this case? Richard let the half-finished cigarette hang dangerously close to falling off his dry lower lip, but never letting the little roll of cheap paper go, like a street dog starved to the bone refusing the drop the bit of dry meat from its bite. He took of the pair of sunglasses, revealing the eyes of a hardened New York ex-cop gone private dick, in desperate need of a good drink or a closed case. "You're right there's got to be somewhere there. Somewhere up there, something is hidden away, tucked neatly behind a safe or a pair of loosely sealed lips. Something that will explain this to the two of us. But like you said, I'm flippant about your intepretation of it."

Richard folded the sunglasses and put them in a pocket, taking out the cigarette and flicking off the front ash over the railing and onto whoever was unfortunate enough to recieve it on their head. Richard looked out at the people boarding the boat, not recognizing any of the different sorts and types of men and women, native or foreign. Not that he though he'd recognize anyone, he was in Egypt of all places. The only people he knew and spoke with on a regular basis were back home, dealing with enough problems to fill a bad year "But hey, I am open for alternatives. I've just seen one hell lot of things out there, so you'll need some solid evidence. No offense, kid, old habit."

[Morose]

---

---

Nora Kingston

---

---

Location: Docks - The Ferry (Main Deck)
Skills: N/A

---

Nora thought for a moment, considering everything Vera had said. While Vera's explanation was curious and mind boggling, the attempts to map the Egyptian myths onto those of Greece, something else stood out to Nora. Did they attempt to map them onto other religions as well? Yet she supposed it was simply an exercise in attempting to find patterns. Sometimes, patterns could reveal the human behavior or psyche - in mathematics, they showed the truth about the universe and the world. Yet not all patterns the mind saw, as Vera pointed out, were truly there. They were just willed into existence. "Is there a reason why they link Bastet with Artemis in particular?" Nora asked, curious.

She sat down at the table Vera had found, deep in thought with what she had mentioned. If the connection was to be believed, she was supposed to protect the Bastet - either Artemis or Athena, then. She didn't know enough about mythology to continue the musings, but she felt there was something there. She then nodded at Josephine, still a bit absentmindedly as she was in thought. This would be...fun. She was going to have fun. Baby steps.

---

---

Gene Benaszewski

---

---

Location: Docks - The Ferry (Boarding)
Skills: N/A

---

Gene returned her twin brother's hug, standing up on her toes slightly. While they were twins, they were drastically different in stature - though, since they were fraternal twins, it was to be expected that they wouldn't be identical. Gene likely could pass as several years his younger, mostly depending on what attire she was donning for that day. She let him wrap his mind around the things she had said for a moment, tempted to take out another piece of candy and consume it, but she doubted she'd be able to replenish any time soon. She needed to save her stash and ration it out to herself slowly. "I would love to meet your friends, Georgie," Gene teased gently.

She then gave Reginald a smile as she turned to him. "Oh, of course, Peter's uncle," she said, remembering the stories George had told her about him. She glanced around slightly, expecting to see Peter come up the gangplank a moment later and she frowned slightly, wondering where he had gone off to. "It is a pleasure to meet you as well, Lord Major. I would be glad to enjoy the company of someone as old, wise, and experienced as yourself," Gene said, nodding at him. She smirked slightly, noticing the stare her brother was giving. She certainly hadn't seen that one coming. She paused for a moment, considering taking Reginald's arm, before she just walked up the gangplank herself. She didn't need an escort to board a ferry.

[Nallore]

Lauren Ridgeway

Location: Docks - The Ferry
Skills: N/A

---

---

Lauren gave Mahendra a nod, as she made it up the gangplank and onto the ferry itself looking around seeing all of the men and women, local and foreign went about their business. The boat was certainly very busy as people got on and off as well, as she went over and followed Mahendra and sat down next to him. Just in case he did need to get some rest she would help him out if he needed it as well, setting the helmet that Reginald had given her on the table she listened to Vera as she spoke with Nora as well. Though she had no real clue what they were talking about, she did not know much about ancient history and the like.

But Lauren listened in as she leaned forward looking over at Mahendra before speaking. "If you feel uncomfortable I could walk you to your cabin if you'd wish." Lauren said, as she watched the others get on as well seeing George's sister coming up as well she was pretty curious about her. Then her attention turned over towards Vera, and then spoke up. "Once we get to Zigazig we are heading to the digsite right away correct?" Lauren asked.

[rivaan]

---

---

Priscilla Harker

---

Location: The Ferry (Main Deck)
Skills: N/A

---

---

Mosi couldn't help herself but listen to Vera's ongoing and seemingly unceasing tirade about the history of Ancient Egypt and more precisely the lore behind the Gods. Seemed fairly interesting actually, so she paid some attention to it, hearing how some were trying to tie Greek and Egyptian deities in some kind of pattern. Listening to Vera it seemed like a stupid idea, but who knew. Mosi knew that it certainly wasn't her. Aside few buzzwords and things she heard since she arrived, Egyptian Pantheon was about as far away form her as that of Ancient China.

Still her attention was being brought away by the noise of the people gathering at the railings. She made a slightly pouty face for a moment, before she shook her head and decided against going to the railing to watch the vessel move away from the dock. It was probably not so very different from the boat she took from the Americas to Europe after all. Finally she took a seat on the table by Vera. If nothing else to listen to other curious tales of Egypt. Who knew maybe one day, the woman will prove herself right or something... or she was going to get them trapped in a tomb. She had no idea how it would go, but given the way things seemed ot be going around Vera, it was a fair guess.

Mosi then looked at Nora who posed a logical question. Thinking about it she was curious on the topic now as well. She vaguely paid attention to Lauren who seemed to want to help good ol' Mahendra go and rest. Well Mosi herself wasn't going to go lay down just yet. She had more things to do, listen and see. Thus her attention returned to Vera, she was curious on what the woman would reply to Nora's inquiry.

[FantasyChic]

---

---

Josephine Clark

---

Location: The Ferry (Main Deck)
Skills: N/A

---

Jo listened to Vera with half an ear, but she did listen. She was trying to keep up with the historical knowledge being tossed around, but she felt a tad useless. After all, they had powerful minds along with them on this quest. What did she truly bring to the table? Still, she was branded and it seemed she was drawn to this. She was also tougher than she looked. If there truly was danger following them (as recent events seem to have shown), then she would do her best to battle them.

Nora seemed kinder to her, which was a great thing to see. The girl would need work, but she would become something. Jo was sure of it. And their new companion, the pretty girl, now that she was paying attention fully, seemed to be the sister of George. How delightful! Jo breezed over and joined the conversation. "Josephine Clark, darling, delighted to make your acquaintance. What brings you here, if you do not mind my pushing? Are you to join us?"

---

---

Faye Masterson

---

Location: Aboard The Boat (2nd Story Rails)
Skills: N/A

---

Faye merely shook her head at Richard's balking at the supernatural. How many things existed in this world that could not be explained by science and logic? Were we just supposed to accept them and move on? She thought not and she would show Richard how wrong he was. "Yes, we shall see. I know we are going in the right direction, so there's that. Either way, we should hopefully make quick work with this. I'd love to tour around while not on the job."

Faye looked at the crowd now gathered on the deck. She didn't recognize anyone, but then again that was hardly a surprise. There seemed to be a large gathering of sorts. "Quite the large amount of people, don't you think? I'd love to stand here and people watch. Like, I wonder what they are all doing here? Perhaps they, too, are on secret quests? Or adventures? Or just touring. Who knows?"

[Sigil]

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Reginald Keystone

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Location: Docks - The Ferry (Main Deck)
Skills: N/A

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Reginald raised an eyebrow at the young Miss Benaszewski. It was followed by a smile and the shake of his head, both delivered in an amused, casual manner. He had expected a personality like her brother's, being as they were birthed and raised in the exact same set of circumstances. Twins, at that. But he did not immediately take into consideration that their escort, George, had been to war. He had seen some of the worst that humanity could inflict upon one another, and it more than likely changed aspects of him. Perhaps then, Gene would have been a general approximation of Mr. Benaszewski, at least in attitude, before the Great War. All the same, his good-natured head shake was joined by wistful words. "I say, George old boy, we are in the company of a most curious group of ladies, possessing the sight and sound of confidence I've not seen from the fairer sex outside of the front line nurses back in the War." He chortled a little bit at his own recollections before continuing, "How refreshing."

Following George up the gangplank and onto the main deck, he found that he very well could have found Lady Munn and her immediate company from a much farther distance merely by listening for a few key words about Ancient Egypt, delivered in a flowing, dulcet accent of High Britannia. All the same, the gentlemanly arts of propriety must be looked after. Manners were the cornerstone of nobility, in his estimation. Or at least they should be. As they came upon the table wherein sat the very women he was describing earlier, he rested one hand upon the hilt of his stately Officers' sabre as to maneuver the scabbard away from the press of bodies behind him, and addressed the table. "Ladies, it does an old man's heart good to see the lot of us finally embarking upon our journey, and as one. As it happens, I've some time to kill, so to speak, until my belongings are delivered to my stateroom and I receive a final update from my Corporal. Might I join you?"

---

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Haring Reddish

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Location: Docks - The Ferry (Cargo, Below Decks)
Skills: N/A

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Meanwhile, below decks, the final few pallets with the Royal Army and Royal Air Corps seal inscribed upon them had made their way onto the boat. The Corporal was handling the last bit of business, signing appropriate papers with the stevedores and animal handlers to ensure the proper care and provisioning for their animals. He paid special attention to two such creatures; both Arabian horses bred for the purpose of swiftly carrying a trained rider through the scorching desert. One was obviously his, by the way he fussed over it, while the other bore the saddle and tack of a ranking British Officer, ergo more than likely the Lord Major's.

The Corporal made fully sure that personal baggage was set upon a short, wheeled cart by the door, each piece with a paper tag attached with loose twine. The tag had all of the pertinent information of its owner, name, room number, etc., and they were stacked neatly, with Reginald's having easiest access. Silently, his eyes darted over the goods at his party's disposal: Marching gear, camp supplies, foodstuffs of various, mostly nonperishable sources (including some cans of peaches he was eager to get into later on), a few cases of "luxury goods", which likely meant fancy eats and lots of booze, though he had slipped a few personal items in that the women might appreciate; supplies for hygiene and a small vertical tent-like structure commonly used as a camp shower, provided water supplies could be maintained. There was tobacco and mess kits, comfortable nighttime clothing, and the various sundries that separated this trip from a fully military expedition. So much as he respected the Lord Major, he was ever the old soldier.

Maybe they would have to hire on more camels or procure a truck. He could drive a truck, no problem. So long as they could find something to navigate the rocks and dunes of the upper Sahara, life was peachy. Unfortunately, while his mind was playing through the ins and outs of civilian marching logistics, it seemed to scarcely register with him that the remainder of the British soldiery had left Cargo by means of the loading ramp and the doors were being slowly moved shut, with him still inside. The barest look of alarm crossed his face and he ran, long-limbed and spasticly, toward the closing aperture. So close was he to escape, so near to breaking back out into the dying light of the day, when he tripped over his own boots and flopped bonelessly onto the floor.

As he was able to pick himself back up, the doorway remaining was already too slender for even him to fit through. Instead, with his last few seconds he addressed the soldiers and airmen outside, all clamoring for him to get a move on. "Oh damn, damn, and blast it all, how could I have been so clumsy? Listen! I'm in this for the long haul now! Use schedule "B" for the enlisted men until I return, yes? Yes! We'll have it sorted by landfall!"

"Just remember, whatever you do, under no circumstances whatsoever, upon pain of eminent and horrifying demise, for the love of God Almighty and every saint at His disposal, do not..." CLICK. Doors came together and sealed audibly, ensuring that his last instruction would go unfinished. The Corporal's demeanor changed suddenly. He seemed to relax somewhat, and nodded at one of the porters to the side of the interior doors. Suppressing a series of laughs in a way that seemed a little painful, he produced his wallet and slipped three bills into the porter's waiting hand. "Pleasure doing business, sir. My affairs handled? Thank you so much." His voice contained an element of controlled calm it didn't seem to earlier.

Just a hint of swagger showed in his walk as he grabbed his rucksack and slung it over his shoulder. His voice returned to its earlier, more jovial militant tones as he said, "If you'll be kind enough to excuse me, I've got to go find the Lord Major. You've got the bags, yes? Oh thank you, sir!" Exiting Cargo and on his way up from below decks, the Corporal let out his trademark exclamation, a thing which seemed to express his purposes succinctly.

"Lord MAJOR!!!"

From above decks, Reginald could have sworn he heard something familiar. Familiar, and unsettling. He shook off the feeling. It just couldn't be.

...right?

[Lady Absinthia]

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Vera Munn

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Location: Docks - The Ferry (Main Deck)
Skills: History (Ancient Egypt), Mythology (Ancient Egypt)

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Vera thought on the question a moment, as to why the two were linked. "Well the similarities are no doubt there. Both are the daughter of each mythos' central God. Ra and Zeus respectively. Both are said to be a deity over women, children. Both never to wed or have children of their own but these are very broad generalizations. It would be as if to say that since Myself and Miss Clark here are in Egypt at the same time on this boat we should be twins. It is rather preposterous.

Especially if you were to look at the generational linage between the two. We would have to begin with Ra, for in this we find the lynch pin to remove the similarities. Ra is a child of Nun, the first in Egyptian Mythos. While Zeus, is separated from Gaia by two generations. This alone would set Bastet and her actual siblings on even comparison with Zeus and his siblings, and Artemis and Apollo would be more compared with Geb and Nut." Vera sat up more in her seat and shrugged a bit as she stirred a cup of tea. Refreshments provided on the table for the guests.

"Oh yes, I do hope so. I am most excited to be able to finally see this dig site, I would hate to have to put it off a single moment longer than needed," Vera said towards Lauren in a wistful voice before she noticed her uncle had come over with Mr. Benaszewski. She was about to say they were welcome to join in and have a seat, there was plenty of room after all but she found herself slightly tongue tied and then the sound of Lord Major ripped through the scene and she jumped slightly in her seat. Hitting her spoon against the edge of her cup and sending it right towards George. It hitting the tin side of his mask and then clanking against the table. "Oh my... did I do that?..." she said sheepishly as her face went beet red.

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George Benaszewski

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Location: Docks - The Ferry (Main Deck)
Skills: Observation

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Hearing his sister, George coughed a bit and glanced over to with his single eye. His sister did always have a way with words and there was a bit if a smirk from beneath his mask. He hadn't been expecting her but he had to admit that it was nice to have a familiar face near by, someone he could be open with fully and even take his mask off around when it would just be the two of them. He did not think he would be able to do that for many months to come. Gene was one of the few people at the time that he could fully relax around. Perhaps the only one at that moment now that Peter was gone.

Yet even with those thoughts his attention stayed on Vera, watching her and actually more listening to her as he glanced from time to time around the main deck of the ship. It seemed they were nearly ready to go s the engines began to get a bit louder and the steam from the stacks thickened above them several decks up. He stood there quietly, listening, taking a glance around. He should have known better than to take his one good eye off Vera. Even when he heard the Lord Major! cut through all the noise as if it had been a dead silent room. Then he felt the small ting against the tin mask and looked back over to see what had happened.

Looking down he picked up the spoon as the boat finally began to pull out of the harbor and make its way up the Nile. He turned the spoon over a few times before looking over at Vera and seeing she was red as can be. "Mmm, glad I wear armor," he said as he set the spoon down over by her tea cup and then smiled at her. "You have remarkable aim mmmm," he added with a laugh.

[ONL]

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Mahendra Huq Zalil

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Location: The Ferry (Main Deck)
Skills: N/A

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The idea of sitting down being able to help with the pain and dizziness had worked better in his head than it appeared to be in reality. Sure it was comfortable to be able to sit, but the comfort gave way to lowering his shoulder and making him relax, which in turn led to his body recieving the signal that it was time to rest his head. While Vera continued to lecture about the differences between the ever growing list of Egyptian gods, Mahendra fought the growing urge to lay his head on the table and close his eyes. As his head started bobbing forward, he janked it back to an upright position, forcing his eyes wide open to counter-act the bigger load put on them. Perhaps partaking in the conversation would help? "Not to take the subject too far off track, but you mentioned finding the original hieroglyps in Bubastis. Where exactly are they? How do you hope to find them?"

Mahendra finished the question in a well thought-out and determined manner, trying his outmost remain on the plane of the awake. As he looked back to Lauren after she offered to help him to his cabin if he felt uncomfortable, he gave her a tired smile but shook his head. "I appriciate the offer, Lauren, but I think I shall be fi..." he began to say, while his head slumped forward more and more until he finally experienced the horizon not being quite as straight as he'd remembered it. That was it. "On second thought, Lauren, perhaps that is for the best. Please excuse me, my ladies."

Mahendra carefully got up from his seat as the Lord Major and George approached the table, just in time to hear the small metal object hit the one-eyed mask, and perhaps more? No, it had to just be his imagination. "Lord Major, you may take my seat if it suits you, Sir. I think I..." He paused as he steadied himself on the chair. "I should feel much better after short rest. Excuse me please. Lauren, would you be kind?"

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Richard Barker

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Location: Onboard the boat (Second-story rails)
Location: N/A

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"You and me both, Doll. You and me both." Richard too hoped that this business could be taken care of quickly, nodding to Faye's words as he took one last, long, good drag of the cigarette between pursed lips. He wanted this whole affair over and done with, but perhaps not for the same reasons as his feminine partner. He didn't like the sun. He didn't like the heat. He really didn't like the looks people gave him, and he wanted to get payed. He didn't feel the need to be a tourist, New York had more than enough foreign sights.

But he did find the gathering sea of people that Faye pointed out worth taking a second look at. Call it proffesional habit or compulsion, but Richard preferred to know who he was dealing with, even if he wouldn't meet them. Richard looked at Faye as she wondered who those people were and what they could possibly be doing, and shot her a short smile before looking down at the people and throwing away his cigarette. "Who knows, indeed. Probably the same as the two of us; looking for something. Some are maybe looking for idiots who are willing to buy their junk. Some are probably looking for escape from God know's what they've done. Some are just plain old bored and need some excitement in their life. But most probably wouldn't give you a straight answer if you asked."

Richard let his New York-eyes scan the various men and women boarding the boat, observing to men standing out in particular; One tall and lean-looking guy walking like there were something wrong with him, something he couldn't put his finger on quite, but he could guess the guy might have been a veteran from it. Those poor bastards that went Over There and came back usually weren't the same afterwards, physically or mentally. The half face-mask was a dead giveaway too, probably hiding a nasty scar. Richard sighed at the thought, though he had seen plenty of nasty wounds himself, as he turned his attention to the other figure; Army guy, presumably British with more attitude than a Broadway primadonna at the ripe age of 40. "What do you think those army boys are up to then, Faye? They too on an adventure?"

The man was out of sight, but the piercing shriek more than filled out the proverbial void he had left. The detective flinched a whole bit at the voice, closing his eyes and trying to get the the ringing out of his ears as if they had been stabbed by a knife. "Jesus Christ, what was that? Sounded like a plauge-ridden old lady getting run over by the subway train on rusted tracks!"

[Nallore]

Lauren Ridgeway

Location: Docks - The Ferry
Skills: N/A

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Lauren leaned back in her seat as she started to listen to Vera as she spoke, though to her it felt more like mumble jumbo since she never really took to many history classes during her older years either. Then she gave Vera a smile and nod, as her attention turned towards Gene and George as well. "Hello there, nice to meet you." Lauren said towards Gene as she looked at Mahendra he looked like he could end up crashing at any point now, which she could understand he got his face full of glass not to long ago. And on top of that he was on some painkillers as well most likely. Lauren couldn't help but let out a slight giggle as she watched Vera accidentally lose her spoon and hit against George's face.

As her eyes turned over towards Mahendra seeing he almost nodded off yet again and gave him a nod. "Sure thing." Lauren said as she stood up and offered her hand in case he did need any help moving. Then she stopped as she heard the tell tale signs of Reginald's best friend, he did get annoying. "I'll be back, i'll help Mahendra to his cabin." Lauren said as she gently laid a hand on Mahendra's shoulder. "Lets go find your cabin, and please whoever wants to take my seat/" Lauren offered.