Mummy Game 001

[7/31/2013 8:31:15 PM] Kate: Paris, 1922. A few years after the end of the Great War, and the British Empire rules the world--or at least, a full quarter of it. There's a radio in the White House, some fella named Joyce just published a revolutionary book called "Ulysses," and a creepy movie called "Nosferatu" is coming out next month. [7/31/2013 8:33:00 PM] Kate: The biggest news around town, though, is probably is probably today's scheduled execution of Henri Desire Landru, who under a string of pseudonyms seduced and murdered a string of women, burning the bodies in his oven. [7/31/2013 8:34:39 PM] Kate: The crimes shocked even the sophisticated Paris; by the end of his reign of terror 11 women had died, seemingly, mainly to profit Landru himself. [7/31/2013 8:34:42 PM] Felix Cray: ((Ewwwww.)) [7/31/2013 8:36:13 PM] Kate: During his trial he'd made an odd, sideways confession, making a drawing and noting "indeed the stove in which a thing has been burned." His sentence will be carried out today and it's all everybody is talking about. [7/31/2013 8:37:28 PM] Kate: You're at one of your usual "offices"--probably a bar--when a small boy in carefully-patched clothes taps you on the shoulder. "Mr. Cray?" [7/31/2013 8:38:26 PM] Felix Cray: ((Why did the guy do this? The burning?)) [7/31/2013 8:39:05 PM] Kate: Oh, to hide the bodies, of course. No body, no crime. Or so they say. [7/31/2013 8:39:23 PM] Felix Cray: ((I mean, why did he kill anyone in the first place? Do they know?)) [7/31/2013 8:39:35 PM] Kate: ((For the money!)) [7/31/2013 8:40:06 PM] Kate: ((There were many widows after the Great War; some had money.)) [7/31/2013 8:40:19 PM] Felix Cray: ((Ahh, okay!)) [7/31/2013 8:40:32 PM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray turns around, looking at the boy. "Yeah?" [7/31/2013 8:40:49 PM] Kate: The boy hands you a telegram and waits expectantly for the tip. [7/31/2013 8:41:30 PM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray hands him a couple of coins, whatever the appropriate gratuity is, reading the telegram. [7/31/2013 8:43:03 PM] Kate: The boy heads off, and the conversation goes on around you, mostly in French, though there are a few other expats here as well. "... heard he chopped 'em up..." "... would've never got caught..." "... smell like roasting meat..." [7/31/2013 8:43:38 PM] Felix Cray: ((Felix most likely *does* speak french fluently.)) [7/31/2013 8:44:13 PM] Kate: The telegram is from Felix's father, Roland H. Cray, and it is marked urgent. [7/31/2013 8:45:39 PM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray reads it! [7/31/2013 8:46:45 PM] Kate: It says, in the clipped, shortened telegraphese people use to send these things: Celestine kidnapped by William Nash, brought to Egypt. Go get her. Whatever it takes. R. H. Cray. [7/31/2013 8:47:11 PM] Kate: Celestine is your youngest sister, age 19. You haven't seen her for literally years. [7/31/2013 8:47:29 PM] Felix Cray: ((WHo is William Nash, do I know?)) [7/31/2013 8:47:53 PM] Kate: You've never heard of him. [7/31/2013 8:49:23 PM] Kate: The murmurs go on around you, the air hazy with the mingled smoke of cigars and cigarettes, cheap tobacco and expensive booze. "... killed her son too..." "... guillotine's too good for that monster..." [7/31/2013 8:49:49 PM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray looks at the bartender, who I assume I know. [7/31/2013 8:50:15 PM] Kate: Yep. You know him; a thin, balding man who seems to subsist entirely on cigarettes and whiskey fumes. [7/31/2013 8:50:59 PM] Kate: His name is Bertrand. [7/31/2013 8:51:49 PM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray flags him down. "Need another tea, Bertrand." [7/31/2013 8:52:15 PM] Kate: Bertrand: ... that stuff will kill you. I hear it's made of leaves. [7/31/2013 8:52:33 PM] Kate: He  makes an exaggerated face and goes into the back, where there's a tiny kitchen. [7/31/2013 8:53:33 PM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray reads the telegram again, as if reading it will reveal hidden answers! [7/31/2013 8:54:09 PM] Kate: For what it's worth, the telegram was certainly typical of Felix's father. No excess words, so no wasted money, and peremptory as hell, with absolutely no affection whatsoever. [7/31/2013 8:54:57 PM] Kate: And the last time you saw Celestine, it was before the war. [7/31/2013 8:55:31 PM] Kate: She was a kid. [7/31/2013 8:56:27 PM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray sighs, putting the telegram in his pocket and going back to reading the newspaper for now, mentally setting up travel arrangements. [7/31/2013 8:58:32 PM] Kate: It will take a while to get there; probably a steamer would be best. [7/31/2013 8:59:50 PM] Kate: After a couple of hours, you get a second telegram, also from your father. It says nothing other than "Go to Shepheard's, Cairo. R.H. Cray." [7/31/2013 9:00:25 PM] Felix Cray: Thanks dad. 'Egypt' was a bit vague. [7/31/2013 9:02:23 PM] Kate: You sit brooding with your tea and listening people talk about the serial killer for the rest of the evening; it's otherwise pretty uneventful. At one point, a barfight threatens to break out, but Bertrand manages to head it off. [7/31/2013 9:04:05 PM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray eventually heads home to do his packing and preparing. [7/31/2013 9:05:00 PM] Kate: Easily done! [7/31/2013 9:05:34 PM] Kate: You catch a steamer to Cairo, though of course there are other stops on the way. [7/31/2013 9:06:50 PM] Kate: The accomodations aren't comfortable, as you chose the quickest ride you could get, but the sailors are pretty friendly and by the end of the trip, you're up a couple of francs and an odd number of pounds, plus a few German marks. [7/31/2013 9:07:51 PM] Kate: Some poker, a couple of dice games. [7/31/2013 9:08:19 PM] Felix Cray: ((Woot! Scooooore. So I get to Cairo without trouble?)) [7/31/2013 9:09:20 PM] Kate: You get to Cairo without trouble, though the sailors *do* seem to tease you a whole helluva lot for not drinking. You acquire the nickname "Leafsucker" and everyone seems to assume you're English. [7/31/2013 9:09:41 PM] Kate: Has Felix been to Egypt before, I assume? [7/31/2013 9:10:03 PM] Felix Cray: ((Yep!)) [7/31/2013 9:12:33 PM] Kate: It seems much as he left it, but if he's reading the papers he knows that actually, that's not the case. There's been a revolution, uprisings, demonstrations and finally, in 1921, martial law was declared amid increasing violence. [7/31/2013 9:13:21 PM] Kate: The Egyptian nationalist movement is growing and conflicting with that is the British determination to hold onto the strategically-important Suez Canal. [7/31/2013 9:14:21 PM] Kate: Lately there have been all kinds of rumors about the UK releasing Egypt and making it independent; in any case, the country has been in a precarious, dangerous position for quite some time now. [7/31/2013 9:15:50 PM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray leaves the dock, heading to a cafe he knows, first, before heading to 'Shepheard's', whatever that is. He packs light, probably only has one bag, with his sword wrapped up. [7/31/2013 9:17:29 PM] Kate: People barely seem to notice you; Cairo is the city of the thousand minarets, the capital of Egypt and one of the most beautiful places on earth; its music, dance and architecture are legendary. [7/31/2013 9:19:09 PM] Kate: It's also filled with an astonishing mix of people--Muslims, Christians, Coptic Christians, many Egyptians but also a vast mixture of other nationalities, archaeologists studying, tourists visiting, and of course the British soldiers keeping an eye out for potential revolution and violence. [7/31/2013 9:20:48 PM] Kate: The cafe hasn't changed much since you left it--crowded, with a bizarre mixture of languages and nationalities, focused on serving booze to expats and coffee and tea to good Muslims. [7/31/2013 9:22:37 PM] Kate: The British have been in charge here for 40 years; the tea is excellent, and available in many varieties, with British-style accoutrements if you wish, or with the savory Egyptian style food that has yet to become popular with most of the Imperialists. [7/31/2013 9:22:42 PM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray mostly wants to get the lay of the land. [7/31/2013 9:24:34 PM] Kate: There are more guards around than you recall the last time you were here, but while they do seem watchful, they don't seem to be poised on a hair-trigger, and the British citizens you see--easily identifiable because they refuse to make a single change in their garments or style--seem pretty comfortable walking alone or in small groups without fear. [7/31/2013 9:25:11 PM] Kate: In other words, while there is some tension, the whole thing is *not* poised on a knife's edge, nor is it a powder keg awaiting a spark. [7/31/2013 9:25:25 PM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray goes up the the 'bar'keep, someone probably known to him. [7/31/2013 9:27:25 PM] Kate: It's Old John, an Egyptian Copt who is actually probably only 35 or so, but he has a son called John as well. John's English is better than his French, and he likes to get practice with said English whenever possible. [7/31/2013 9:28:56 PM] Kate: It's about 70 degrees today, and somewhat humid, by the way--you've arrived in the middle of the Egyptian winter. [7/31/2013 9:30:11 PM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray goes right up to the bar. "Old John!" [7/31/2013 9:31:14 PM] Kate: John looks up. "Felix Cray, I do not believe it! How long has it been? Do you still drink only the tea? Do you have yet a wife, children?" [7/31/2013 9:32:01 PM] Felix Cray: Yes, no, and no, respectively. How's young John? [7/31/2013 9:34:03 PM] Kate: John spits. "He wishes to go to the University." [7/31/2013 9:34:35 PM] Felix Cray: Sorry to hear that, John. So, how have things been? [7/31/2013 9:35:44 PM] Kate: John: Bah, he only wishes not to work! Things are good, good. I cannot complain. [7/31/2013 9:36:32 PM] Felix Cray: Hey, listen... you know someone named William Nash? [7/31/2013 9:38:36 PM] Kate: John: William Nash. William Nash? No, I do not think so. He is American, like you? [7/31/2013 9:39:08 PM] Felix Cray: I think so. [7/31/2013 9:40:06 PM] Kate: John tilts his head on one side, and starts wiping off the bar with a rag. "... I do not think I recall!" [7/31/2013 9:40:26 PM] Felix Cray: Thanks. You know of a place I can stay? [7/31/2013 9:40:39 PM] Kate: John: You can stay with me and my family! [7/31/2013 9:40:54 PM] Kate: .... John has a wife and at least six children that you know of, and possibly more. [7/31/2013 9:41:17 PM] Felix Cray: As much as I appreciate the hospitality, I think I might need a bit more privacy. [7/31/2013 9:42:29 PM] Kate: John shrugs. "There are many hotels, unless you mean to stay in town. What brings you back to the gem of the Nile?" [7/31/2013 9:43:19 PM] Felix Cray: Oh, some business. Can you recommend a good one? [7/31/2013 9:44:29 PM] Kate: John: British, French, German? Americans buy and build their own homes, they have more money than the brains. Shepheard's is too rich for you, you would have to wear the tie for that. [7/31/2013 9:44:46 PM] Felix Cray: Tell me about Shepheard's. [7/31/2013 9:47:27 PM] Kate: John shrugs. "British say it is the best hotel in town, but the food is British, so you tell me." [7/31/2013 9:48:06 PM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray chuckles. "Horribly bland, boiled food, huh?" [7/31/2013 9:49:17 PM] Kate: He makes a face. "It is all white." [7/31/2013 9:50:02 PM] Felix Cray: Well, thanks, Old John. I'll be back once I'm settled in. [7/31/2013 9:50:41 PM] Kate: John: I am not that old! Bah. [7/31/2013 9:53:01 PM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray grins and heads to Shepheard's. [7/31/2013 9:55:18 PM] Kate: It's amazing! It's considered the best hotel in Cairo and for a good reason--it's huge and terribly, terribly British--it even served as the British HQ in the Near East during the war. [7/31/2013 9:55:51 PM] Kate: Grand, opulent, and renovated multiple times, it's a beautiful place. You probably *had* heard of it, but your dear, dear father gave absolutely no context in his telegram. [7/31/2013 9:57:14 PM] Kate: It's a pretty big hotel, and it seems like most of the people here are British and most of the employees are British, though the people at the front desk appear to be Europeans of some kind. [7/31/2013 9:57:31 PM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray goes to the front desk! [7/31/2013 9:58:19 PM | Edited 9:58:28 PM] Kate: Desk guy: You have a reservation? [7/31/2013 9:58:32 PM] Felix Cray: Cray. [7/31/2013 9:59:50 PM] Kate: You notice a *very* pretty woman with her back to you, across the room; she's wearing a striking red-and-black, very fashionable gown that's just a little too short to be totally socially acceptable, as well as expensive shoes, and she's smoking a cigarette in a holder. [7/31/2013 10:00:54 PM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray glances at her with his one eye. [7/31/2013 10:02:27 PM] Kate: Good legs, fashionable flapper get-up, funky little hat. .... except when she turns around, she's just-barely recognizable as your own little sister. [7/31/2013 10:02:50 PM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray sighs. [7/31/2013 10:03:03 PM] Felix Cray: Celestine? [7/31/2013 10:03:29 PM] Kate: Celestine: ... Felix? Is that you?? [7/31/2013 10:03:37 PM] Kate: She dashes over and gives you a big hug! [7/31/2013 10:04:04 PM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray hugs her back. "... you don't seem to be in a great deal of peril." [7/31/2013 10:04:24 PM] Kate: Celestine: .... peril? Should I be in peril? [7/31/2013 10:04:43 PM] Kate: Celestine: How are you here? When did you get here? Are you working here again? [7/31/2013 10:05:02 PM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray shows her the first telegram. [7/31/2013 10:05:03 PM] Kate: She's wearing *makeup.* SCANDAL. [7/31/2013 10:05:25 PM] Kate: Celestine takes it and reads it. "... why that no-good, rotten... *that's* what he's been telling people?" [7/31/2013 10:05:55 PM] Kate: Celestine: ... Felix, if you've come here to drag me back to America by the hair... [7/31/2013 10:06:02 PM] Felix Cray: Of course not. [7/31/2013 10:06:09 PM] Felix Cray: Let me guess, this Nash is your sweetheart? [7/31/2013 10:06:21 PM] Kate: Her eyes narrow, and she jabs the air with her cigarette. "... good, because I won't have it. It's simply too, *too.*" [7/31/2013 10:07:00 PM] Kate: Celestine: Well he *was*, but he's terribly dull. Claims to be *such* a great flyer, so we go up, and he's sick as a dog the *whole time.* [7/31/2013 10:07:21 PM] Kate: Celestine: So of course I threw him over as soon as we got on *solid ground.* [7/31/2013 10:07:47 PM] Kate: Celestine: And *then* he made a scene, all this *crying* and *blubbering.* [7/31/2013 10:08:52 PM] Kate: She rolls her eyes. "'Oh but darling, I love you, I thought we were engaged!' As if I would stoop to *that* level." [7/31/2013 10:09:22 PM] Felix Cray: Some men can't take a 'no'. [7/31/2013 10:09:49 PM] Kate: Celestine: He absolutely refused to let me drive in any case. What use have I with a man like that? [7/31/2013 10:10:17 PM] Kate: Celestine: He took it after I broke his nose. I'm sure Daddy will be very happy. Hmph. [7/31/2013 10:10:48 PM] Kate: Her little lipsticked mouth turns down in a frown. This draws the notice of every man in the room, but none of them do anything about it. [7/31/2013 10:11:04 PM] Felix Cray: That true? Well, all right. Good for you. [7/31/2013 10:11:42 PM] Kate: Celestine: Just like you taught me! Remember? Oh you got into *such trouble.* [7/31/2013 10:12:36 PM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray smiles. [7/31/2013 10:13:18 PM] Kate: Finally one of the porters, a young Egyptian boy, clears his throat bravely, sidling up to you both and eyeing the extremely disreputable-looking Felix. "Excuse me, miss, is he.... is he bothering you?" [7/31/2013 10:14:32 PM] Kate: It's worth noting that Felix could probably throw the skinny kid across the room one-handed. [7/31/2013 10:15:03 PM] Kate: Celestine: Oh no, don't be silly! This is my brother, Mr. Cray. I'm sure you have a room available for him, don't you? Be a dear and see to it. [7/31/2013 10:15:29 PM] Kate: The kid turns bright red and scuttles behind the front desk and starts a quiet-voiced argument with the man there. [7/31/2013 10:16:22 PM] Felix Cray: Thanks. Dad sent me here. I don't know that he was expecting me to find you here. [7/31/2013 10:18:26 PM] Kate: Celestine: Well where else would I *be*? Shepheard's is simply the *most.* And now what are you going to do here now that Daddy's dragged you all the way here? He's *so* silly sometimes, Felix, you just don't know. Positively irrational! He thinks I'm about to marry every boy I meet at a party. I'm thinking about buying a plane. [7/31/2013 10:22:34 PM] Felix Cray: It is pretty nice. Feel like I'm lowering the tone just being here. [7/31/2013 10:22:53 PM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray shrugs. "Well, I thought you might be in trouble, so I came." [7/31/2013 10:23:38 PM] Kate: Celestine hugs Felix again. Every other man in the room probably now wants to kill him, except the Egyptian porter who knows better. [7/31/2013 10:24:32 PM] Kate: Celestine: That's so sweet, but I can take care of myself. Tell Daddy he's being a goose! Only telegraph him later, let's go in to dinner. ... of course you had better change first. [7/31/2013 10:25:13 PM] Felix Cray: Good idea. I just got off the steamer an hour or so ago. [7/31/2013 10:25:16 PM] Kate: The boy has a brief wrestling match with the front desk man over the key, but wins out due to his superior agility, and zips over to Felix to hand him the key to a room, with the room number attached. [7/31/2013 10:25:30 PM] Felix Cray: Thank you. [7/31/2013 10:25:35 PM] Kate: Celestine: Oh, no wonder, you *do* smell a bit like fish, if you don't mind my saying so. [7/31/2013 10:26:08 PM] Kate: Celestine smiles at the kid, who turns bright red and stammers something that sounds a vaguely like "thank you" in Arabic, and wanders off. [7/31/2013 10:28:41 PM] Kate: Celestine: The people here are so *nice.* [7/31/2013 10:29:25 PM] Felix Cray: Hospitality is very important in this part of the world. [7/31/2013 10:29:52 PM] Felix Cray: So, how long have you been here? [7/31/2013 10:32:06 PM] Kate: Celestine smiles. "Oh, two whole days! It's so much nicer without Nashie, all he ever did was complain. Do you have a car? You should get one, they're *lovely.*" [7/31/2013 10:33:06 PM] Felix Cray: Of course I do, but it's back in Paris. [7/31/2013 10:35:34 PM] Kate: There's another shoving match at the front desk; this time the front desk guy you talked to before prevails and brings Felix a closed wooden packing box. "This was waiting for you, Mr. Cray." [7/31/2013 10:35:45 PM] Kate: Celestine: Oh, well, we'll just have to get another one, then. [7/31/2013 10:35:47 PM] Kate: She smiles. [7/31/2013 10:36:07 PM] Felix Cray: ((How big a box?)) [7/31/2013 10:36:34 PM] Kate: Shoebox sized. [7/31/2013 10:36:40 PM | Edited 10:36:48 PM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray opens it up! [7/31/2013 10:36:59 PM] Kate: It's money. British pounds, specifically. [7/31/2013 10:37:02 PM] Kate: Quite a bit of it. [7/31/2013 10:37:22 PM] Kate: Celestine looks at it. "Hmph, Daddy can be so crass sometimes. It's a bribe for bringing me home." [7/31/2013 10:37:44 PM] Felix Cray: Never really had a lot of use for his money. [7/31/2013 10:38:09 PM] Kate: Celestine: Well I certainly think you ought to spend it! [7/31/2013 10:38:34 PM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray shrugs. "Nah.  It's not like I intend to send you back." [7/31/2013 10:40:00 PM] Kate: Celestine opens her eyes wide. "Of *course* not. But all the same we must strike back however we can. Now go and dress for dinner, I'll make sure they have room." [7/31/2013 10:40:19 PM] Kate: She smiles and goes to talk to the people at the front desk. [7/31/2013 10:41:18 PM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray looks at the egyptian boy. "Hey, where can I get some clothes for dinner?" [7/31/2013 10:45:52 PM] Kate: The boy looks you up and down. "... I can bring you some. British or Egyptian?" [7/31/2013 10:46:03 PM] Felix Cray: British. [7/31/2013 10:46:21 PM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray gives him a generous tip out of his father's money. "What's your name?" [7/31/2013 10:47:20 PM] Kate: Boy: Daoud, sir. [7/31/2013 10:48:10 PM] Felix Cray: Thanks Daoud. [7/31/2013 10:48:54 PM] Kate: Daoud nods and runs off. [7/31/2013 10:49:47 PM] Kate: You're left in the lobby of a beautiful hotel alone, having been hugged by a lovely lady, who is unfortunately your sister. ... and seems to be a little more wild than when you left home. [7/31/2013 10:50:24 PM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray thinks he should go find his room so he can shave! [7/31/2013 10:50:37 PM] Kate: Indeed, you scruffy nerfherder. [7/31/2013 10:50:48 PM] Kate: A bagboy sidles up to you and offers to take your bag. [7/31/2013 10:52:31 PM] Felix Cray: I can manage it. Thanks, though. [7/31/2013 10:53:40 PM] Kate: He nods and skitters off. [7/31/2013 10:53:55 PM] Kate: There are signs directing you to the area in which your room can be found. [7/31/2013 10:56:26 PM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray follows them! [7/31/2013 10:58:35 PM] Kate: It's a very posh room! Spacious for the time, with a tiny bathroom with hot and cold running water, a shower and a bath, all very clean and with the most luxurious appointments, in blues and greens. [7/31/2013 11:00:54 PM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray gives a low whistle and sets his stuff down, heading into the bathroom to shave! [7/31/2013 11:01:23 PM] Kate: He has half his face shaved when someone bursts into his room and shuts the door behind them! [7/31/2013 11:01:42 PM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray spins, razor at the ready! [7/31/2013 11:03:12 PM] Kate: It's a short, chubby girl wearing frumpy European-style clothes and a rather improbable hat. She has short blonde hair that looked like it recently exploded, was sat on by a large cat and then exploded again, and she's wearing a blue dress meant for someone with no boobs and a flat tummy, which is definitely not her. [7/31/2013 11:04:30 PM] Kate: Girl: ... ah, hello! I do not suppose that you would be so kind as to allow me to hide, perhaps in your bathroom, where you have been shaving? [7/31/2013 11:04:38 PM] Kate: She smiles cheerfully. [7/31/2013 11:04:53 PM] Felix Cray: ... hide from what? [7/31/2013 11:05:14 PM] Kate: There's a knock on the door, heavy and hard, and she squeaks. "Them!" [7/31/2013 11:05:27 PM] Kate: She has a very thick German accent and sort of resembles a cute little Hummel figurine. [7/31/2013 11:05:54 PM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray jerks his head toward the bathroom and heads toward the door, taking his eyepatch off. [7/31/2013 11:07:17 PM] Kate: She zips into the bathroom, and the door opens to reveal one Egyptian man and two white guys. "Excuse me, have you seen a woman in this room? She's stolen something from us and we need to bring her to the police." [7/31/2013 11:07:55 PM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray looks at the man, ruined eye all apparent, half-shaven. "What are you talking about?" [7/31/2013 11:09:03 PM] Kate: It's one of the white guys who's talking, and he flinches a bit at the eye. He has a British accent. "A woman, short, blonde. She stole something. ... nevermind, you'd remember her if you, er... saw her." [7/31/2013 11:09:35 PM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray *stares* at him. "Are we done?  I have a dinner to get ready for." [7/31/2013 11:09:46 PM] Kate: Man: Well, if you see her, let me know. [7/31/2013 11:09:59 PM] Kate: He closes the door, handlebar mustache twitching. [7/31/2013 11:10:34 PM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray sighs, and puts the eyepatch back on, locking the door and heading back to the bathroom. [7/31/2013 11:11:26 PM] Kate: The girl has stepped into the shower, presumably; the curtain is drawn. [7/31/2013 11:11:53 PM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray goes back to shaving. "What did you steal?" [7/31/2013 11:12:35 PM] Kate: She pulls the curtains back across; her hair looks even wilder now, somehow. "I did not steal anything!" [7/31/2013 11:12:54 PM] Kate: She gestures, vaguely, and a bunch of gold jewelry drops onto the bathroom floor. [7/31/2013 11:13:50 PM] Felix Cray: Right. Well. Never steal from people you can't outrun or outfight. [7/31/2013 11:14:28 PM] Kate: Girl: ... I could not fight any one, I think. [7/31/2013 11:15:29 PM] Kate: She scrambles out of the bathtub. She slips on her way, grabs the curtain and pulls it down as she falls, ending up face-up on the floor with the curtain wrapped around her. "... I believe I have bruised myself." [7/31/2013 11:16:46 PM] Felix Cray: What the heck happened? [7/31/2013 11:17:06 PM] Kate: Girl: I have fallen. [7/31/2013 11:17:22 PM] Kate: She wriggles a bit, but can't get her arms out from under the shower curtain. [7/31/2013 11:17:45 PM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray helps her up. [7/31/2013 11:18:54 PM] Kate: Girl: Ah, thank you!! [7/31/2013 11:19:07 PM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray checks his pockets. [7/31/2013 11:19:15 PM] Kate: She beams cherubically. "But I have *not* stolen, it is a crime I wish to prevent, you see." [7/31/2013 11:19:27 PM] Kate: She picks up one of the chains. [7/31/2013 11:19:48 PM] Felix Cray: ...by stealing. [7/31/2013 11:20:08 PM] Kate: Girl: ... er, well... [7/31/2013 11:20:37 PM] Kate: Girl: ... perhaps borrowing but not stealing. You see this pendant, it is not real. [7/31/2013 11:21:25 PM] Kate: She hands it to him, and then points at it helpfully. "The traces of paint, they are not discolored as they should be, and this letter, here, was not written so at the same time as this letter, see?" [7/31/2013 11:22:17 PM] Felix Cray: .... I really don't care, you realize. I need to get ready for dinner, please. [7/31/2013 11:23:21 PM] Kate: Girl: ... but you should care, should you not? It is a fake, it is not real. [7/31/2013 11:23:34 PM] Felix Cray: So? [7/31/2013 11:23:46 PM] Kate: If you look at the pendant at all, you can tell she's right, although it *is* a rather good fake. [7/31/2013 11:25:01 PM] Felix Cray: It's a fake. So? [7/31/2013 11:25:54 PM] Kate: Girl: ... so it should not be sold. I have been trying to trace these fakes, these and others have only recently come upon the market, and I believe there is a criminal organization behind it. [7/31/2013 11:26:58 PM] Felix Cray: So. Cairo Jewelry Police, I presume? [7/31/2013 11:28:41 PM] Kate: Girl: ... police? No, no, I am not police, I am an artist. [7/31/2013 11:28:58 PM] Felix Cray: So take it to the authorities, then. [7/31/2013 11:29:53 PM] Kate: Girl: ... er, I believe that *was* the authorities. [7/31/2013 11:33:19 PM] Kate: She holds out her hand suddenly. "I am Hildegard von Braun, I am pleased to make your acquaintance, yes?" [7/31/2013 11:34:06 PM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray shakes her hand. "Well.  I have a dinner to get ready for, Hildegard." [7/31/2013 11:35:47 PM] Kate: Hilde: But what is  your name? ... what if they are still out there? [7/31/2013 11:36:47 PM] Felix Cray: Felix. ... you can stay here for another hour, okay? [7/31/2013 11:39:21 PM] Kate: Hilde beams. "Thank you! But you must tell me your name, I must insist. I see you have lost your eye. The war? In France?" [7/31/2013 11:40:18 PM] Felix Cray: Yes, the war. In France. My name is Felix Cray. [7/31/2013 11:40:51 PM] Kate: She shakes his hand and keeps shaking it. [7/31/2013 11:42:22 PM] Kate: Hilde: You have saved me, I am eternally grateful. I did not think that they would chase me here, it is not done, to do such things in Shepheard's, they are most emphatic about it. You did not expect to stay here, I see, but it is a good place all the same, although the food, it is very British, do you not find? [7/31/2013 11:45:41 PM] Kate: Hilde: ... no, you have not been here that long. [7/31/2013 11:45:59 PM] Kate: Hilde: You have just gotten here in fact. But you have been in Egypt before, and you are familiar with antiquities. [7/31/2013 11:49:47 PM] Kate: Hilde: You do not live as a wealthy man but you have been accustomed to such a life in the past, perhaps as a youth. [7/31/2013 11:49:51 PM] Felix Cray: ((Sorry, bathroom.)) [7/31/2013 11:50:19 PM] Kate: Hilde eyes him. "... but not, I think, recently. Yes?" [7/31/2013 11:50:20 PM] Felix Cray: .... nice trick. [7/31/2013 11:53:07 PM] Kate: She beams. "It is not a trick, it is only being observant. Here, you have missed a spot." She holds her hand out for the razor. [7/31/2013 11:53:37 PM] Felix Cray: I've got it, thanks. [7/31/2013 11:53:50 PM] Felix Cray: I knew a carnie who could do that, too. Made some decent money. [7/31/2013 11:55:01 PM] Kate: Hilde: Ah! I had not thought of that. But I am not greatly in need of money at the present. Here, then, it is right there. [7/31/2013 11:55:08 PM] Kate: She points to the missed spot. [7/31/2013 11:56:20 PM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray shaves it. [7/31/2013 11:57:20 PM] Kate: Hilde beams. "Ah, that is much better." [7/31/2013 11:57:41 PM] Kate: There's another knock on the door. Hilde squeaks and hops into the bathtub again, ducking down, now that there's no curtain. [7/31/2013 11:58:05 PM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray goes to the door, expecting it to be Daoud with his clothes. [7/31/2013 11:59:03 PM] Kate: It is. They're in a neatly folded pile. [7/31/2013 11:59:08 PM] Kate: Daoud: Do you need anything else, sir? [7/31/2013 11:59:15 PM] Kate: He has an Egyptian accent but his English is very good. [8/1/2013 12:00:57 AM] Felix Cray: No thank you. Oh,actually,  see that the room isn't disturbed till I get back? No housekeepers or anything. [8/1/2013 12:00:59 AM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray gives him another tip. [8/1/2013 12:01:45 AM] Felix Cray: I had some very rude men pounding on my door a few minutes ago, looking for some thief or something. [8/1/2013 12:01:45 AM] Kate: There's a rustle and a squeak from the bathroom. Daoud smiles knowingly. "Yes, sir." [8/1/2013 12:02:57 AM] Kate: He nods. "I will guard it with my life, sir." [8/1/2013 12:03:39 AM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray gives him a smirk and an expression that says 'I would wink at you if I had two eyes'. [8/1/2013 12:06:38 AM] Kate: He grins widely and steps out. [8/1/2013 12:07:52 AM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray closes the door and starts getting dressed! [8/1/2013 12:09:14 AM] Kate: Hilde, from the bathroom: ... sorry, I have slipped. [8/1/2013 12:09:36 AM] Kate: She steps into the room exactly when Felix's pants are on the ground. I don't know if he wears underwear, but either way she squeaks and turns around. [8/1/2013 12:10:06 AM] Felix Cray: He does. And he's not terribly shy. [8/1/2013 12:11:37 AM] Kate: Hilde: Excuse me! I did not think you were.... er.... in disarray! You are dressing for dinner, yes? [8/1/2013 12:12:10 AM] Felix Cray: Yes, with my sister. [8/1/2013 12:12:49 AM] Felix Cray: Like I said, you can hide out here for a couple more hours. [8/1/2013 12:13:27 AM] Kate: She beams. "Thank you, I am ever so grateful, I will be greatly in your debt." [8/1/2013 12:14:34 AM] Felix Cray: Don't worry about it. [8/1/2013 12:15:35 AM] Kate: Hilde: But perhaps there is something I could do for you, in exchange? [8/1/2013 12:16:09 AM] Felix Cray: I can't think of anything. [8/1/2013 12:16:13 AM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray ties his tie! [8/1/2013 12:16:56 AM] Kate: Hilde: I will think of something. [8/1/2013 12:17:06 AM] Kate: She turns back around. [8/1/2013 12:19:07 AM] Felix Cray: what will you do when you get out of here? [8/1/2013 12:22:27 AM] Kate: Hilde: ... I am not entirely certain. If I return to the expedition I believe I will be caught. [8/1/2013 12:23:30 AM] Felix Cray: What expedition? [8/1/2013 12:24:33 AM] Kate: Hilde: We are searching for a tomb in the Valley of the Kings, I am with an archaeological expedition. I also take the pictures. [8/1/2013 12:25:31 AM] Felix Cray: How did you end up with these fakes, then? [8/1/2013 12:27:55 AM] Kate: Hilde: One of our workers showed them to me, he said he purchased them because he knew I would be interested. I believe there is a vast criminal network that is creating them and selling them to others. [8/1/2013 12:33:05 AM] Felix Cray: Who did you steal them from? [8/1/2013 12:33:54 AM] Kate: Hilde: Er... well... [8/1/2013 12:37:52 AM] Kate: Hilde: I found out where the worker had got them and went in to look. It is an antiquities store nearby. [8/1/2013 12:38:25 AM] Felix Cray: ...and you took it upon yourself to steal them. [8/1/2013 12:38:56 AM] Kate: Hilde: They are forgeries! I could not let some innocent tourist purchase them believing them to be real! [8/1/2013 12:39:02 AM] Kate: She says something in German; do you speak German. [8/1/2013 12:40:20 AM] Felix Cray: ((Probably enough to get by.)) [8/1/2013 12:40:45 AM] Kate: Hilde, in German: Things like these end up in museums and then people think they're real! [8/1/2013 12:42:11 AM] Felix Cray: Alright, just a wild guess, you have a problem with not thinking things through, right? [8/1/2013 12:42:54 AM] Kate: Hilde: ... at times I am impulsive, yes. [8/1/2013 12:43:02 AM] Kate: Hilde: But it is not right to deceive people! [8/1/2013 12:46:14 AM] Felix Cray: Maybe not. But you've put yourself in danger. [8/1/2013 12:47:33 AM] Kate: Hilde: ... well, yes. But I will persevere! [8/1/2013 12:49:43 AM] Kate: She beams. [8/1/2013 12:52:59 AM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray nods. "Well.  Okay, then.  I need to meet my sister." [8/1/2013 12:55:16 AM] Kate: Hilde beams again, and reaches up to straighten his tie. [8/1/2013 12:58:46 AM] Felix Cray: ... you can stay here till I get back, okay? [8/1/2013 12:59:32 AM] Kate: She nods, and smiles. "There, that is very good. Yes." [8/1/2013 1:03:31 AM] Kate: She looks at him expectantly. [8/1/2013 1:03:44 AM] Felix Cray: All right. Thanks. Stay here. Sit tight. [8/1/2013 1:04:33 AM] Kate: She nodnodnods, like a bobblehead. [8/1/2013 1:05:28 AM] Felix Cray: .... anything... else? [8/1/2013 1:06:52 AM] Kate: Hilde: I do not think so! Thank you for your assistance, it is most kind and I am very grateful. [8/1/2013 1:06:59 AM] Kate: She smiles. It's kind of adorable. [8/1/2013 1:08:33 AM] Felix Cray: Felix Cray nods, and goes to meet his sister! [8/1/2013 1:11:05 AM] Kate: And there we'll stop for the night.