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AGELESS Campaign Episode 2 - Temple of the Cat-Goddess
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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 5831456" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 61 "Cetan” (Episode Two, Chapter Twenty-one) - Saturday, September 10, 1882, 6:00 A.M. </strong></p><p></p><p>Cetan was born to the Lakota Tribe. As a young Centaur he gained the attention of the Medicine Man and apprenticed caring for the many wounded in the wars the humans brought against the Centaur Tribes of the central plains. Later life on the reservation was hard and Cetan took work with the blue coats as scout. Many blue coats also came to him 'off duty' for his skills as Medicine Man. </p><p></p><p>From there he was offered work in Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West show . The pay was good, but the 'performances' slowly ate at Cetan's soul. The show traveled far and wide, even across the Atlantic Ocean. Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West show toured England in the summer of '82. Cetan left the show and General Woolsley then hired him as a civilian Scout to work with the British Military during their Egyptian campaign. But over the last few months of the campaign he became disillusioned with the British and resigned. The British then washed their hands of him, leaving him in Egypt. </p><p></p><p>Cetan was north of Cairo in the town of Heliopolis when he came upon an old acquaintance of his, an elven druid and friend of the Lakota named Alsoomse. She was on a mission along with a gunslinger friend of hers named John Wesley Harding. The three are now heading back to the town of Zakazik where the rest of Alsoomse's team is waiting. </p><p></p><p>So the elvan woman Alsoomse, human gunslinger John Wesley Hardin, and Lakota centaur Cetan reached the Heliopolis train depot shortly after dawn. They boarded the northbound train from Cairo for the hour’s ride to Zakazik. The train was comprised of twelve cars: The Locomotive, fuel car, a water tanker, a Pullman 1st Class Passenger car, 2nd Class Passenger car, and a Working Man 3rd Class Passenger car, two box freight cars, a cattle car, two flatbed car and a caboose. </p><p></p><p>The station conductor sought to make Cetan ride in the cattle car, which was filled with horses, donkeys and mules, but Alsoomse made an impassioned plea for better treatment, and so the conductor allowed them access to the 3rd Class Car. The only other passenger on that car was a reporter from the London Times. He said that very few people wanted to head into a war zone, the only others being the opportunists in the forward two compartments. </p><p></p><p>Cetan spoke in Elvish a word of thanks to Alsoomse. He was confused at all the fuss, and wasn't sure what to make of it. This was Cetan's first ride on the iron horse in a car that had windows. He was having a hard time understanding the need. No buffalo here for the two legs to shoot. At least no two leg was handing him a pox laden blanket, or talking about scalps or such. </p><p></p><p>The two leg who was the only other person on the train seemed nervous. Perhaps engaging him in conversation would help. Holding his hand up palm forward as he was taught in the Wild West show Cetan says, "Ug, you speak'em English pale face?" Cetan holds up some desert hare hides, "Trade wampum?" Making a wide hand motion encompassing the train car, "Why they makem you ride in centaur car?"</p><p></p><p>In what Cetan recognizes as a British accent he states "Yes, and I speak the Queen's English, not that corrupted version spoken in the former colonies. As to the 'centaur car', I had this car to myself since the train departed from Cairo, so it is you who is in the Reporter's car. I am pleased to make your acquaintance sir, did I not see you performing last summer in London with that ostentatious Mr. Cody?"</p><p></p><p>Cetan feels more comfortable with the two leg speaking his mind. He doesn't trust the quiet sneaky ones. Somewhat embarrassed about being recognized from the show, he none the less introduces himself and recounts some of the more interesting tidbits in the broken English and hand motions the two legs seem to expect. Then he asks, "What bring'em heap big British Gentleman this way?"</p><p></p><p>He replies, "I am a newspaper reporter for the London Times. There is a considerable interest in this Egyptian Campaign, and I plan to write a first-hand account of what transpires. Zakazik appears to be the closest community of any size to today's anticipated skirmish, and as long as the conflict remains to the southeast rather than southwest of Zakazik, this rail line should allow me to file my stories in Cairo."</p><p></p><p>Cetan replies, “Ug, What Newspaper man knows of Egyptian war? What makem war so interesting?” He replies, "The interest is in the canal, the Suez Canal linking the Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf. That allows ships to travel directly from Europe and Asia without having to sail around Africa. British banking interests financed the building of the canal, so retention of a stable Egyptian government, who will honor those financial commitments, is essential." </p><p></p><p>If the newspaper man can get a hot kettle of water, Cetan will offer to make an herbal tea to lift their spirits and continues conversation. The conductor is able to retrieve tea for them from the front Pullman car. With slightly less broken English and dramatic hand gestures he will introduce himself as Cetan, Hawk Spirit. Allowing the newspaperman time to give his name. He'll ask if the man has covered wars before and how he goes about watching them without dying?</p><p></p><p>The newspaperman introduces himself as Bosworth Rugglesby III, and says that he has been with the London Times, a paper nearly a century old, for the past eight years. Prior to that he was a reporter for the rival London Gazette, and worked as a reporter covering the American Civil War. He adds, "Avoiding dying is easy enough, when the shooting starts move some place where it isn't."</p><p></p><p>Cetan asks where Mr. Rugglesby will be staying in the event that he stumbles on some news worthy information. He then proceeds to compare notes with the reporter on points of interest about the blue coat soldiers. Cetan, doesn't see the Blue coats in a favorable light, from the Indian wars and from years of actually working as scout with them. Mr. Rugglesby indicates that he will be staying at the "Parlor of Bast's Providence Inn", on the northeastern end of the city. When discussing American soldiers, the man indicates that he found them too crude and unimaginative for his liking.</p><p></p><p>Meanwhile, at the train’s destination in Zakazik, Willamina Hamilton Parker and Abigail Marsters were preparing to leave their hotel for a trip to the train deport, to await the arrival of the very same train bringing their companions. Unaware that the others were returning, Mina and Abby were preparing to take the return train back to Heliopolis. Once there, they hoped to find their friends and then stop a French assassination plot. Lawrence Cantrell says goodbye to them and wishes them luck. </p><p></p><p>As Abby and Mina head towards the train deport they see that they are not the only ones with the same idea. They arrive to discover somewhere between eight-hundred and a thousand people already there. Some of the city guards have positioned themselves on the train platform to hold back the crowds once the train arrives. The manager of the Depot is explaining to the crowds that four more trains are scheduled for later the day, so to be patient, that there should be no difficulty getting everybody on board at least one of them.</p><p></p><p>As they stood waiting for the train to come in, Abby tried unsuccessfully to stifle an enormous yawn. "I'm sorry Mrs. Parker. I didn't get that long to sleep and even that wasn't very good; I was worrying about Ben and Cal. And we won't hear anything about them before we leave. I'd best just get used to it, I suppose." Mina says, "Both are very capable young men. I do not know your friend Callum, but I can assure you that Benjamin Trout would have had not difficulty evading trouble....no, let me rephrase that...avoiding capture despite any trouble. So with Benjamin watching Callum's back, I am confident that both are safe.</p><p></p><p>Abby replies, “Worrying isn't generally my nature. I guess Cal suddenly being here just threw me; I really thought I was never going to see that boy again. And then... 'Oh, Hi Abby, I'm here. I'm not really an archeologist, but I didn't lie about my noble bastard parents hating you even though they've never met you. And by the way, I've been a British Spy for years! But I'm out of that now since my cover's blown! Let's pick up where we left off!'" Despite the words Abby's tone was light. "It was good to say that," she laughed. "He'll survive just to drive me crazy. How difficult do you think it'll be to find Sarah Bernhard in Heliopolis?"</p><p></p><p>Mina says, "Probably very difficult, she's both a wizard and one of the world's greatest actresses, she could be anybody and we'd never know it. The only real clue would be that I could should be able to detect magic on her, but this is also part of Arabia, where one in ten people know and use magic." Abby replies, "If we have to, we can fall back to finding the Druidess instead and plan a good defense against Sarah when she comes. We should probably work both angles."</p><p></p><p>Mina says, "Only if we manage to locate the other two, I would not recommend the two of us splitting up otherwise. They probably don't know who you are, but I'm too well known in magic circles." Abby interjects, "Oh no, no splitting up. I've always been adventure-prone, but I've never been involved in something like this. It was bad enough having to go off on my own when I was disguised. And unfortunately I tend to be memorable, at least to men," she said with a hand to the honey-colored hair twisted behind her head. Then she laughed and added, "Well, it's not always unfortunate."</p><p></p><p>Mina smiles and asks, "Men or man? You have been far more animated ever since you ran into Callum Stuart two days ago." Abby answers, “Let's put it this way, Cal isn't the first man to remember me. But as far as me remembering a man... I really am thrilled to see him again, even though he's so cavalier about everything. It's not just Cal, though, the more being more animated. Mrs. Parker, I've struggled to find my place in this group. Not my job, that I know, but my place. In school I was "that smart girl who wanted to go to college". </p><p></p><p>Then I went to college with a whole bunch of girls, and I was "that gorgeous, uninhibited girl". As I moved up further in my career I earned the respect of the people I worked with and I was happy with being "colleague". I fear here I'm a little bit too much like you, a little too much like Alsoomse, and a little more too much like your granddaughter. When it comes to Cal, with him, I know where I stand. At least as far as how we relate to each other. And knowing where I stand always makes me more confident. But not to worry, time will shake things out. On both fronts."</p><p></p><p>Mina replies, "Ah, but you do have a special role to fill with this group, you're my friend and confidant. Normally I have no choice but to bond with the only other female on the team, but not now, half of our team is comprised of women. Furthermore, I am the team leader, something that has never happened before. And while I value the counsel of Alsoomse and Ruby, one is the grandmother of my husband and the other my granddaughter. We are of no relation Abby, your view point is more objective, not clouded by family and history."</p><p></p><p>Abby's smile was genuine as she said, "Mrs. Parker, I'd be pleased to be your friend. And have someone to confide to in return. And as long as I'm not trying to work out my own love life, my vision is usually pretty clear." Mina says, "Well, I for one see a very positive side effect to your former love reappearing at this time. Our team's two acquisitionists, Lawrence and Benjamin, have both been somewhat smitten. Mr. Stuart being here will help them both to focus on the mission at hand rather than potential romantic entanglements."</p><p></p><p>"I must have been focused on the mission; I didn't notice. Good to know I haven't lost my touch," Abby chuckled. "We'll all become friends quick enough and then you won't have to worry about romances. A lot of times I like men for friends better than women, but then again, most women aren't like us." Mina replies, "True, true, and I know what you mean about being too busy for romance on missions. I'd worked with James for almost a half-century, with us even posing as a married couple on many occasions, with never any indication of romantic feelings. That's why his proposal a few years back came as such a surprise</p><p></p><p>"You didn't have any inkling? At all? You must have felt something yourself since you said yes." Mina laughs, "We were always fond of one another, but on most of our missions together either or both of us were married to other people. There's also something comforting in being regarding as "one of the guys" when everybody's life is on the line."</p><p></p><p>Abby states, "I'd say it's essential. If you're working with men who don't think you can take care of yourself, suddenly they're paying more attention to protecting you than to getting the job done. That's where Cal might be a problem. He's never seen me deal with dangerous situations, we were on a dig together in England. It's not that he doesn't think I'm capable, but he doesn't KNOW it, and he has a noble streak."</p><p></p><p>Mina laughs and says, "Let him spend a little time with myself and James, we'll set him straight in no time." As they are talking, more of the city guards arrive to quell the potential riot that might appear when the train arrives. Mina says, "I fear we will not be able to make the first train out just waiting in line behind this crowd. Perhaps we should think of another way to board."</p><p></p><p>Abby says, "That's been in the back of my mind, too. Wouldn't be the most comfortable ride, but we could try to get into a freight car. It'd get us where we want to go. Otherwise we could try to charm someone. I really hate changing people's minds over their own wills though. Anything much more serious, that isn't mundane, is beyond me at this point." </p><p></p><p>Mina says, "The freight car is possible, nearly everybody here has a suitcase or trunk with their most valued possessions, I imagine that is where they will stack it all. But the guards will most likely be closely watching that as well, given how anxious people are to depart." She replies, "Disguise ourselves as railway workers, then carry someone's luggage onto the train?" Abby chuckled. "We can cross the world in moments, but can't get on a train!"</p><p></p><p>A mile to the east, nearing the city gate, are Benjamin ‘Fish’ Trout, accompanied by Hakar, the cousin of Priestess Sabah, after a very long night of traveling across the desert from Tanis, while evading capture from the French Foreign Legion. They note a steady stream of people fleeing the city, the two of them being the only people approaching it. </p><p></p><p>"I'll let you do the talking to Sabah, should the need arise," sighs Fish. The sand in his undershorts is chafing him. It's enough of a distraction he gives hardly a second thought to all the loot that passers-by have stowed in their steam trunks and saddlebags. One of the guards knows Hakar well, which facilitates their quick entry into the city. Just for practice, Fish takes note how securely the guard's sidearm is secured.</p><p></p><p>Once past the prying eyes of the guards and inside the city gates, Fish quickly steps into the nearest alley or deep alcove, pulling Hakar with him. He immediately reverses his own cloak and tucks the hood under the collar, transforming its appearance from a dull grey road garment to a mustard yellow overcoat. He pulls his ponytail from its tie-band and shakes his hair loose over his shoulders. He pulls a thin silk bag from the top of his boot and yanks Hakar's cloak off, stuffing it in the sack.</p><p></p><p>"That should get us past the first glance, which is all that usually matters!" whispers Fish, slapping a simple, wrinkled fez atop his companion's head. "Now let's go meet up with the rest of the party!" Hakar replies, "I have to first let Sabah know that we are back and that we were successful." "Lead the way!" quips Fish, as they step back into the street. He remains especially observant of their surroundings as they proceed.</p><p></p><p>Nobody gives them a second glance. Ben notes the heightened tension within the city. They arrive at the temple to find it packed, with tens of dozens of people there offering prayers and making sacrifices to Bast. Sabah is up on a podium saying prayers. She then makes eye contact with Hakar and Fish. </p><p></p><p>"Do we just wait until she's free, Hack?" whispers Fish. He idly inspects the clasp on the finely-braided gold necklace adorning the pretty neck of the young woman standing ahead of him. He replies, "No, she's seen us, and is smart enough to put one and one together. Staying would actually make her think something was wrong and we needed her. If we go now we won't interrupt her work, these people need her more than we do."</p><p></p><p>"The streets are even more crowded than this blessed sanctuary, Hack. Let's be on our way," says Fish with some impatience. "If I'm not mistaken, the masses are making their way to the train station."</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 5831456, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 61 "Cetan” (Episode Two, Chapter Twenty-one) - Saturday, September 10, 1882, 6:00 A.M. [/B] Cetan was born to the Lakota Tribe. As a young Centaur he gained the attention of the Medicine Man and apprenticed caring for the many wounded in the wars the humans brought against the Centaur Tribes of the central plains. Later life on the reservation was hard and Cetan took work with the blue coats as scout. Many blue coats also came to him 'off duty' for his skills as Medicine Man. From there he was offered work in Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West show . The pay was good, but the 'performances' slowly ate at Cetan's soul. The show traveled far and wide, even across the Atlantic Ocean. Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West show toured England in the summer of '82. Cetan left the show and General Woolsley then hired him as a civilian Scout to work with the British Military during their Egyptian campaign. But over the last few months of the campaign he became disillusioned with the British and resigned. The British then washed their hands of him, leaving him in Egypt. Cetan was north of Cairo in the town of Heliopolis when he came upon an old acquaintance of his, an elven druid and friend of the Lakota named Alsoomse. She was on a mission along with a gunslinger friend of hers named John Wesley Harding. The three are now heading back to the town of Zakazik where the rest of Alsoomse's team is waiting. So the elvan woman Alsoomse, human gunslinger John Wesley Hardin, and Lakota centaur Cetan reached the Heliopolis train depot shortly after dawn. They boarded the northbound train from Cairo for the hour’s ride to Zakazik. The train was comprised of twelve cars: The Locomotive, fuel car, a water tanker, a Pullman 1st Class Passenger car, 2nd Class Passenger car, and a Working Man 3rd Class Passenger car, two box freight cars, a cattle car, two flatbed car and a caboose. The station conductor sought to make Cetan ride in the cattle car, which was filled with horses, donkeys and mules, but Alsoomse made an impassioned plea for better treatment, and so the conductor allowed them access to the 3rd Class Car. The only other passenger on that car was a reporter from the London Times. He said that very few people wanted to head into a war zone, the only others being the opportunists in the forward two compartments. Cetan spoke in Elvish a word of thanks to Alsoomse. He was confused at all the fuss, and wasn't sure what to make of it. This was Cetan's first ride on the iron horse in a car that had windows. He was having a hard time understanding the need. No buffalo here for the two legs to shoot. At least no two leg was handing him a pox laden blanket, or talking about scalps or such. The two leg who was the only other person on the train seemed nervous. Perhaps engaging him in conversation would help. Holding his hand up palm forward as he was taught in the Wild West show Cetan says, "Ug, you speak'em English pale face?" Cetan holds up some desert hare hides, "Trade wampum?" Making a wide hand motion encompassing the train car, "Why they makem you ride in centaur car?" In what Cetan recognizes as a British accent he states "Yes, and I speak the Queen's English, not that corrupted version spoken in the former colonies. As to the 'centaur car', I had this car to myself since the train departed from Cairo, so it is you who is in the Reporter's car. I am pleased to make your acquaintance sir, did I not see you performing last summer in London with that ostentatious Mr. Cody?" Cetan feels more comfortable with the two leg speaking his mind. He doesn't trust the quiet sneaky ones. Somewhat embarrassed about being recognized from the show, he none the less introduces himself and recounts some of the more interesting tidbits in the broken English and hand motions the two legs seem to expect. Then he asks, "What bring'em heap big British Gentleman this way?" He replies, "I am a newspaper reporter for the London Times. There is a considerable interest in this Egyptian Campaign, and I plan to write a first-hand account of what transpires. Zakazik appears to be the closest community of any size to today's anticipated skirmish, and as long as the conflict remains to the southeast rather than southwest of Zakazik, this rail line should allow me to file my stories in Cairo." Cetan replies, “Ug, What Newspaper man knows of Egyptian war? What makem war so interesting?” He replies, "The interest is in the canal, the Suez Canal linking the Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf. That allows ships to travel directly from Europe and Asia without having to sail around Africa. British banking interests financed the building of the canal, so retention of a stable Egyptian government, who will honor those financial commitments, is essential." If the newspaper man can get a hot kettle of water, Cetan will offer to make an herbal tea to lift their spirits and continues conversation. The conductor is able to retrieve tea for them from the front Pullman car. With slightly less broken English and dramatic hand gestures he will introduce himself as Cetan, Hawk Spirit. Allowing the newspaperman time to give his name. He'll ask if the man has covered wars before and how he goes about watching them without dying? The newspaperman introduces himself as Bosworth Rugglesby III, and says that he has been with the London Times, a paper nearly a century old, for the past eight years. Prior to that he was a reporter for the rival London Gazette, and worked as a reporter covering the American Civil War. He adds, "Avoiding dying is easy enough, when the shooting starts move some place where it isn't." Cetan asks where Mr. Rugglesby will be staying in the event that he stumbles on some news worthy information. He then proceeds to compare notes with the reporter on points of interest about the blue coat soldiers. Cetan, doesn't see the Blue coats in a favorable light, from the Indian wars and from years of actually working as scout with them. Mr. Rugglesby indicates that he will be staying at the "Parlor of Bast's Providence Inn", on the northeastern end of the city. When discussing American soldiers, the man indicates that he found them too crude and unimaginative for his liking. Meanwhile, at the train’s destination in Zakazik, Willamina Hamilton Parker and Abigail Marsters were preparing to leave their hotel for a trip to the train deport, to await the arrival of the very same train bringing their companions. Unaware that the others were returning, Mina and Abby were preparing to take the return train back to Heliopolis. Once there, they hoped to find their friends and then stop a French assassination plot. Lawrence Cantrell says goodbye to them and wishes them luck. As Abby and Mina head towards the train deport they see that they are not the only ones with the same idea. They arrive to discover somewhere between eight-hundred and a thousand people already there. Some of the city guards have positioned themselves on the train platform to hold back the crowds once the train arrives. The manager of the Depot is explaining to the crowds that four more trains are scheduled for later the day, so to be patient, that there should be no difficulty getting everybody on board at least one of them. As they stood waiting for the train to come in, Abby tried unsuccessfully to stifle an enormous yawn. "I'm sorry Mrs. Parker. I didn't get that long to sleep and even that wasn't very good; I was worrying about Ben and Cal. And we won't hear anything about them before we leave. I'd best just get used to it, I suppose." Mina says, "Both are very capable young men. I do not know your friend Callum, but I can assure you that Benjamin Trout would have had not difficulty evading trouble....no, let me rephrase that...avoiding capture despite any trouble. So with Benjamin watching Callum's back, I am confident that both are safe. Abby replies, “Worrying isn't generally my nature. I guess Cal suddenly being here just threw me; I really thought I was never going to see that boy again. And then... 'Oh, Hi Abby, I'm here. I'm not really an archeologist, but I didn't lie about my noble bastard parents hating you even though they've never met you. And by the way, I've been a British Spy for years! But I'm out of that now since my cover's blown! Let's pick up where we left off!'" Despite the words Abby's tone was light. "It was good to say that," she laughed. "He'll survive just to drive me crazy. How difficult do you think it'll be to find Sarah Bernhard in Heliopolis?" Mina says, "Probably very difficult, she's both a wizard and one of the world's greatest actresses, she could be anybody and we'd never know it. The only real clue would be that I could should be able to detect magic on her, but this is also part of Arabia, where one in ten people know and use magic." Abby replies, "If we have to, we can fall back to finding the Druidess instead and plan a good defense against Sarah when she comes. We should probably work both angles." Mina says, "Only if we manage to locate the other two, I would not recommend the two of us splitting up otherwise. They probably don't know who you are, but I'm too well known in magic circles." Abby interjects, "Oh no, no splitting up. I've always been adventure-prone, but I've never been involved in something like this. It was bad enough having to go off on my own when I was disguised. And unfortunately I tend to be memorable, at least to men," she said with a hand to the honey-colored hair twisted behind her head. Then she laughed and added, "Well, it's not always unfortunate." Mina smiles and asks, "Men or man? You have been far more animated ever since you ran into Callum Stuart two days ago." Abby answers, “Let's put it this way, Cal isn't the first man to remember me. But as far as me remembering a man... I really am thrilled to see him again, even though he's so cavalier about everything. It's not just Cal, though, the more being more animated. Mrs. Parker, I've struggled to find my place in this group. Not my job, that I know, but my place. In school I was "that smart girl who wanted to go to college". Then I went to college with a whole bunch of girls, and I was "that gorgeous, uninhibited girl". As I moved up further in my career I earned the respect of the people I worked with and I was happy with being "colleague". I fear here I'm a little bit too much like you, a little too much like Alsoomse, and a little more too much like your granddaughter. When it comes to Cal, with him, I know where I stand. At least as far as how we relate to each other. And knowing where I stand always makes me more confident. But not to worry, time will shake things out. On both fronts." Mina replies, "Ah, but you do have a special role to fill with this group, you're my friend and confidant. Normally I have no choice but to bond with the only other female on the team, but not now, half of our team is comprised of women. Furthermore, I am the team leader, something that has never happened before. And while I value the counsel of Alsoomse and Ruby, one is the grandmother of my husband and the other my granddaughter. We are of no relation Abby, your view point is more objective, not clouded by family and history." Abby's smile was genuine as she said, "Mrs. Parker, I'd be pleased to be your friend. And have someone to confide to in return. And as long as I'm not trying to work out my own love life, my vision is usually pretty clear." Mina says, "Well, I for one see a very positive side effect to your former love reappearing at this time. Our team's two acquisitionists, Lawrence and Benjamin, have both been somewhat smitten. Mr. Stuart being here will help them both to focus on the mission at hand rather than potential romantic entanglements." "I must have been focused on the mission; I didn't notice. Good to know I haven't lost my touch," Abby chuckled. "We'll all become friends quick enough and then you won't have to worry about romances. A lot of times I like men for friends better than women, but then again, most women aren't like us." Mina replies, "True, true, and I know what you mean about being too busy for romance on missions. I'd worked with James for almost a half-century, with us even posing as a married couple on many occasions, with never any indication of romantic feelings. That's why his proposal a few years back came as such a surprise "You didn't have any inkling? At all? You must have felt something yourself since you said yes." Mina laughs, "We were always fond of one another, but on most of our missions together either or both of us were married to other people. There's also something comforting in being regarding as "one of the guys" when everybody's life is on the line." Abby states, "I'd say it's essential. If you're working with men who don't think you can take care of yourself, suddenly they're paying more attention to protecting you than to getting the job done. That's where Cal might be a problem. He's never seen me deal with dangerous situations, we were on a dig together in England. It's not that he doesn't think I'm capable, but he doesn't KNOW it, and he has a noble streak." Mina laughs and says, "Let him spend a little time with myself and James, we'll set him straight in no time." As they are talking, more of the city guards arrive to quell the potential riot that might appear when the train arrives. Mina says, "I fear we will not be able to make the first train out just waiting in line behind this crowd. Perhaps we should think of another way to board." Abby says, "That's been in the back of my mind, too. Wouldn't be the most comfortable ride, but we could try to get into a freight car. It'd get us where we want to go. Otherwise we could try to charm someone. I really hate changing people's minds over their own wills though. Anything much more serious, that isn't mundane, is beyond me at this point." Mina says, "The freight car is possible, nearly everybody here has a suitcase or trunk with their most valued possessions, I imagine that is where they will stack it all. But the guards will most likely be closely watching that as well, given how anxious people are to depart." She replies, "Disguise ourselves as railway workers, then carry someone's luggage onto the train?" Abby chuckled. "We can cross the world in moments, but can't get on a train!" A mile to the east, nearing the city gate, are Benjamin ‘Fish’ Trout, accompanied by Hakar, the cousin of Priestess Sabah, after a very long night of traveling across the desert from Tanis, while evading capture from the French Foreign Legion. They note a steady stream of people fleeing the city, the two of them being the only people approaching it. "I'll let you do the talking to Sabah, should the need arise," sighs Fish. The sand in his undershorts is chafing him. It's enough of a distraction he gives hardly a second thought to all the loot that passers-by have stowed in their steam trunks and saddlebags. One of the guards knows Hakar well, which facilitates their quick entry into the city. Just for practice, Fish takes note how securely the guard's sidearm is secured. Once past the prying eyes of the guards and inside the city gates, Fish quickly steps into the nearest alley or deep alcove, pulling Hakar with him. He immediately reverses his own cloak and tucks the hood under the collar, transforming its appearance from a dull grey road garment to a mustard yellow overcoat. He pulls his ponytail from its tie-band and shakes his hair loose over his shoulders. He pulls a thin silk bag from the top of his boot and yanks Hakar's cloak off, stuffing it in the sack. "That should get us past the first glance, which is all that usually matters!" whispers Fish, slapping a simple, wrinkled fez atop his companion's head. "Now let's go meet up with the rest of the party!" Hakar replies, "I have to first let Sabah know that we are back and that we were successful." "Lead the way!" quips Fish, as they step back into the street. He remains especially observant of their surroundings as they proceed. Nobody gives them a second glance. Ben notes the heightened tension within the city. They arrive at the temple to find it packed, with tens of dozens of people there offering prayers and making sacrifices to Bast. Sabah is up on a podium saying prayers. She then makes eye contact with Hakar and Fish. "Do we just wait until she's free, Hack?" whispers Fish. He idly inspects the clasp on the finely-braided gold necklace adorning the pretty neck of the young woman standing ahead of him. He replies, "No, she's seen us, and is smart enough to put one and one together. Staying would actually make her think something was wrong and we needed her. If we go now we won't interrupt her work, these people need her more than we do." "The streets are even more crowded than this blessed sanctuary, Hack. Let's be on our way," says Fish with some impatience. "If I'm not mistaken, the masses are making their way to the train station." [/QUOTE]
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AGELESS Campaign Episode 2 - Temple of the Cat-Goddess
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