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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 6950230" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 110, "Arrival in Gizah" September 12, 1882, 8:30 AM. </strong></p><p></p><p>Twenty minutes after leaving Tel-el Kabir the dirigible is approaching the northern suburbs of Cairo and cross over the Nile River. The Great Pyramids can be clearly seen ahead of them. The small dirigible soon approaches the community of Gizah, North of the pyramids. The Temple of Bast is clearly visible, not only due to the large onyx cat stature by the entrance but due to the hundreds of Egyptian soldiers now guarding the structure. George and Lawrence continue on their way to the temple.</p><p></p><p>As the dirigible near the temple the soldiers below help to grab the dropped tethering lines and start to secure the craft as Callum works the controls to lower it to the ground beside the temple. When the gondola reaches the ground, the three disembark. George is impatient and is practically jumping down from the gondola before it fully came to a stop. He runs towards the guards approaching. "Secure that dirigible!" He commands and when the soldiers don't snap too he adds "In the name of Queen Neferka and the Goddess Bast! And someone get me Sefu! NOW!" he shouts as he heads towards the tents outside the pyramids.</p><p></p><p>They are directed inside the temple. George sees the Barrister and Neferka's mother, but does not see Neferka, Ruby or the others that had left well before him on the much-faster flying carpet. Lawrence says, "Something must have happened. They aren't here. Let's get back in the air." George turns to Lawrence. "Ok, you take her back up while I get the ground forces ready. Scout them out and offer what assistance you can, rescue if you must. Good luck." wishes George as he sends Lawrence back into the airship.</p><p></p><p>George then turns to Sefu. "I have no time for formality or pleasantries now Sefu, everything has come to a head and things are rapidly changing. We are in a race to establish stability. I am on a mission from Bast herself and I, the future Queen and all of Egypt depend upon our speed now. We need a place to speak in private and quickly, minutes matter."</p><p></p><p>Sefu replies, "Indeed. I was present when the Priestess performed the ceremony to call the Goddess to this world. The French persons that you brought here are all under guard. We can have privacy in the living quarters of the high priest, he is currently occupied elsewhere." Sefu leads George into an adjacent room, sparse in furnishings and modest in appearance save for a large elaborate statue of Bast, with green emeralds for eyes.</p><p></p><p>George gives a wry smile as he saw the statue of Bast. "I can't seem to escape you Goddess. And to think I was a dog person," mutters George as he crosses over to the bar and pours himself a brandy before taking a seat and having a sip of the brandy. George gestures to the bar, inviting the barrister to join him in a drink. George sighs, takes a deep breath and begins as Sefu gets brandy for himself.</p><p></p><p>"I don't know how much you know, nor do we have time for a full reckoning, but that will come as there are many things you need to act upon. For now, this is the most crucial information. We have saved Princess Neferka from the clutches of the French cabal. She is on her way here to be coronated by you. She is speeding here on her flying carpet with several members of my group as escorts. She should have beaten us here as she left before us and I know can travel faster than us. I am fearful of what may have happened, though with Miss West there, I am assured she is safe.</p><p></p><p>Secondly, as we suspected we have found the real General Orabi. yes, incredible as it is, he is alive and well. The French had captured a British General, Drury-Lowe, as well and we rescued him. In light of the reappearance of Orabi and presenting to Woolsely proof of the deception, we have engineered a cessation in the fighting, and I doubt it will start again unless some outside evil forces their hand. But those Generals have their forces well in hand, and the truth is spreading through them.</p><p></p><p>Lastly, there are still at least two very powerful wizards out there and we suspect that they may try to interrupt the future Queen from either reaching the temple or being coronated. As I said there is more but those are the things that you need know now. My friend Lawrence has gone back up in what we think is the last functional airship to look for Neferka. If the sphinx are close by you may choose to send them as escorts or scouts. How may I help with either more information, or action." says George polishing off his brandy and getting up for a refill.</p><p></p><p>Sefu says, "Bast had informed me of much of this. She is here now, in Prayer to the other deities in the Egyptian Pantheon. As for succession, Neferka will obviously be the next Pharaoh, as that is Bast's wish and I will not question or debate a deity." "Oh you have no idea how fun it can be" replies George with a weary grimace. Sefu continues "You are wise to be cautious, but if Neferka were in danger now I have no doubt that Bast would be acting to protect her as she did before." "You seem, uncannily calm, is everything ready for the coronation? Also, two thirds of the royal treasury currently sits at the bottom of the Mediterranean." replies George offhandedly as he again refills his brandy.</p><p></p><p>Sefu replies, "I am calm. I have returned to the role I am best suited for, advising the Pharaoh rather than making decisions in the absence of one. I had a major decision to make, determining the worthiness of Egypt's next rule, which Bast has now made it for me. The other decisions concerned the French will be made by our new Queen instead of me. I will advise her, but it will be her decision, not mine."</p><p></p><p>George raises an eyebrow "A bit too calm for my taste. Especially considering that there is no Pharaoh yet, we have a Pharaoh to be, and you don't know where she is. I understand your faith in Bast, but other gods and forces are at work and may oppose her. So until her posterior has been properly coronated, crowed and placed on that throne, I need you to be a little more worried, especially as she is with my fiance." says George in a rising, assertive voice, the frustration of the last several days manifesting as anger now.</p><p></p><p>The attorney nods and says, "You speak wisely Mr. Eastman. I shall take your advice and sent the Sphynx aloft to locate and accompany the new Queen to her coronation." He departs. Meanwhile, Lawrence and Callum have taken the dirigible aloft and continue north along the Nile. They do not see the flying carpet but do spot Freya in dragon form flying around ten miles to the north, a few miles northward from the community of Heliopolus.</p><p></p><p>George heads over to the bar and fills his glass very full of brandy. he then takes one of the chairs and pulls it into the center of the room, facing the statue of Bast. He sits facing the idol, staring at Bast and quietly drinking. While he is drinking at looking at the Idol, the personification of Bast in the body of the Priestess Sabah enters the room with him. He stands but does not set down the drink in his hand.</p><p></p><p>She says, "Mr. Eastman. I have probed the minds of the nine French who had been brought here by Barrister Sefu. Only three of them were part of the conspiracy to murder the Royal Family. I probed their minds and derived the identity of the other ten co-conspirators, four of whom have already perished within the past day through the direct and indirect actions of your group. Of the other six, you have now delivered Guizot here, while your Fiance and the next Pharaoh have managed to capture Dagurere and Chevreul.</p><p></p><p>That leaves the three youngest members of that group, Chevruel's two alchemist apprentices Moissan and Richet, and the linguist Belloq. That trio is currently waiting on a dock in Heliopolis, for the arrival of Chevreul. They are unaware of Chevreul's capture, and only know where he told them to meet. You have just dispatched the remaining French dirigible northward. Your two comrades on board, Lawrence Cantrell and Callum Stuart, are both masters of disguise who speak fluent French. Stuart also knows minor appearance changing spells. I would suggest you head up to the roof and send them a message while the dirigible remains within your line-of-sight."</p><p></p><p>George raises his glass of brandy in acquiescence to the request, though as he leaves he turns and asks "Ruby is safe and on her way?" She replies, "She is. Abigail has sustained some minor injuries, but the remainder of them are otherwise unharmed. We can speak further after you have completed this immediate task." After he gets his answer he heads up to the roof and sends a message spell to Lawrence and Callum informing them that the women were safe and to head north to Heilopolis to intercept and capture the three remaining French</p><p></p><p>Callum finished his heliograph to George and turned to Lawrence. "Did you get George's message about the three French? Good, steer us towards Heliopolis." Callum disappears for a bit and reemerges with uniforms of French foreign legion soldiers. "I think these will work well for us don't you?" he smiles. The older man replies, "I reckon you're right. I hope those Frenchmen come quietly. Fighting is tiring." They quickly change into the uniforms as the dirigible descends toward Heliopolis.</p><p></p><p>George having sent the message waits a moment before he sees a flash of light. Callum is sending back a message by heliograph that he received the message and they are en route. Satisfied that his message was received and his instructions will be carried out, George heads back down stairs. He enters the room with Bast, takes a large sigh at the uncanny and often unnerving events that have become so commonplace to him, crosses the room to again refill his glass with brandy, and sits back down in the chair facing the Goddess Bast.</p><p></p><p>The feline Goddess smiles at him and states "Devotee of Bast, you have done well. All nine surviving conspirators will soon be here in this place, and once Queen Neferka has been declared Pharaoh she can pass judgment on them. You have done quite well my devotee. A day ago at Tel el-Kabir I recognized your willingness to do whatever was necessary to bring me here to keep Egypt safe. For a non-Egyptian to do so speaks volumes. But a human body cannot sustain the essence of a Goddess. While I still look visually the same as when I was brought here hours ago, I drain this body of five years of life for each hour that I remain in it. Had you brought me here yesterday as you intended there would be no life remaining when I left it. That was the fate of Princess Nafita during my last visit to this world, as it was necessary for me to remain in that form for several days."</p><p></p><p>George says, "If things are in hand then please depart and allow us to enjoy Sabah for a few more years. I know she would willingly sacrifice herself for you, but if there is no need, then why lose such a devoted priestess." She replies, "That is my intent. I hope to occupy this body for no more than a total of four hours, which will age her two decades. So Sabah's sacrifice will be of her youth but not her life. And if your Mexican wizard friend is successful in his current quest, she may very well regain back those decades to her life span and possibly more going forward."</p><p></p><p>George says, "I am glad that you did show up at the battle, you made convincing the Egyptian forces especially more willing to believe me and follow my instructions." She replies, "I had to arrive there when I did, or the next Pharaoh would have perished, as would have both you and your fiance. The winds of time are not yet done with the pair of you, and this world would have been negatively impacted had that occurred."</p><p></p><p>George gives a little chuckle "Don't tell Ruby that, she has enough self-importance already. But thank you, I would regret any lost time with her, though I fear from your comment that though I will have time, it will not be leisurely."</p><p></p><p>He asks, "Before you depart, if indeed you are to depart soon, are there any other tasks you need me to complete?" She replies, "While I am here, no, other than being a witness to what will transpire. After I leave your continued presence and advice to the new Pharaoh will be needed to ensure that the peace accords and foreign treaties are properly executed."</p><p></p><p>George replies, "Of course, I shall stay. It is an odd occurrence, as the cause of our arrival still remains, though the urgency has been reduced by other actions. So I will pledge to stay and help transition the country, but I and my friends still have our own quests to fulfill, doors to open and whatnot. But a stable regime, especially for one we now consider a friend" Bast replies, "You know her best. We do not need to tell her. I showed you an image before of Neferka's future, at the treaty signing for the great war three dozen years from now. Let me show you a scene from the height of combat during that war."</p><p></p><p>She touches her amulet and waves her hand at the wall and the entire wall changes, becoming mirror-like and then shows a scene. George sees a man wearing a leather coat walking towards an odd twenty-five foot long object with wheels and wings. As the image zooms in he sees that the man's head and eyes are covered with a leather cap and goggles, but recognizes his own profile, nose, and chin, which is now clean-shaven in the image.</p><p></p><p>He opens a side door and enters the vehicle. Painted on the side in front of the door is the name "Eastman". He touches several knobs and buttons. A metal object in the front of the vehicle begins to spin in a counterclockwise direction as the vehicle moves forward under its own power and accelerates down the roadway. It then rises from road and heads off into the sky. The image pulls back, George watching the craft sail through the clouds. The silence is broken by Bast commenting "This will be over France, where the worst fighting of the war will transpire."</p><p></p><p>George sighs, "So no way to avoid the war huh? And only bigger, faster, more deadly weapons. So be it. I think the future is a dangerous thing to know, if it is mutable, a man would seek to change it, if it is not, does it not lead to despondency? Rob him of his free will? Or does this become merely educated choices now."</p><p></p><p>She replies, "Neither or all. The future is indeed mutable, what you see here is the probable future based upon events as they now stand. You, and others, remain to exercise your free will. And, of course, I am not the only deity with the gift of prophecy, and others way wish to alter the paths of mortals. Yes, I could give you the specific information that could theoretically stop the Great War. But if I did, then one of the Gods of War may seek to counter my intervention, which would draw the attention of other deities who might then intervene. So what would be the result? A war between the gods fought here on your world? I sincerely doubt you would wish such a thing."</p><p></p><p>George shakes himself out of his musings. "Thank you Goddess, for your visions. I am sure in time I will understand them. For now though, what can I do. I have already had enough scotch, I am a man of action, of discovery. I need to move and accomplish something constructive."</p><p></p><p>She says, "The only understanding that I wish is for you to see why I would not allow you to sacrifice yourself to bring me here. I am indeed grateful that you were willing to do so, but your absence from this world would have had negative effects. The Cat statue that you have, keep it with you, and through it I will help to protect you. And remember to pass it on to your son. Major Eastman will need all the help he can get during that battle over France that you just saw him flying into. He will face Germany's greatest aviator."</p><p></p><p>George again bows to Bast, "Thank you Goddess, I shall keep the statue safe, and apparently await the birth of my son." says George with a wry grin. "So when can we expect the ladies?" She replies, "Momentarily, they are just a short distance away to the north." George drains the last drops of scotch from his glass "Well, let's head outside, or at least I will. Have to give the head of state a proper reception." She replies, "The roof of the temple would be safest." "Of course" replies George heading to the stairs. Barrister Sefu and dozens of guards accompany them.</p><p></p><p>Those on the Chariot of the Winds soon see the dirigible heading towards them from the south but as they near it turns more westward away from the carpet and flying dragon, heading and descending towards Heliopolis. Abby says, "I wonder what they know that we don't. I'm sure they'll let us know when they get back."</p><p></p><p>Mina turns her ring again into a telescope to view the distant airship before it descends out of sight. She says, "I spotted your friend Callum at the controls. He appeared to be wearing a French Foreign Legion uniform." Abby shook her head and chuckled. "We'll, that's better than having one of our enemies at the helm! We're having enough problems without adding any other surprises . Chevruel and Daguerre had to be going somewhere. Maybe they got wind of it from Giziot. Curious as I am, we need to get the Princess to her coronation."</p><p></p><p>The Chariot of the Winds quickly pass to the east of Heliopolis, continuing southward and crossing over the Nile not far from where the American warship the Franklin Pierce is docked, the French Dreadnought's gondola still lashed to its upper deck. The Pyramids at Gizah can be seen five miles to the southwest. As they flew through the air towards their destination, Ruby had a thought. "Nerfeka, is there anything we need to do once we get to our destination? To help you, that is?"</p><p></p><p>She smiles at Ruby and replies, "Well yes Ruby, you can assist me with the coronation." Ruby says, "Of course! What would that entail, exactly?" She says, "I will have an attendant on each side, you and probably my eldest sister. Each of you will help to remove my current clothing and then attire me in the vestments of the Pharaoh." Ruby says, "Okay, we'll, that is easy enough. Hopefully we won't have any enemies present to distract us. Also, do we have to find and retrieve your sister and the rest of your family? Or do they already know to show up?"</p><p></p><p>Neferka says, "My family's murderers will not be present during the ceremony. I will have Barrister Sefu assign heavy guards to watch them until after I am declared ruler of Egypt." Ruby nodded her head in agreement. "Of course. But we should also be aware that not everyone may be who we think they are. Or perhaps not under their own control. We should be cautious, that's all I'm saying." "I concur," Neferka replies. The Chariot of the Wind soon approaches the northern section of the city of Gizah as the three sphynx fly up to and then alongside it. The temple can be seen in the far distance north of the pyramids.</p><p></p><p>Ruby scanned the horizon for any trouble. "Abby, I hope you are still feeling alright. Things may get crazy again before they calm down." Abby opened her eyes from the cat nap she was trying to catch. "I hurt like hell, and I'm tired to the point where everything's funny. But I have a little more in me before I collapse. Mina says, "Well, we still have dragon Freya, although her hands are currently full." Ruby took a deep breath in. "Ready when you are Princess." As they reach Gizah Ruby smiled. "Almost a Queen. Let's make it happen!"</p><p></p><p>On the roof of Bast's temple in Gizah, Looking to the north, the large black dragon is seen first, then the carpet and sphynx are spotted a short distance alongside of her. As the Chariot of the Winds nears the temple those on it see people waiting on the roof. At 200 yards distances they make out George standing beside Bast. George smiles as he sees the approaching carpet and waves to them all. George whispers to Sefu "Be ready as if there are any remaining enemies they will strike as they land." A smile came to Ruby's lips as she waved to George who was waiting for them. Everything is showing to be okay, she thought to herself, like she always did when George was around.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 6950230, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 110, "Arrival in Gizah" September 12, 1882, 8:30 AM. [/B] Twenty minutes after leaving Tel-el Kabir the dirigible is approaching the northern suburbs of Cairo and cross over the Nile River. The Great Pyramids can be clearly seen ahead of them. The small dirigible soon approaches the community of Gizah, North of the pyramids. The Temple of Bast is clearly visible, not only due to the large onyx cat stature by the entrance but due to the hundreds of Egyptian soldiers now guarding the structure. George and Lawrence continue on their way to the temple. As the dirigible near the temple the soldiers below help to grab the dropped tethering lines and start to secure the craft as Callum works the controls to lower it to the ground beside the temple. When the gondola reaches the ground, the three disembark. George is impatient and is practically jumping down from the gondola before it fully came to a stop. He runs towards the guards approaching. "Secure that dirigible!" He commands and when the soldiers don't snap too he adds "In the name of Queen Neferka and the Goddess Bast! And someone get me Sefu! NOW!" he shouts as he heads towards the tents outside the pyramids. They are directed inside the temple. George sees the Barrister and Neferka's mother, but does not see Neferka, Ruby or the others that had left well before him on the much-faster flying carpet. Lawrence says, "Something must have happened. They aren't here. Let's get back in the air." George turns to Lawrence. "Ok, you take her back up while I get the ground forces ready. Scout them out and offer what assistance you can, rescue if you must. Good luck." wishes George as he sends Lawrence back into the airship. George then turns to Sefu. "I have no time for formality or pleasantries now Sefu, everything has come to a head and things are rapidly changing. We are in a race to establish stability. I am on a mission from Bast herself and I, the future Queen and all of Egypt depend upon our speed now. We need a place to speak in private and quickly, minutes matter." Sefu replies, "Indeed. I was present when the Priestess performed the ceremony to call the Goddess to this world. The French persons that you brought here are all under guard. We can have privacy in the living quarters of the high priest, he is currently occupied elsewhere." Sefu leads George into an adjacent room, sparse in furnishings and modest in appearance save for a large elaborate statue of Bast, with green emeralds for eyes. George gives a wry smile as he saw the statue of Bast. "I can't seem to escape you Goddess. And to think I was a dog person," mutters George as he crosses over to the bar and pours himself a brandy before taking a seat and having a sip of the brandy. George gestures to the bar, inviting the barrister to join him in a drink. George sighs, takes a deep breath and begins as Sefu gets brandy for himself. "I don't know how much you know, nor do we have time for a full reckoning, but that will come as there are many things you need to act upon. For now, this is the most crucial information. We have saved Princess Neferka from the clutches of the French cabal. She is on her way here to be coronated by you. She is speeding here on her flying carpet with several members of my group as escorts. She should have beaten us here as she left before us and I know can travel faster than us. I am fearful of what may have happened, though with Miss West there, I am assured she is safe. Secondly, as we suspected we have found the real General Orabi. yes, incredible as it is, he is alive and well. The French had captured a British General, Drury-Lowe, as well and we rescued him. In light of the reappearance of Orabi and presenting to Woolsely proof of the deception, we have engineered a cessation in the fighting, and I doubt it will start again unless some outside evil forces their hand. But those Generals have their forces well in hand, and the truth is spreading through them. Lastly, there are still at least two very powerful wizards out there and we suspect that they may try to interrupt the future Queen from either reaching the temple or being coronated. As I said there is more but those are the things that you need know now. My friend Lawrence has gone back up in what we think is the last functional airship to look for Neferka. If the sphinx are close by you may choose to send them as escorts or scouts. How may I help with either more information, or action." says George polishing off his brandy and getting up for a refill. Sefu says, "Bast had informed me of much of this. She is here now, in Prayer to the other deities in the Egyptian Pantheon. As for succession, Neferka will obviously be the next Pharaoh, as that is Bast's wish and I will not question or debate a deity." "Oh you have no idea how fun it can be" replies George with a weary grimace. Sefu continues "You are wise to be cautious, but if Neferka were in danger now I have no doubt that Bast would be acting to protect her as she did before." "You seem, uncannily calm, is everything ready for the coronation? Also, two thirds of the royal treasury currently sits at the bottom of the Mediterranean." replies George offhandedly as he again refills his brandy. Sefu replies, "I am calm. I have returned to the role I am best suited for, advising the Pharaoh rather than making decisions in the absence of one. I had a major decision to make, determining the worthiness of Egypt's next rule, which Bast has now made it for me. The other decisions concerned the French will be made by our new Queen instead of me. I will advise her, but it will be her decision, not mine." George raises an eyebrow "A bit too calm for my taste. Especially considering that there is no Pharaoh yet, we have a Pharaoh to be, and you don't know where she is. I understand your faith in Bast, but other gods and forces are at work and may oppose her. So until her posterior has been properly coronated, crowed and placed on that throne, I need you to be a little more worried, especially as she is with my fiance." says George in a rising, assertive voice, the frustration of the last several days manifesting as anger now. The attorney nods and says, "You speak wisely Mr. Eastman. I shall take your advice and sent the Sphynx aloft to locate and accompany the new Queen to her coronation." He departs. Meanwhile, Lawrence and Callum have taken the dirigible aloft and continue north along the Nile. They do not see the flying carpet but do spot Freya in dragon form flying around ten miles to the north, a few miles northward from the community of Heliopolus. George heads over to the bar and fills his glass very full of brandy. he then takes one of the chairs and pulls it into the center of the room, facing the statue of Bast. He sits facing the idol, staring at Bast and quietly drinking. While he is drinking at looking at the Idol, the personification of Bast in the body of the Priestess Sabah enters the room with him. He stands but does not set down the drink in his hand. She says, "Mr. Eastman. I have probed the minds of the nine French who had been brought here by Barrister Sefu. Only three of them were part of the conspiracy to murder the Royal Family. I probed their minds and derived the identity of the other ten co-conspirators, four of whom have already perished within the past day through the direct and indirect actions of your group. Of the other six, you have now delivered Guizot here, while your Fiance and the next Pharaoh have managed to capture Dagurere and Chevreul. That leaves the three youngest members of that group, Chevruel's two alchemist apprentices Moissan and Richet, and the linguist Belloq. That trio is currently waiting on a dock in Heliopolis, for the arrival of Chevreul. They are unaware of Chevreul's capture, and only know where he told them to meet. You have just dispatched the remaining French dirigible northward. Your two comrades on board, Lawrence Cantrell and Callum Stuart, are both masters of disguise who speak fluent French. Stuart also knows minor appearance changing spells. I would suggest you head up to the roof and send them a message while the dirigible remains within your line-of-sight." George raises his glass of brandy in acquiescence to the request, though as he leaves he turns and asks "Ruby is safe and on her way?" She replies, "She is. Abigail has sustained some minor injuries, but the remainder of them are otherwise unharmed. We can speak further after you have completed this immediate task." After he gets his answer he heads up to the roof and sends a message spell to Lawrence and Callum informing them that the women were safe and to head north to Heilopolis to intercept and capture the three remaining French Callum finished his heliograph to George and turned to Lawrence. "Did you get George's message about the three French? Good, steer us towards Heliopolis." Callum disappears for a bit and reemerges with uniforms of French foreign legion soldiers. "I think these will work well for us don't you?" he smiles. The older man replies, "I reckon you're right. I hope those Frenchmen come quietly. Fighting is tiring." They quickly change into the uniforms as the dirigible descends toward Heliopolis. George having sent the message waits a moment before he sees a flash of light. Callum is sending back a message by heliograph that he received the message and they are en route. Satisfied that his message was received and his instructions will be carried out, George heads back down stairs. He enters the room with Bast, takes a large sigh at the uncanny and often unnerving events that have become so commonplace to him, crosses the room to again refill his glass with brandy, and sits back down in the chair facing the Goddess Bast. The feline Goddess smiles at him and states "Devotee of Bast, you have done well. All nine surviving conspirators will soon be here in this place, and once Queen Neferka has been declared Pharaoh she can pass judgment on them. You have done quite well my devotee. A day ago at Tel el-Kabir I recognized your willingness to do whatever was necessary to bring me here to keep Egypt safe. For a non-Egyptian to do so speaks volumes. But a human body cannot sustain the essence of a Goddess. While I still look visually the same as when I was brought here hours ago, I drain this body of five years of life for each hour that I remain in it. Had you brought me here yesterday as you intended there would be no life remaining when I left it. That was the fate of Princess Nafita during my last visit to this world, as it was necessary for me to remain in that form for several days." George says, "If things are in hand then please depart and allow us to enjoy Sabah for a few more years. I know she would willingly sacrifice herself for you, but if there is no need, then why lose such a devoted priestess." She replies, "That is my intent. I hope to occupy this body for no more than a total of four hours, which will age her two decades. So Sabah's sacrifice will be of her youth but not her life. And if your Mexican wizard friend is successful in his current quest, she may very well regain back those decades to her life span and possibly more going forward." George says, "I am glad that you did show up at the battle, you made convincing the Egyptian forces especially more willing to believe me and follow my instructions." She replies, "I had to arrive there when I did, or the next Pharaoh would have perished, as would have both you and your fiance. The winds of time are not yet done with the pair of you, and this world would have been negatively impacted had that occurred." George gives a little chuckle "Don't tell Ruby that, she has enough self-importance already. But thank you, I would regret any lost time with her, though I fear from your comment that though I will have time, it will not be leisurely." He asks, "Before you depart, if indeed you are to depart soon, are there any other tasks you need me to complete?" She replies, "While I am here, no, other than being a witness to what will transpire. After I leave your continued presence and advice to the new Pharaoh will be needed to ensure that the peace accords and foreign treaties are properly executed." George replies, "Of course, I shall stay. It is an odd occurrence, as the cause of our arrival still remains, though the urgency has been reduced by other actions. So I will pledge to stay and help transition the country, but I and my friends still have our own quests to fulfill, doors to open and whatnot. But a stable regime, especially for one we now consider a friend" Bast replies, "You know her best. We do not need to tell her. I showed you an image before of Neferka's future, at the treaty signing for the great war three dozen years from now. Let me show you a scene from the height of combat during that war." She touches her amulet and waves her hand at the wall and the entire wall changes, becoming mirror-like and then shows a scene. George sees a man wearing a leather coat walking towards an odd twenty-five foot long object with wheels and wings. As the image zooms in he sees that the man's head and eyes are covered with a leather cap and goggles, but recognizes his own profile, nose, and chin, which is now clean-shaven in the image. He opens a side door and enters the vehicle. Painted on the side in front of the door is the name "Eastman". He touches several knobs and buttons. A metal object in the front of the vehicle begins to spin in a counterclockwise direction as the vehicle moves forward under its own power and accelerates down the roadway. It then rises from road and heads off into the sky. The image pulls back, George watching the craft sail through the clouds. The silence is broken by Bast commenting "This will be over France, where the worst fighting of the war will transpire." George sighs, "So no way to avoid the war huh? And only bigger, faster, more deadly weapons. So be it. I think the future is a dangerous thing to know, if it is mutable, a man would seek to change it, if it is not, does it not lead to despondency? Rob him of his free will? Or does this become merely educated choices now." She replies, "Neither or all. The future is indeed mutable, what you see here is the probable future based upon events as they now stand. You, and others, remain to exercise your free will. And, of course, I am not the only deity with the gift of prophecy, and others way wish to alter the paths of mortals. Yes, I could give you the specific information that could theoretically stop the Great War. But if I did, then one of the Gods of War may seek to counter my intervention, which would draw the attention of other deities who might then intervene. So what would be the result? A war between the gods fought here on your world? I sincerely doubt you would wish such a thing." George shakes himself out of his musings. "Thank you Goddess, for your visions. I am sure in time I will understand them. For now though, what can I do. I have already had enough scotch, I am a man of action, of discovery. I need to move and accomplish something constructive." She says, "The only understanding that I wish is for you to see why I would not allow you to sacrifice yourself to bring me here. I am indeed grateful that you were willing to do so, but your absence from this world would have had negative effects. The Cat statue that you have, keep it with you, and through it I will help to protect you. And remember to pass it on to your son. Major Eastman will need all the help he can get during that battle over France that you just saw him flying into. He will face Germany's greatest aviator." George again bows to Bast, "Thank you Goddess, I shall keep the statue safe, and apparently await the birth of my son." says George with a wry grin. "So when can we expect the ladies?" She replies, "Momentarily, they are just a short distance away to the north." George drains the last drops of scotch from his glass "Well, let's head outside, or at least I will. Have to give the head of state a proper reception." She replies, "The roof of the temple would be safest." "Of course" replies George heading to the stairs. Barrister Sefu and dozens of guards accompany them. Those on the Chariot of the Winds soon see the dirigible heading towards them from the south but as they near it turns more westward away from the carpet and flying dragon, heading and descending towards Heliopolis. Abby says, "I wonder what they know that we don't. I'm sure they'll let us know when they get back." Mina turns her ring again into a telescope to view the distant airship before it descends out of sight. She says, "I spotted your friend Callum at the controls. He appeared to be wearing a French Foreign Legion uniform." Abby shook her head and chuckled. "We'll, that's better than having one of our enemies at the helm! We're having enough problems without adding any other surprises . Chevruel and Daguerre had to be going somewhere. Maybe they got wind of it from Giziot. Curious as I am, we need to get the Princess to her coronation." The Chariot of the Winds quickly pass to the east of Heliopolis, continuing southward and crossing over the Nile not far from where the American warship the Franklin Pierce is docked, the French Dreadnought's gondola still lashed to its upper deck. The Pyramids at Gizah can be seen five miles to the southwest. As they flew through the air towards their destination, Ruby had a thought. "Nerfeka, is there anything we need to do once we get to our destination? To help you, that is?" She smiles at Ruby and replies, "Well yes Ruby, you can assist me with the coronation." Ruby says, "Of course! What would that entail, exactly?" She says, "I will have an attendant on each side, you and probably my eldest sister. Each of you will help to remove my current clothing and then attire me in the vestments of the Pharaoh." Ruby says, "Okay, we'll, that is easy enough. Hopefully we won't have any enemies present to distract us. Also, do we have to find and retrieve your sister and the rest of your family? Or do they already know to show up?" Neferka says, "My family's murderers will not be present during the ceremony. I will have Barrister Sefu assign heavy guards to watch them until after I am declared ruler of Egypt." Ruby nodded her head in agreement. "Of course. But we should also be aware that not everyone may be who we think they are. Or perhaps not under their own control. We should be cautious, that's all I'm saying." "I concur," Neferka replies. The Chariot of the Wind soon approaches the northern section of the city of Gizah as the three sphynx fly up to and then alongside it. The temple can be seen in the far distance north of the pyramids. Ruby scanned the horizon for any trouble. "Abby, I hope you are still feeling alright. Things may get crazy again before they calm down." Abby opened her eyes from the cat nap she was trying to catch. "I hurt like hell, and I'm tired to the point where everything's funny. But I have a little more in me before I collapse. Mina says, "Well, we still have dragon Freya, although her hands are currently full." Ruby took a deep breath in. "Ready when you are Princess." As they reach Gizah Ruby smiled. "Almost a Queen. Let's make it happen!" On the roof of Bast's temple in Gizah, Looking to the north, the large black dragon is seen first, then the carpet and sphynx are spotted a short distance alongside of her. As the Chariot of the Winds nears the temple those on it see people waiting on the roof. At 200 yards distances they make out George standing beside Bast. George smiles as he sees the approaching carpet and waves to them all. George whispers to Sefu "Be ready as if there are any remaining enemies they will strike as they land." A smile came to Ruby's lips as she waved to George who was waiting for them. Everything is showing to be okay, she thought to herself, like she always did when George was around. [/QUOTE]
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AGELESS Campaign Episode 2 - Temple of the Cat-Goddess
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