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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: 7151348" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 140, "Neferka's Gift", September 13, 1882, 7:30PM</strong></p><p></p><p>Ruby turned to her grandmother and hugged her. "Nana! I hope you had a a pleasant trip and enjoyed some alone time with James." Then she turned to James. She went to hug him, paused, then actually hugged him though she felt something holding her back. Something bothered her. Of course it's Mr Gonzales, she thought, I hope George can fix things. "I trust you also had a pleasant trip James? Hopefully no trouble?" She asked politely. </p><p></p><p>James replies, "None at all, our ship The Magnificence is safe and secure in Alexandria and our associates are making tentative arrangements in that city for AGELESS to establish itself there, assuming that Queen Neferka gives her blessing." Ruby smiled knowingly. "I'm fairly certain the Queen will agree. And George here will be setting up some business too. I suppose this is good news as I'll always be able to come back and visit with my friend the Queen. Which now that I've said it out loud seems kind of funny, considering the last Queen wanted us dead," she laughed. </p><p></p><p>Mina says, "Yes, well Neferka's mother is now out-of-the-picture. She will live out her retirement in Cairo but it is unlikely that the woman will have any real influence over her daughter. The new Pharaoh appears to be a force to be reckoned with, far from the impulsive and flighty girl that she first presented herself as." James adds, "Sounds like a couple of red-heads I know." Ruby tried to keep her laugh in as answered with a raised eyebrow. "And which part are you referring to James, being a force to be reckoned with or being impulsive and flighty?" "All of the above," is his reply. She playfully widened her eyes, "Implusive and flighty? Why I never..." Then she cracked up laughing. "I'll at least agree on the force to be reconkened with, especially when Nana and I are together."</p><p></p><p>They reach the carriage and the luggage is loaded on board. They are soon headed back towards the Grand Hotel. James comments, "This city has changed quite a bit in the last half-century." "How has the city changed?" She asked while she gazed out the window. He says, "More prosperous, more built up. When I was here last there was no Grand Hotel, no buildings larger than two-stories for that matter. The city had maybe a half-dozen very wealthy families in nice houses, everybody else was poor and barely getting by, with nothing in between. This city now appears to have a middle-class and while some of the outlying areas look to be somewhat impoverished there is nobody starving on the streets."</p><p></p><p>"Wait until you see the next half century" adds George offhandedly. "I spoke with the Queen personally regarding AGELESS, I don't foresee there being any issues on that front. Things will be fine. Were you informed of the airship plate I donated to the Navy?" "Also there is a more,....personal matter I do need to speak with you about. And urgently. I think it might be best done privately however." James says, "We should be able to find a private place to talk at the hotel." </p><p></p><p>Ruby comments, "Hopefully the Queen will keep improving on that. She seems very kind. Actually that is just what happened with that disgusting man Nana was yelling at, I'm sure she told you how the Queen saved that young girl. I shopped in the city and it was certainly bustling. I hope it stays prospering for my new friend's sake. I believe we will be invited to her wedding celebration, the ball, so you can meet her then James. Do you know when Abby will return? I would imagine she wouldn't want to miss it." James says, "I do not know about Abigail, but I do like the sound of attending a wedding. The last wedding I attended in this region of the world was my own." "After what we all went through here, we could use a good party. And it will be nice to have you and some of our other AGELESS friends there too."</p><p></p><p>Ruby was quiet, biting her lip as she gazed out the window. Finally she took a big breath in and out and gathered her courage. "Nana, what was my grandfather like?" She turns to Ruby and says, "He was the most wonderful man who I ever knew, no offense James." "None taken," he replies, "I concur. When I was in Zakazik a half-century ago it was with Mina and Andrew, as well as my fiance at that time." "I'd like to hear more about what he was like someday, if you'll talk about him Nana." Ruby paused before speaking. "What happened to your fiancé, James?" He replies, "Honorine and I went in different ways. She later met another man named Morel who she married and had two daughters with. He later died and she remarried the French author Jules Verne, a union which resulted in a son Michael, who happens to be my son's best friend." </p><p></p><p>"What a small world it ends up being. I guess you don't mind still having that... Attachment? To her I mean? I guess why would you, you have my Nana, the most wonderful woman in the world." Ruby smiled at her grandmother but was lost in her own thoughts while the others continued to chat. They arrive back at the hotel and Ruby asks, "So what does everyone have to do today? George suggests that he and James go have their discussion once James is settled into his room. They agree to meet in a half-hour. After everyone discusses plans, Ruby heads off to find the Queen and see if she is available. </p><p></p><p>George soon meet James in the lobby of the hotel. "Thanks for coming James, you had lunch?" James replied he had. "Good how about a cigar and some brandy?" says George as he heads into the lounge next to the bar." James and George take a seat and order cigars and snifters. James tells George "I am extremely pleased with how well you and Mina's team comported yourselves on this quest. The results are far better than I could have imagined." "Well thank you James. I don't think we had any idea the scope would be so large, or that the French wizards were so ambitious. And we still need to find the Atlantean artifact that they were supposedly after." </p><p></p><p>James replies, "Indeed. I knew that the French were fielding a team to the area, but I expected it to be a half-dozen, not eight teams of a half-dozen. I believe that the Atlantean connection they were seeking was the doorway itself, which we did find. Clearly they were close, as the gateway was at one of the four sites that they were searching." George laughs, "Oh yeah, I almost forgot. I sealed the doorway back. They couldn't have found it if they wanted to. Well some of them might have." </p><p></p><p>James replies, "Their mistake was having Champollion running this dig, as it was where he explored a half-century earlier. He hadn't found it then, so was unlikely to find it now. A fresh set of eyes at this site probably could have uncovered it. Thankfully the only other real archaeologists on their team were busy running the teams in Tanis and Nubia." "Well, ego does blind one at times. I do need to take that barrier down so we can re-use the portal." says George taking a long sip of his brandy.</p><p></p><p>George continues, "Well to business I suppose. The is a specific purpose to my asking you here today James. While it is important to discuss the future of AGELESS, and the resolution of the remaining French. But there is a much more urgent and personal reason to speak to you. As you know, you will soon be my grandfather-in-law." George pauses to smile at James "We will be family essentially. So please keep that in mind as I broach this subject. I am approaching this subject out of concern for my fiancee and her well being. Fair enough preamble?" </p><p></p><p>James says, "Indeed, and I think I know where you are going. I recognize that this current trip put her in far more danger than you had anticipated. The Egyptian King threatening to have her executed was clearly not what you two had signed up for." George chuckled "Well, yes that was a bit of a quandary. Though that was due to her grandmother in truth. And while that was not optimal, Ruby is more than capable of taking care of herself in such circumstances. Rather this is something out of her control. Rather this is something within your control, but which affects her greatly. You have a vendetta out for a man, a man who killed your best friend, yes? Manual Gonzalez. The same man who is Ruby's mentor, friend and protector. A man who is being driven away by your lust for vengeance. A man who out of honor and respect is avoiding a woman he counts a friend. Because you are related to Ruby so you show up and he won't. </p><p></p><p>Listen James. I understand the desire for justice. But the death occurred during war. People die in war. You don't get to hunt them down for those actions. Hell, by that metric, after the civil war, we would have had another million men die after the war. Every side feels they are in the right for any war. I don't care about the Alamo. We could debate Imperialism versus territorial rights all night. I don't care. That is now history, literally and figuratively. What matters is that your inability to let this go, to move on, to deal with this in a rational manner is impacting Ruby. And I will not tolerate it. You must make peace with this. You have to settle this as a gentleman with Gonzales. Peacefully. You have no right to continue to seek vengeance. You have no right to his blood, you have no right to harass him. And it will stop, and stop now. This is distressing Ruby, and it will stop." says George very seriously, before taking a long drink of bourbon. </p><p></p><p>James appears taken aback by George's comments. James does take the drink sitting before him before replying. "Mr. Eastman, I know far more about war than you. I served on board the U.S.S. Constitution during the War of 1812 as well as serving my country during the American Civil War. As for Mr. Gonzales, the man he killed, Andrew Dawson, was more than just my best friend. What you and Ruby are unaware of is that he was also Ruby's Grandfather, not the man who Mina married after she discovered she was with child. If Ruby knew that fact it would surely change how she feels about the man. </p><p></p><p>And as for Gonzales being driven away by me, that clearly is not the case. From what Mina has told me he was very much interacting with Ruby and Mina here in Egypt, in direct violation of the promise he made to me just two months ago. Despite the vow I made in my friend's memory, because of what he had done in June to save them from the vampire, we indeed came to a gentleman's agreement, the very thing you now suggest. I said that I would not hunt him down provided that he stayed away from Ruby and Mina. I have kept my word, he has not. Clearly, one of us has honored the gentleman's agreement, the other has proven himself to be a lair as well as a murder. I therefore think you are speaking to the wrong individual about this matter." </p><p></p><p>George smiled grimly. "Oh I am well aware of the lineage of Ruby. I do know her true heritage and more so, so does she. Ruby has told me those stories. Had Gonzales not arrived under duress, the entire AGELESS corporation would have been exterminated. He only came here to say goodbye and say he could not see Ruby again. I am speaking to the correct man. I don't give a rat's tail as to your supposed agreement. He is only staying away because of your threats. Period. You are the culpable and causal agent here. </p><p></p><p>And yes, you have served our country quite admirably in several conflicts. Perhaps, too many as your humanity seems to be in jeopardy. Andrew and you knew the risks of heading down to Texas. You chose to enter into an unlawful rebellion against a sovereign state. Those are the risks of war. If you kill Gonzales, who is to say some other Mexican hero won't come hunt you down. I had enough of that vigilante justice in Arizona. There is a limit to this, or should the Greeks attack the Ottomans because of Persian attacks at Thermopylae?"</p><p></p><p>George pauses, takes another drink. "Look, whether you agree with my reasoning or not, let me make this very personal for you. Utterly and implacably personal. Have you seen, have you been witnessed the trauma, the anguish, that your granddaughter has over this rift. She is totally devastated. Gonzales has said goodbye, he intends to keep to the agreement. But it is ruining your granddaughter's psyche. She is torn between a mentor she loves and is indebted to for saving her time and again. And a man who has been her grandfather, blood or no. She considers both of you family. This feud is causing her so much grief. She was sobbing in tears when Gonzales said goodbye. Look, in all honesty, I don't care who you carry a grudge for, who you kill, lawfully or not. But when those actions, or threat of actions affect Ruby, especially to such a degree, then it is my business and I will do whatever it takes to ensure her happiness. And this feud is most definitely affecting her happiness."</p><p></p><p>George pauses again. "Let me ask you this. Why do you feel the need to keep hunting this man, fifty years after the fact, and after the war is over?" As the waiter refills the drinks James nods and says, "George, whether you realize it or not, we are both making the same argument here. You are protecting your fiance, I am protecting my wife. Gonzales may have indeed shared this history with you and Ruby, but Mina remains unaware. I intend to keep it that way. Her loss of Andrew Dawson has caused her a half-century of pain, and this new knowledge would just reopen the wound. My wanting to keep him away from the women is to save Mina from further grief. The Gentleman's agreement that he and I came to indeed represented my putting aside the vendetta. However, I now fear that I cannot trust him to keep his side of the agreement, as he as blatantly violated it." </p><p></p><p>George says, "He came to say goodbye. Forever. And to Ruby only. I hardly see that as a egregious breech. So you want to put your wife ahead of your granddaughter? You can chose between family members, I don't understand that. Gonzales will allow Ruby to flourish in her chosen field. He has protected her, trained her. Perhaps he sees that as a a duty from his past, have you considered that?" James replies, "When he and I communicated by telegram in July he indicated that he was unaware of Ruby's relation to the man he killed until I informed him of it. If that is the truth, then his apprenticing her was not out of any sense of duty. Mr. Eastman, putting aside Ruby for the moment, how do I know that he will leave my Mina alone going forward? You say that he just came to say goodbye to Ruby, but he very much interacted with Mina as well." </p><p></p><p>George exclaims, "When has he ever pestered Mina? Seems like even before your agreement, he left her alone. He merely allowed you to codify his actions. But let me clarify. Gonzales keeps an eye on all his apprentices. He saw that Ruby was in danger, he came to Egypt to save her. He then, in disguise I might add, sought out Ruby to say good bye so as to adhere to the agreement as much as possible. So yes, he interacted with Mina. Perhaps he should have stuck to the letter of the letter of the agreement. Then Ruby and most likely Mina would both be dead. Does that seem a better outcome to you? To be a widower? To fulfill an outdated, antiquated feud, or some ad hoc agreement? You need to see the forest for the trees my friend. Do not become so mired in the past or in some convoluted sense of honor that you can't see what is right, what is needed, what is necessary today.For Mina and for Ruby. Do not let the past ruin your future James. I am only endeavoring not to let your past affect my future. You have no right to impose that on anyone" </p><p></p><p>James says, "It is hard not to be thinking of the past while we are sitting here. The last morning that I was here in Zakazik was in the 1820's, sitting at a restaurant on this very street having breakfast with Andrew Dawson. We were both impatiently waiting for our respective fiances, his was Wilamina, mine a delightful French woman named Honorine. It was after they eventually joined us that we toured Champollion's dig site in Bubastus." "And what happened to Honorie if I might ask?" </p><p></p><p>James replies, "Ah, my precious Honorine. After a close escape on one of our many adventures I forced her to give up this lifestyle. She did, but also gave up me as well. She married a man a wealthy man named Morel and had two daughters. After he died I would have gone back to her but was married myself at the time. A few years later she met the writer Jules Verne at her sisters wedding, they were married a year later. The man is a fraud, his supposed works of fiction began with him retelling stories that Honorine had told the children of our adventures together. His rather famous "Journey to the Center of the Earth" recounts when we joined my Grandmother Alsoomse to explore a deep volcano in Iceland, him changing her to Professor Lidenbrock, Honorine to the professor's son Alex, and me in the role of the Icelandic guide Bjelke. </p><p></p><p>He had been a prominent member of the Weekly Wizards group, but after his wife died he no longer had her for a source for stories, so began stealing the adventures of the other wizards. They expelled him from the group, where his son Michael then took his place. Michael is my own son's best friend, and was my inside source on the Wizard's membership list and activities. I hear that Verne is continuing his old tricks, having befriended a former crew member from that undersea ship you were on a few days back, and plans to publish a novel about Andre Nemo and his wonderful invention. My friend Maurice Beaujoulais is working behind the scenes to delay the publication, but it is only a matter of time before it eventually sees print. Letting Honorine go was the biggest mistake of my life. I loved her more than any of my first three wives. That is why I am walking this fine line in my fourth and hopefully final marriage, trying to simultaneously protect Mina while in no way limiting her participation on these adventures." </p><p></p><p>George remains silent and James concludes, "Okay George, how about this for a compromise. You speak to him and get assurances that he will leave me and Mina alone. What you and Ruby decide will be up to you, so long as we are not involved." </p><p></p><p>Neferka admits Ruby into her suite and dismisses her sister. "I hear that your Grandmother has returned," the Queen states." Ruby says, "Yes, she accompanied James back. I know you'll be meeting him soon, he wants to set up that business." Ruby walked around the woman's suite, looking at whatever is out. "How are you doing this afternoon, well almost evening I suppose? It must be difficult to be planning a wedding celebration and your families funeral at the time time." </p><p></p><p>She replies, "Barrister Sefu will make all of the funeral arrangements as well as my public ceremony of becoming Pharaoh. All I have to do is arrive and act appropriate for each occasion. And I have already had the discussion with Ahmed about his staying away from both. Even though it has been publicly stated that my father's assassin was an imposter, tensions are still high and some may have not heard that or may not believe it, so for his own safety he shouldn't be there." Ruby nodded. "I understand. Still, it will be hard to go through all that without him by your side."</p><p></p><p>Neferka tells Ruby "I have really enjoyed our time together. I would say that you are now like a sister to me, except that I like you far better. I wanted to see when we could schedule you and George to return to Egypt." Ruby grinned. "Oh! Much more pleasant discussion. We would love to come back, and soon. How soon would you like us?" Ruby hugged the young Queen. "You are like a sister to me also. I grew up without any siblings, so it feels nice. When we come back we could have lots of time to discuss all kinds of things and have all kinds of fun." </p><p></p><p>Neferka says, "Well, I was thinking maybe December or January, you're a little ways down on the rotation. After Sahab, myself and Ahmed, there's Meren and the four who accompanied her to Paris as well as my sisters and my closest advisers, although we could probably move some of them around depending upon Mr. Eastman's travel schedule." Ruby laughed, "What do you mean by rotation? I don't really understand all this royal stuff." Suddenly she perked up, "Oh! We could probably travel here on our honeymoon. We're going to be married soon, probably by January at the latest." </p><p></p><p>Neferka replies, "I mean the rotation of who wears the amulet! The one that we took from the French wizards. It needs to be worn for at least one full-week every year in order to extend its life doubling properties, and I'm clearly not going to allow it very far out of my sight. We need to decide what two-weeks each calendar year to schedule you and your intended for. Ruby's eyes nearly popped out of her head and she stutters, "Y-you would let us use it? I hadn't even considered that for a moment. I was only talking about coming to visit to see you!" She smiles, "Why of course. Don't be silly, I plan to keep this friendship going for a long time. And wouldn't we look odd together a half-century from now if I was still young a beautiful and you weren't?" </p><p></p><p>Ruby laughed, "I suppose you are right. I'd like to be young and beautiful forever!" The thought of the last person who offered her young and beautiful forever crossed her mind but she shook off that horrible image. "And it's not a bad thing to have a scheduled trip every year. I'll have to ask George when might be best in his schedule. He was so busy before all this, joining AGELESS I mean, and now he wants to open factories here too... I guess we'll be coming rather often. It's for the best, I have always wanted to travel my whole life."</p><p></p><p>Ruby paused for a long moment, still pacing around the room as she spoke. "It seems so strange to me, I started off this year homeless. Then I settled down in Promise City, in America's west, well, settled down for me anyway, and I was so happy there for a time. I thought I might actually be there for a long time, singing and dancing and owning my own place, my own saloon, and that I would never leave without... well, you know how those things go. And now all of a sudden that seems like such a small thing. The world seems bigger and brighter than ever before and I can't imagine going back there and being happy with those things." </p><p></p><p>Neferka says, "It isn't the place, it is the people. I could live the rest of my life never leaving this hotel suite provided that I was always surrounded by those who I love most. Of course, as Queen, I will have duties throughout Egypt, and I won't make the mistake my father did of leaving vast sections unvisited. The whole rebellion would not have happened if he had been active everywhere. I want all Egyptian's to be loyal to their Queen." </p><p></p><p>"Of course, you are right Your Majesty," Ruby grinned with a little bow, "It's definitely the people. I have friends from there that I miss but I have made so many more since leaving, and of course, finding my true love." She only paused a moment at that before continuing, "You will make a fabulous Queen. I don't know if I told you, the very first time I saw you you were saving a girl's life from a guard at the gates to the city. I saw that very same guard today, failing at his new job of being a porter at the train station. You did that on your own and that one little gesture shows me that you are kind and care for your people, all of them. I am certain your country will be loyal to you. And of course, it doesn't hurt that the goddess all told us so," she laughed. </p><p></p><p>Neferka laughs and says, "Ah, you saw that last week! And you say that vile man is now a train porter? Interesting, I had mentioned the incident at the gate to a Zakazik official shortly after my initial arrival here. It is good to see that official acted upon my comment, and at that time I was still in my Princess role, with no real authority other than the single task my father had delegated to me. I think I will have to add that individual to my growing list of advisers. I want to make as many personal appointments as I can before Barrister Sefu, arrives, as once he does he will take over all hiring."</p><p></p><p>Ruby furrowed her brows. "Why does the Barrister get to make all the decisions? Can't you make them if you want to?" The Queen replies, "Hiring staff is considered a lesser duty, not important enough for a Pharaoh to conern themselves with. But I want to make sure that I have a core group whose loyalty is to me." Ruby says, "But can't you just tell them you would like to appoint your own people? I would think being the Queen and Pharaoh you could do anything you want." Neferka replies, "Technically I could, but it would undermine their authority. I need the Barrister as a key member of my team of advisers, so do not want to alienate him. However, since he is not here yet I can make those decisions in his absence without him feeling slighted, since I clearly needed staff in the meanwhile." </p><p></p><p>Ruby sighed. "I suppose you don't want to start off on the wrong foot. You are very wise! I could never do your job, I am way too impatient," she laughed. "So, is there anything else you need of me now? I will speak to George and find a good time that we can reliably come back every year. Anything else? George wants to visit the Port and make sure things are smooth there. He's going to take me with him and we'll have a little alone time for a couple of days before returning for your big ball." She replies, "Just exercise caution when travelling about, tensions are still quite high and no doubt, many will not be pleased with the unanticipated rapid pace of the peace, or may be seeking revenge against all foreigners for the death of my father, as word has now spread that the French were responsible. It certainly wouldn't do for you to be killed by people mistaking your for your enemies." </p><p></p><p>Ruby chuckled. "After all we've been through, that would certainly be the least desirable way to get to the next world. We'll be careful, I promise." She hugged the Queen tightly. "Take care. I hope you get to see Ahmed soon." She gave her friend a squeeze then released her. "Your advisors know how to get us if you need us for anything, we are leaving in the morning. But we will absolutely be back for your celebration ball. And then I will give you an answer to your question." She kissed her friend on the cheek then left her suite. </p><p></p><p>Ruby went wandering the hotel looking for her grandmother. She found her in her old room. "Hi Nana!" she said brightly. "So, how was your time with James?" "Wonderful," Mina says, and gets lost into a long conversation with her granddaughter.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 7151348, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 140, "Neferka's Gift", September 13, 1882, 7:30PM[/B] Ruby turned to her grandmother and hugged her. "Nana! I hope you had a a pleasant trip and enjoyed some alone time with James." Then she turned to James. She went to hug him, paused, then actually hugged him though she felt something holding her back. Something bothered her. Of course it's Mr Gonzales, she thought, I hope George can fix things. "I trust you also had a pleasant trip James? Hopefully no trouble?" She asked politely. James replies, "None at all, our ship The Magnificence is safe and secure in Alexandria and our associates are making tentative arrangements in that city for AGELESS to establish itself there, assuming that Queen Neferka gives her blessing." Ruby smiled knowingly. "I'm fairly certain the Queen will agree. And George here will be setting up some business too. I suppose this is good news as I'll always be able to come back and visit with my friend the Queen. Which now that I've said it out loud seems kind of funny, considering the last Queen wanted us dead," she laughed. Mina says, "Yes, well Neferka's mother is now out-of-the-picture. She will live out her retirement in Cairo but it is unlikely that the woman will have any real influence over her daughter. The new Pharaoh appears to be a force to be reckoned with, far from the impulsive and flighty girl that she first presented herself as." James adds, "Sounds like a couple of red-heads I know." Ruby tried to keep her laugh in as answered with a raised eyebrow. "And which part are you referring to James, being a force to be reckoned with or being impulsive and flighty?" "All of the above," is his reply. She playfully widened her eyes, "Implusive and flighty? Why I never..." Then she cracked up laughing. "I'll at least agree on the force to be reconkened with, especially when Nana and I are together." They reach the carriage and the luggage is loaded on board. They are soon headed back towards the Grand Hotel. James comments, "This city has changed quite a bit in the last half-century." "How has the city changed?" She asked while she gazed out the window. He says, "More prosperous, more built up. When I was here last there was no Grand Hotel, no buildings larger than two-stories for that matter. The city had maybe a half-dozen very wealthy families in nice houses, everybody else was poor and barely getting by, with nothing in between. This city now appears to have a middle-class and while some of the outlying areas look to be somewhat impoverished there is nobody starving on the streets." "Wait until you see the next half century" adds George offhandedly. "I spoke with the Queen personally regarding AGELESS, I don't foresee there being any issues on that front. Things will be fine. Were you informed of the airship plate I donated to the Navy?" "Also there is a more,....personal matter I do need to speak with you about. And urgently. I think it might be best done privately however." James says, "We should be able to find a private place to talk at the hotel." Ruby comments, "Hopefully the Queen will keep improving on that. She seems very kind. Actually that is just what happened with that disgusting man Nana was yelling at, I'm sure she told you how the Queen saved that young girl. I shopped in the city and it was certainly bustling. I hope it stays prospering for my new friend's sake. I believe we will be invited to her wedding celebration, the ball, so you can meet her then James. Do you know when Abby will return? I would imagine she wouldn't want to miss it." James says, "I do not know about Abigail, but I do like the sound of attending a wedding. The last wedding I attended in this region of the world was my own." "After what we all went through here, we could use a good party. And it will be nice to have you and some of our other AGELESS friends there too." Ruby was quiet, biting her lip as she gazed out the window. Finally she took a big breath in and out and gathered her courage. "Nana, what was my grandfather like?" She turns to Ruby and says, "He was the most wonderful man who I ever knew, no offense James." "None taken," he replies, "I concur. When I was in Zakazik a half-century ago it was with Mina and Andrew, as well as my fiance at that time." "I'd like to hear more about what he was like someday, if you'll talk about him Nana." Ruby paused before speaking. "What happened to your fiancé, James?" He replies, "Honorine and I went in different ways. She later met another man named Morel who she married and had two daughters with. He later died and she remarried the French author Jules Verne, a union which resulted in a son Michael, who happens to be my son's best friend." "What a small world it ends up being. I guess you don't mind still having that... Attachment? To her I mean? I guess why would you, you have my Nana, the most wonderful woman in the world." Ruby smiled at her grandmother but was lost in her own thoughts while the others continued to chat. They arrive back at the hotel and Ruby asks, "So what does everyone have to do today? George suggests that he and James go have their discussion once James is settled into his room. They agree to meet in a half-hour. After everyone discusses plans, Ruby heads off to find the Queen and see if she is available. George soon meet James in the lobby of the hotel. "Thanks for coming James, you had lunch?" James replied he had. "Good how about a cigar and some brandy?" says George as he heads into the lounge next to the bar." James and George take a seat and order cigars and snifters. James tells George "I am extremely pleased with how well you and Mina's team comported yourselves on this quest. The results are far better than I could have imagined." "Well thank you James. I don't think we had any idea the scope would be so large, or that the French wizards were so ambitious. And we still need to find the Atlantean artifact that they were supposedly after." James replies, "Indeed. I knew that the French were fielding a team to the area, but I expected it to be a half-dozen, not eight teams of a half-dozen. I believe that the Atlantean connection they were seeking was the doorway itself, which we did find. Clearly they were close, as the gateway was at one of the four sites that they were searching." George laughs, "Oh yeah, I almost forgot. I sealed the doorway back. They couldn't have found it if they wanted to. Well some of them might have." James replies, "Their mistake was having Champollion running this dig, as it was where he explored a half-century earlier. He hadn't found it then, so was unlikely to find it now. A fresh set of eyes at this site probably could have uncovered it. Thankfully the only other real archaeologists on their team were busy running the teams in Tanis and Nubia." "Well, ego does blind one at times. I do need to take that barrier down so we can re-use the portal." says George taking a long sip of his brandy. George continues, "Well to business I suppose. The is a specific purpose to my asking you here today James. While it is important to discuss the future of AGELESS, and the resolution of the remaining French. But there is a much more urgent and personal reason to speak to you. As you know, you will soon be my grandfather-in-law." George pauses to smile at James "We will be family essentially. So please keep that in mind as I broach this subject. I am approaching this subject out of concern for my fiancee and her well being. Fair enough preamble?" James says, "Indeed, and I think I know where you are going. I recognize that this current trip put her in far more danger than you had anticipated. The Egyptian King threatening to have her executed was clearly not what you two had signed up for." George chuckled "Well, yes that was a bit of a quandary. Though that was due to her grandmother in truth. And while that was not optimal, Ruby is more than capable of taking care of herself in such circumstances. Rather this is something out of her control. Rather this is something within your control, but which affects her greatly. You have a vendetta out for a man, a man who killed your best friend, yes? Manual Gonzalez. The same man who is Ruby's mentor, friend and protector. A man who is being driven away by your lust for vengeance. A man who out of honor and respect is avoiding a woman he counts a friend. Because you are related to Ruby so you show up and he won't. Listen James. I understand the desire for justice. But the death occurred during war. People die in war. You don't get to hunt them down for those actions. Hell, by that metric, after the civil war, we would have had another million men die after the war. Every side feels they are in the right for any war. I don't care about the Alamo. We could debate Imperialism versus territorial rights all night. I don't care. That is now history, literally and figuratively. What matters is that your inability to let this go, to move on, to deal with this in a rational manner is impacting Ruby. And I will not tolerate it. You must make peace with this. You have to settle this as a gentleman with Gonzales. Peacefully. You have no right to continue to seek vengeance. You have no right to his blood, you have no right to harass him. And it will stop, and stop now. This is distressing Ruby, and it will stop." says George very seriously, before taking a long drink of bourbon. James appears taken aback by George's comments. James does take the drink sitting before him before replying. "Mr. Eastman, I know far more about war than you. I served on board the U.S.S. Constitution during the War of 1812 as well as serving my country during the American Civil War. As for Mr. Gonzales, the man he killed, Andrew Dawson, was more than just my best friend. What you and Ruby are unaware of is that he was also Ruby's Grandfather, not the man who Mina married after she discovered she was with child. If Ruby knew that fact it would surely change how she feels about the man. And as for Gonzales being driven away by me, that clearly is not the case. From what Mina has told me he was very much interacting with Ruby and Mina here in Egypt, in direct violation of the promise he made to me just two months ago. Despite the vow I made in my friend's memory, because of what he had done in June to save them from the vampire, we indeed came to a gentleman's agreement, the very thing you now suggest. I said that I would not hunt him down provided that he stayed away from Ruby and Mina. I have kept my word, he has not. Clearly, one of us has honored the gentleman's agreement, the other has proven himself to be a lair as well as a murder. I therefore think you are speaking to the wrong individual about this matter." George smiled grimly. "Oh I am well aware of the lineage of Ruby. I do know her true heritage and more so, so does she. Ruby has told me those stories. Had Gonzales not arrived under duress, the entire AGELESS corporation would have been exterminated. He only came here to say goodbye and say he could not see Ruby again. I am speaking to the correct man. I don't give a rat's tail as to your supposed agreement. He is only staying away because of your threats. Period. You are the culpable and causal agent here. And yes, you have served our country quite admirably in several conflicts. Perhaps, too many as your humanity seems to be in jeopardy. Andrew and you knew the risks of heading down to Texas. You chose to enter into an unlawful rebellion against a sovereign state. Those are the risks of war. If you kill Gonzales, who is to say some other Mexican hero won't come hunt you down. I had enough of that vigilante justice in Arizona. There is a limit to this, or should the Greeks attack the Ottomans because of Persian attacks at Thermopylae?" George pauses, takes another drink. "Look, whether you agree with my reasoning or not, let me make this very personal for you. Utterly and implacably personal. Have you seen, have you been witnessed the trauma, the anguish, that your granddaughter has over this rift. She is totally devastated. Gonzales has said goodbye, he intends to keep to the agreement. But it is ruining your granddaughter's psyche. She is torn between a mentor she loves and is indebted to for saving her time and again. And a man who has been her grandfather, blood or no. She considers both of you family. This feud is causing her so much grief. She was sobbing in tears when Gonzales said goodbye. Look, in all honesty, I don't care who you carry a grudge for, who you kill, lawfully or not. But when those actions, or threat of actions affect Ruby, especially to such a degree, then it is my business and I will do whatever it takes to ensure her happiness. And this feud is most definitely affecting her happiness." George pauses again. "Let me ask you this. Why do you feel the need to keep hunting this man, fifty years after the fact, and after the war is over?" As the waiter refills the drinks James nods and says, "George, whether you realize it or not, we are both making the same argument here. You are protecting your fiance, I am protecting my wife. Gonzales may have indeed shared this history with you and Ruby, but Mina remains unaware. I intend to keep it that way. Her loss of Andrew Dawson has caused her a half-century of pain, and this new knowledge would just reopen the wound. My wanting to keep him away from the women is to save Mina from further grief. The Gentleman's agreement that he and I came to indeed represented my putting aside the vendetta. However, I now fear that I cannot trust him to keep his side of the agreement, as he as blatantly violated it." George says, "He came to say goodbye. Forever. And to Ruby only. I hardly see that as a egregious breech. So you want to put your wife ahead of your granddaughter? You can chose between family members, I don't understand that. Gonzales will allow Ruby to flourish in her chosen field. He has protected her, trained her. Perhaps he sees that as a a duty from his past, have you considered that?" James replies, "When he and I communicated by telegram in July he indicated that he was unaware of Ruby's relation to the man he killed until I informed him of it. If that is the truth, then his apprenticing her was not out of any sense of duty. Mr. Eastman, putting aside Ruby for the moment, how do I know that he will leave my Mina alone going forward? You say that he just came to say goodbye to Ruby, but he very much interacted with Mina as well." George exclaims, "When has he ever pestered Mina? Seems like even before your agreement, he left her alone. He merely allowed you to codify his actions. But let me clarify. Gonzales keeps an eye on all his apprentices. He saw that Ruby was in danger, he came to Egypt to save her. He then, in disguise I might add, sought out Ruby to say good bye so as to adhere to the agreement as much as possible. So yes, he interacted with Mina. Perhaps he should have stuck to the letter of the letter of the agreement. Then Ruby and most likely Mina would both be dead. Does that seem a better outcome to you? To be a widower? To fulfill an outdated, antiquated feud, or some ad hoc agreement? You need to see the forest for the trees my friend. Do not become so mired in the past or in some convoluted sense of honor that you can't see what is right, what is needed, what is necessary today.For Mina and for Ruby. Do not let the past ruin your future James. I am only endeavoring not to let your past affect my future. You have no right to impose that on anyone" James says, "It is hard not to be thinking of the past while we are sitting here. The last morning that I was here in Zakazik was in the 1820's, sitting at a restaurant on this very street having breakfast with Andrew Dawson. We were both impatiently waiting for our respective fiances, his was Wilamina, mine a delightful French woman named Honorine. It was after they eventually joined us that we toured Champollion's dig site in Bubastus." "And what happened to Honorie if I might ask?" James replies, "Ah, my precious Honorine. After a close escape on one of our many adventures I forced her to give up this lifestyle. She did, but also gave up me as well. She married a man a wealthy man named Morel and had two daughters. After he died I would have gone back to her but was married myself at the time. A few years later she met the writer Jules Verne at her sisters wedding, they were married a year later. The man is a fraud, his supposed works of fiction began with him retelling stories that Honorine had told the children of our adventures together. His rather famous "Journey to the Center of the Earth" recounts when we joined my Grandmother Alsoomse to explore a deep volcano in Iceland, him changing her to Professor Lidenbrock, Honorine to the professor's son Alex, and me in the role of the Icelandic guide Bjelke. He had been a prominent member of the Weekly Wizards group, but after his wife died he no longer had her for a source for stories, so began stealing the adventures of the other wizards. They expelled him from the group, where his son Michael then took his place. Michael is my own son's best friend, and was my inside source on the Wizard's membership list and activities. I hear that Verne is continuing his old tricks, having befriended a former crew member from that undersea ship you were on a few days back, and plans to publish a novel about Andre Nemo and his wonderful invention. My friend Maurice Beaujoulais is working behind the scenes to delay the publication, but it is only a matter of time before it eventually sees print. Letting Honorine go was the biggest mistake of my life. I loved her more than any of my first three wives. That is why I am walking this fine line in my fourth and hopefully final marriage, trying to simultaneously protect Mina while in no way limiting her participation on these adventures." George remains silent and James concludes, "Okay George, how about this for a compromise. You speak to him and get assurances that he will leave me and Mina alone. What you and Ruby decide will be up to you, so long as we are not involved." Neferka admits Ruby into her suite and dismisses her sister. "I hear that your Grandmother has returned," the Queen states." Ruby says, "Yes, she accompanied James back. I know you'll be meeting him soon, he wants to set up that business." Ruby walked around the woman's suite, looking at whatever is out. "How are you doing this afternoon, well almost evening I suppose? It must be difficult to be planning a wedding celebration and your families funeral at the time time." She replies, "Barrister Sefu will make all of the funeral arrangements as well as my public ceremony of becoming Pharaoh. All I have to do is arrive and act appropriate for each occasion. And I have already had the discussion with Ahmed about his staying away from both. Even though it has been publicly stated that my father's assassin was an imposter, tensions are still high and some may have not heard that or may not believe it, so for his own safety he shouldn't be there." Ruby nodded. "I understand. Still, it will be hard to go through all that without him by your side." Neferka tells Ruby "I have really enjoyed our time together. I would say that you are now like a sister to me, except that I like you far better. I wanted to see when we could schedule you and George to return to Egypt." Ruby grinned. "Oh! Much more pleasant discussion. We would love to come back, and soon. How soon would you like us?" Ruby hugged the young Queen. "You are like a sister to me also. I grew up without any siblings, so it feels nice. When we come back we could have lots of time to discuss all kinds of things and have all kinds of fun." Neferka says, "Well, I was thinking maybe December or January, you're a little ways down on the rotation. After Sahab, myself and Ahmed, there's Meren and the four who accompanied her to Paris as well as my sisters and my closest advisers, although we could probably move some of them around depending upon Mr. Eastman's travel schedule." Ruby laughed, "What do you mean by rotation? I don't really understand all this royal stuff." Suddenly she perked up, "Oh! We could probably travel here on our honeymoon. We're going to be married soon, probably by January at the latest." Neferka replies, "I mean the rotation of who wears the amulet! The one that we took from the French wizards. It needs to be worn for at least one full-week every year in order to extend its life doubling properties, and I'm clearly not going to allow it very far out of my sight. We need to decide what two-weeks each calendar year to schedule you and your intended for. Ruby's eyes nearly popped out of her head and she stutters, "Y-you would let us use it? I hadn't even considered that for a moment. I was only talking about coming to visit to see you!" She smiles, "Why of course. Don't be silly, I plan to keep this friendship going for a long time. And wouldn't we look odd together a half-century from now if I was still young a beautiful and you weren't?" Ruby laughed, "I suppose you are right. I'd like to be young and beautiful forever!" The thought of the last person who offered her young and beautiful forever crossed her mind but she shook off that horrible image. "And it's not a bad thing to have a scheduled trip every year. I'll have to ask George when might be best in his schedule. He was so busy before all this, joining AGELESS I mean, and now he wants to open factories here too... I guess we'll be coming rather often. It's for the best, I have always wanted to travel my whole life." Ruby paused for a long moment, still pacing around the room as she spoke. "It seems so strange to me, I started off this year homeless. Then I settled down in Promise City, in America's west, well, settled down for me anyway, and I was so happy there for a time. I thought I might actually be there for a long time, singing and dancing and owning my own place, my own saloon, and that I would never leave without... well, you know how those things go. And now all of a sudden that seems like such a small thing. The world seems bigger and brighter than ever before and I can't imagine going back there and being happy with those things." Neferka says, "It isn't the place, it is the people. I could live the rest of my life never leaving this hotel suite provided that I was always surrounded by those who I love most. Of course, as Queen, I will have duties throughout Egypt, and I won't make the mistake my father did of leaving vast sections unvisited. The whole rebellion would not have happened if he had been active everywhere. I want all Egyptian's to be loyal to their Queen." "Of course, you are right Your Majesty," Ruby grinned with a little bow, "It's definitely the people. I have friends from there that I miss but I have made so many more since leaving, and of course, finding my true love." She only paused a moment at that before continuing, "You will make a fabulous Queen. I don't know if I told you, the very first time I saw you you were saving a girl's life from a guard at the gates to the city. I saw that very same guard today, failing at his new job of being a porter at the train station. You did that on your own and that one little gesture shows me that you are kind and care for your people, all of them. I am certain your country will be loyal to you. And of course, it doesn't hurt that the goddess all told us so," she laughed. Neferka laughs and says, "Ah, you saw that last week! And you say that vile man is now a train porter? Interesting, I had mentioned the incident at the gate to a Zakazik official shortly after my initial arrival here. It is good to see that official acted upon my comment, and at that time I was still in my Princess role, with no real authority other than the single task my father had delegated to me. I think I will have to add that individual to my growing list of advisers. I want to make as many personal appointments as I can before Barrister Sefu, arrives, as once he does he will take over all hiring." Ruby furrowed her brows. "Why does the Barrister get to make all the decisions? Can't you make them if you want to?" The Queen replies, "Hiring staff is considered a lesser duty, not important enough for a Pharaoh to conern themselves with. But I want to make sure that I have a core group whose loyalty is to me." Ruby says, "But can't you just tell them you would like to appoint your own people? I would think being the Queen and Pharaoh you could do anything you want." Neferka replies, "Technically I could, but it would undermine their authority. I need the Barrister as a key member of my team of advisers, so do not want to alienate him. However, since he is not here yet I can make those decisions in his absence without him feeling slighted, since I clearly needed staff in the meanwhile." Ruby sighed. "I suppose you don't want to start off on the wrong foot. You are very wise! I could never do your job, I am way too impatient," she laughed. "So, is there anything else you need of me now? I will speak to George and find a good time that we can reliably come back every year. Anything else? George wants to visit the Port and make sure things are smooth there. He's going to take me with him and we'll have a little alone time for a couple of days before returning for your big ball." She replies, "Just exercise caution when travelling about, tensions are still quite high and no doubt, many will not be pleased with the unanticipated rapid pace of the peace, or may be seeking revenge against all foreigners for the death of my father, as word has now spread that the French were responsible. It certainly wouldn't do for you to be killed by people mistaking your for your enemies." Ruby chuckled. "After all we've been through, that would certainly be the least desirable way to get to the next world. We'll be careful, I promise." She hugged the Queen tightly. "Take care. I hope you get to see Ahmed soon." She gave her friend a squeeze then released her. "Your advisors know how to get us if you need us for anything, we are leaving in the morning. But we will absolutely be back for your celebration ball. And then I will give you an answer to your question." She kissed her friend on the cheek then left her suite. Ruby went wandering the hotel looking for her grandmother. She found her in her old room. "Hi Nana!" she said brightly. "So, how was your time with James?" "Wonderful," Mina says, and gets lost into a long conversation with her granddaughter. [/QUOTE]
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AGELESS Campaign Episode 2 - Temple of the Cat-Goddess
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