AGELESS CAMPAIGN, Episode II, Part VI.

[orchid blossom]

She says, "That is why he was with us. Nubia is technically a semi-autonomous section of Egypt, giving him the flexibility of being part of an officially sanctioned mission or being a rogue operative who acted impulsively. The royal ogre swore his loyalty to Neferka back when she was only a Princess, now that she is the Pharaoh, there is nothing that he would not do for her."

"Queen Neferka is lucky to have the loyalty of such a man."

 

[Queenie]

He says, "It is indeed, although I am sorry that it happened at the cost of my cousin's youth. She seems pleased to have merged with her chosen deity, but I will miss the girl that she was."

They soon arrive at the station and see that the train has already arrived. James and Mina are up on the platform near the baggage care. Mina is uncharacteristically berating a large muscular porter with an unkempt beard and mustache who is attempting to unload their crates, trunks and baggage. The man looks vaguely familiar and they hear Mina tell him that he is "incompetent" and that she plans to "report him to his supervisor."

Ruby nodded, "Yes your cousin made a very great sacrifice, I am sure you are proud of her."

When Ruby saw her grandmother and James a huge smile came to her face but it dimmed as she got closer and heard her grandmother yelling at a porter.

"Oh my goodness, whatever is going on here?" She said loudly while stepping next to her grandmother.

 

[Silver Moon]

"Oh my goodness, whatever is going on here?" She said loudly while stepping next to her grandmother.

Mina loudly exclaims, in both English and then Arabic, "This man dropped our trunk and clearly has no idea what he is doing. He may have size and strength, but has not one once of brains in his head. He should be discharged from this position before he accidentally kills somebody!"

Upon closer examination Ruby feels that she should recognize the man but cannot place where.

 

[Silver Moon]

"Queen Neferka is lucky to have the loyalty of such a man."

Maurice says, "She is indeed". He turns to Meren and says, "I will leave you here to complete your appointed task. You are also welcome to stay the night if you wish." She replies, "I may, as I would like to spend some more time with Abigail." Maurice replies, "Very well, I will have Mr. LaJoie prepare you a room."

The three exit, leaving Meren behind in the treasure room. Maurice explains, "She is taking an inventory of plundered Egyptian treasure. Champollion put them at four separate locations around Paris. She spent yesterday and this morning inventorying the Louvre. Tomorrow she will go to Versailles. Afte that will be the College de France, where he and Mr. Faucault were on the faculty."

As they continue Callum says, "So, where are you going to tell me that I've been discharged from her Majesty's Secret Service?" Maurice says, "You knew?" He then gestures casually to Abby. Callum replies, "My Uncle notified me of the newspaper article and Knighthood. I'm now too public to continue in that task, plus the French wizards had discovered that as well. And you may speak freely in front of Miss Marsters, I will keep no further secrets from her."

 

[Queenie]

Mina loudly exclaims, in both English and then Arabic, "This man dropped our trunk and clearly has no idea what he is doing. He may have size and strength, but has not one once of brains in his head. He should be discharged from this position before he accidentally kills somebody!"

Upon closer examination Ruby feels that she should recognize the man but cannot place where.

Ruby stares at the man critically, trying to remember where she knows him from but particularly looks for any magic disguises.

 

[Silver Moon]

Ruby stares at the man critically, trying to remember where she knows him from but particularly looks for any magic disguises.

Recognition then strikes. The previous week, when the party first arrived in Zakazik by horseback, this same man was employed as the Captain of the Guard at the main north gate to the city. He was the one that attempted to get a destitute man to give up his teenage daughter as their extended family's entrance fee into Zakazik. That was resolved when Princess Neferka, also entering the city then, gave the man coins as payment for the impoverished family.

 

[Queenie]

Recognition then strikes. The previous week, when the party first arrived in Zakazik by horseback, this same man was employed as the Captain of the Guard at the main north gate to the city. He was the one that attempted to get a destitute man to give up his teenage daughter as their extended family's entrance fee into Zakazik. That was resolved when Princess Neferka, also entering the city then, gave the man coins as payment for the impoverished family.

Even this is too good for that scum, Ruby thought. "Have some care, you clumsy oaf. I am certain there are many other more competent people lined up for a job like this and you can easily end up in the gutter."

He deserves much more ire than this but I have a feeling this one will get what he is due...

She 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.

 

[orchid blossom]

As they continue Callum says, "So, where are you going to tell me that I've been discharged from her Majesty's Secret Service?" Maurice says, "You knew?" He then gestures casually to Abby. Callum replies, "My Uncle notified me of the newspaper article and Knighthood. I'm now too public to continue in that task, plus the French wizards had discovered that as well. And you may speak freely in front of Miss Marsters, I will keep no further secrets from her."

"I have top level security clearance," she said with a wink.

 

[Silver Moon]

"I have top level security clearance," she said with a wink.

Maurice states, "Well, I convinced Campion Bond to actually change your status to 'Inactive'[. That means that you no longer work for Her Majesty unless she or Mr. Bond choose to recall you." Callum says, "But that means that I still need to find a new job." Maurice replies, "Any thoughts about that?" Callum answers, "I was thinking of asking Abby's boss, Wilamina Parker." Maurice answers, "A wise choice, the Parkers are good people and could probably use somebody with your skill set."

 

[Silver Moon]

"I trust you also had a pleasant trip James? Hopefully no trouble?" She asked politely.

He 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."