AGELESS CAMPAIGN, Episode II, Part VI.

[orchid blossom]

Fouccault says, "It is true. All we want from you is some specific information. After that you will be released. It concerns the magical artifact that was stolen from our mansion. Do you know where that item is now?"

It wasn't often that Abigail was actually pleased to NOT know something, but this was an exception. Her memories of that day were fuzzy at best, and she had no idea what or if any decisions about the artifact had been made.

"I'd ask you to be more specific, but as I have no idea where any magical artifact from the mansion may be I can safely answer no."

 

[Silver Moon]

After all the knots were minimized, Ruby joined Ela in one of the baths. She sighed as she sunk into the hot water, "That was AMAZING." She dipped her shoulders under the water. "This is a tough job you have, huh?"

Ela says, "I've had worst days of employment. You seemed to enjoy your massage. Bibi makes sure that each masseuse is very skilled. And you need not worry about those men's thoughts, they are either eunuchs or have had their desires suppressed with an elixir. Bibi makes sure that he is the only stallion here among the geldings."

 

[Silver Moon]

".....Again in full disclosure I did issue some veiled threats about joining with the Boers or the Turks. Just so you know. But we do still have to hammer out a few details. Size of the garrison in Alexandia, mechanism for extension, which I said was entirely at your discretion. That is the general framework we are dealing with. Oh and I did threaten to assault Woolsley if he cast any aspersions on your or your character or competency. I have done as well as I could to fulfill your desires. I hope I have justified your trust and faith in me." ends George.

She says, "My, you are bold. But I would guess that I should expect that from a man who plans to marry Ruby.

In am mostly in agreement. I see merit in your plan with the rebel army, but am concerned as to the size of the area you propose for their authority. Very rigid guidelines will need to be established as to jurisdiction. And I also appreciate your not granting an amnesty to the officers, some were clearly in collusion with either the French or former minister Abdullah and their specific actions warrant capital punishment. But you need not worry about that yourself, Barrister Sefu is more than capable of handling that task.

Those British concessions are great, recognition of our sovereignty and agreement that British merchant vessels will pay full fare. That will indeed enable economic stability. But I am bothered about this garrison. I suppose it was too optimistic for me to have them just leave altogether after my father had essentially given them the key to the country, but I also know how the British operate. What is the minimum presence that we can hope to negotiate in order to obtain those other concessions?

 

[Silver Moon]

It wasn't often that Abigail was actually pleased to NOT know something, but this was an exception. Her memories of that day were fuzzy at best, and she had no idea what or if any decisions about the artifact had been made. "I'd ask you to be more specific, but as I have no idea where any magical artifact from the mansion may be I can safely answer no."

Callum replies "I have no knowledge of where that item is either, I have been in France for a while now."

Gerome says, "Oh, I absolutely know that. I also know how you got here. I was inside the palace in Cairo while the German Dragon-lady was fighting our Dreadnaught. I personally saw you and your Egyptian friend break into the King's vault and steal the magical flying carpet which brought you here. You know the secrets of how to enter that vault, and it is only a matter of time until the new Queen decides to place the artifact there."

 

[orchid blossom]

Gerome says, "Oh, I absolutely know that. I also know how you got here. I was inside the palace in Cairo while the German Dragon-lady was fighting our Dreadnaught. I personally saw you and your Egyptian friend break into the King's vault and steal the magical flying carpet which brought you here. You know the secrets of how to enter that vault, and it is only a matter of time until the new Queen decides to place the artifact there."

"For a man so steeped in magic, I'd think you could imagine other ways he might have arrived in France."

 

[Queenie]

Ela says, "I've had worst days of employment. You seemed to enjoy your massage. Bibi makes sure that each masseuse is very skilled. And you need not worry about those men's thoughts, they are either eunuchs or have had their desires suppressed with an elixir. Bibi makes sure that he is the only stallion here among the geldings."

Ruby raised an eyebrow as she glanced over towards the men. "You know, I'm not usually worried about men and their thoughts, I quite frequently am the target of such desires... And who can blame them?" she laughed, "But I hadn't even thought about that today. I guess I'm a little off my game. But those poor men, why would they ever agree to suppressing their desires or worse? Is it that good working here?

As for Bibi, does he, ah, service the lady clientele here?"

 

[Silver Moon]

As for Bibi, does he, ah, service the lady clientele here?"

She replies, "Oh yes, but very selectively and discretely."

Gesturing toward the other men she says, "As for the others, Bibi did not make them eunuchs, they came from other places in that state. For those taking the elixir, it wears off over time."

 

[Silver Moon]

"For a man so steeped in magic, I'd think you could imagine other ways he might have arrived in France."

Callum says, "Regarding the carpet, it was only borrowed, the Queen had it back in her possession in less than a day.

But I will say that I am most disappointed in all of you. I had previously thought that you were gentlemen, as well as masters of your individual professions. Now I discover that you have degenerated into being nothing more than petty thieves."

 

[Queenie]

She replies, "Oh yes, but very selectively and discretely."

Gesturing toward the other men she says, "As for the others, Bibi did not make them eunuchs, they came from other places in that state. For those taking the elixir, it wears off over time."

"Then I suppose it's very nice of Bibi to give them jobs they can excel at. And I also suppose this might make my fiancé slightly more agreeable to me coming here." She shrugged and laughed. " Though I really don't think he would care at all.

So, Ela, have you been working at the hotel long? Do you enjoy your job?"

 

[Silver Moon]

"So, Ela, have you been working at the hotel long? Do you enjoy your job?"

"I have been there for eleven years. My late husband is a cousin to the Sultan. When he died I was offered a job there as a chambermaid and have been promoted three times since then. I very much enjoy my job but am unfortunately as far along as I can go. He and his Uncle have even told me privately that they would make me manager if not for the attitude towards women that many Egyptians hold. Perhaps that will change with the new Queen."