Having examined the sarcophagus 'in situ', Tony decided that it was best to return to the Cataract Hotel, and speak to the technicians who had driven down from Luxor. After they had seen the images taken by Teddy, they could then devise a plan that would enable them to extract the sarcophagus from the pyramid, and safely and securely transport it to the 'Winter Palace' in Luxor, where it could be thoroughly examined...
 |
| Old Cataract Hotel - Night - Aswan - Upper Egypt |
Eventually the big truck arrived at the 'Cataract Hotel' in Aswan.
As 'per instructions' from Tony, the large truck had been discreetly parked well out of sight.
Hassan then left his taxi in a nearby side-road, and went to a room he had been allocated by Jim in the hotel.
The four 'technicians' were, predictably, waiting for Tony in the bar, while Jim, Ethan and Teddy, and Ashraf went to Jim's suite.
Faunus, not surprisingly, was nowhere to be seen.
 |
| "Well that seemed to go without a hitch..." |
"Yes - no storm, no quick-sands, no police and no aliens....
'made a very welcome change to have a nice, quiet 'adventure', Jim agreed.
"And now we need to get those photos printed off...", Ethan said.
"So can you tell me - how is Tony effendi going to get that sarcophagus out of the pyramid ?", Ashraf deferentially asked.
"Good question - and tell me, Ashraf, what does all this 'effendi-thingy' mean ?", Ethan asked.
"Ah... ", Teddy interupted.
"Effendi is a title of nobility meaning 'lord' or 'master'.
The title itself is derived from the Greek 'αὐθέντης' meaning 'lord' - which you should know, Ethan !", - Teddy added reprovingly.
Teddy continued...
"It is a title of respect or courtesy, equivalent to the English 'Sir'.
It was used in the 'Ottoman Empire', and when it is used, it follows the personal name, and is generally given to members of the learned professions.", Teddy concluded rather officiously.
"So I suppose we should call Teddy - 'Teddy effendi' - as he is very learned.", Ethan said with a cheeky grin.
"I would really rather you didn't...", Teddy replied, obviously not amused.
Ashraf looked puzzled.
He still hadn't worked out in his mind the strange relationship that seemed to exist between Ethan and Teddy.
"So, Jim - what about answering Ashraf's question - how do you think Tony's planning to get that big old sarcophagus-thingy out of the pyramid - with all those narrow passageways ?", Ethan asked.
"As I said to Tony - I'm not sure - but now that Tony's not around, perhaps I can hazard a guess.", Jim suggested.
"Now Tony mentioned 'lifting equipment' and 'drilling'.
There is no room in the pyramid for hoists and such like, but I'm prepared to make a wild guess...
 |
| Stark Industries Anti-Gravity Cadillac |
Later, Tony made some significant improvements to Howard's device but, because he was concerned about the ramifications of such an invention, he refused to make it public - but perhaps he is wiling to use it to help us.", Jim said.
"OK - but how is it going to help us - and what's a 'levitation device-thingy' ?", Ethan asked.
"Well, it's surprisingly small.
When it was originally tested, there were four units on the Cadillac - one where each wheel would be.
And as a result, and just running off the Cadillac's battery, the limo had practically no weight.", Jim explained.
"Cool !", Ethan exclaimed.
H G Wells - Author 'Anti-gravity', (also known as a 'non-gravitational field'), is a phenomenon for creating an object that is free, to a greater or lesser extent, from the force of gravity. It does not refer to the lack of weight under gravity experienced in 'free fall' or orbit, or to balancing the force of gravity with some other force, such as electromagnetism, or aerodynamic lift. A prime example of fictional 'gravity blocking' is the substance 'Cavorite', in H. G. Wells's story 'The First Men in the Moon' - originally serialized in 'The Strand Magazine', from December 1900 to August 1901, and later published in hardcover in 1901. - Please note - Stark's anti-gravity system does not rely on a 'fictional substance', such as 'Cavorite', but rather on certain properties generated involving a 'Quantum Gravity Effects'.
"So what actually went wrong ?
I mean we don't have 'floating limos' now...". Ethan asked.
"It couldn't run for any reasonable period of time - and the units kept burning out - so Tony said.", Jim replied.
"But the units work now ?", Ethan asked.
"Well I think so... but we'll just have to wait until tomorrow - and see what happens.", Jim answered - hesitantly.
"So, I haven't seen much of you three recently...", Clare said, as their shai was served.
"We, Clare, have been very busy !", Teddy said, sounding very self-important.
"I see...
And can we ask what we have been busy doing ?", Clare asked, mimicking Teddy's feigned pomposity.
"Nothing much...", Jim began.
"We've just been searching for an 'artefact'.", Jim continued.
"An 'artefact' ?...", Clare echoed.
"Well that sounds a bit mysterious.", Clare added.
 |
| The 'Spurious' Pyramid Photo |
"Not really - it's just a very unusual sarcophagus, and Tony Stark is helping us to recover it from a pyramid we discovered in Armant.", Jim explained.
Then, just to satisfy Clare's curiosity, Ethan pulled a photo from Teddy's plastic Walmart bag.
"There you are - there's the crumbly pyramid at Armant.", Ethan said, sounding just a little implausible.
The photo, however, was really remarkably convincing, being a 'doctored' image of a real pyramid - that being the 'Pyramid of Unas' - which Teddy was quite certain that Clare had never seen.
It wasn't, of course, that Jim didn't trust Clare, but rather that it was better that as few people as possible knew of the remarkable discovery that had been made at Armant.
 |
| Brody at the Cataract Pool |
"Well yes... just another pyramid...", Clare responded.
"But anyway, I'm just enjoying myself lazing here in the sun, and having the occasional swim - and I can always ogle Brody (the link is to adult content) showing off his physique by the pool.", Clare added - as she showed Jim, Ethan and Teddy a photo that she's taken of Brody by the pool on the previous day.
"Swim shorts !", Ethan exclaimed.
"I thought that Brody only ever wore very brief Speedos - if anything at all...", Ethan continued.
"Ah yes...", Teddy began...
"Well I had a word with Brody when we first arrived here.
 |
| Brody at the 'Combat Club' |
Also men's clothing must be loose, and not tight or see-through, so that the 'private areas' remain concealed.
So Brody got himself a long pair of swim shorts - but unfortunately he couldn't manage to cover up his navel - but as all the guests here are probably non-Muslim, and those Muslims who work here are probably used to seeing Western swimwear, I don't think anyone will be offended by Brody's appearance.", Teddy concluded.
"True, and as far as I can gather, Brody only wears Speedos when he gets paid to do so - like when he appears at the 'Combat Club'.(the link is to adult content).
 |
| Novius - in Egypt |
"No... it's not really a secret - but first Novius and Tony need to do some work on it - you know- clean it up and suchlike... ", Jim said - dissembling almost as awkwardly as Ethan.
"And that will be done in Luxor, while we do some more sightseeing - here in Aswan.", Jim added.
"So you're going to let Novius in on the sarcophagus business then ?", Ethan asked Jim.
"Yes - of course...
Tony is the technical expert, but as the sarcophagus seems to be an ancient Egyptian 'artifact', it seems wise to get Novius to look at it, as he's the expert as regards the ancient Egyptian customs and religion - and it seems to me that both the technological and the religious and mythological aspects of the sarcophagus need to be understood when we get to have a proper look at this thing.", Jim said.
"OK - and when are we going to 'pick up' the 'sarcophagus-thingy' ?", Ethan asked.
"Hopefully this evening...", Jim answered.
"And you really think you can get the sarcophagus out of the pyramid ?", Ethan said - looking doubtful.
"Well Tony sounds confident...
Apparently he used his 'gizmos' before to help the 'Boss' get big, heavy things out of Mayan pyramids - That was when the 'Boss' was working in Mexico - and he says that this is very much the same sort of job...", Jim replied.
Later that day Jim, Ethan, Teddy, Tony and Novius met in the garden of the 'Cataract Hotel'.
"So tonight we will be setting out to acquire the sarcophagus.", Jim began.
 |
| Gardens of the Cataract Hotel - Aswan - Upper Egypt |
Teddy then cleared his throat in order to attract attention...
"Acquire most commonly means 'to get, or to buy'...
'Acquire' has a lot of meanings - meanings that vary with context.
Most of them refer to the act of getting something permanently.", Teddy explained.
"But what if you don't own the thing that you 'acquire' ?", Ethan persisted.
"Well that's usually called 'stealing'...", Tony said with a smile.
"So tonight we will be stealing the sarcophagus...", Ethan said.
"Mm... perhaps...", Teddy said carefully.
"And is that wise ?", Novius asked.
All antiquities are considered to be public property – except for charitable endowments - with the exception of antiquities whose ownership or possession was already established at the time the law came into effect … the possession of antiquities shall be prohibited. - Every person who fortuitously discovers a movable antiquity shall notify the nearest administrative authority within forty-eight hours and safeguard it until the Egyptian Antiquities Authority takes possession of it. Failing to do so shall be deemed to be unauthorized possess. - Extract from Egyptian Antiquities Law.
Emblem of the Ministry of State for Antiquities
The Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities is the Egyptian government organization which serves to protect and preserve the heritage and ancient history of Egypt. It was formed from the Supreme Council of Antiquities, during the presidency of Hosni Mubarak, to deal with the security and theft of Egyptian antiquities.
"Well - if the Pyramid and the sarcophagus are 'real' - in the sense that we usually understand - then technically they belong to the Egyptian government - but, in my view, they don't really belong to this 'time' or 'place' - and therefore I don't believe that the sarcophagus is a genuine ancient Egyptian 'antique', and so does not belong the the Egyptian government.", Jim said.
"Yes - I think what Jim is trying to say is that the 'sarcophagus' is a 'prochronism' - which is an 'impossible anachronism' - which occurs when an object has not yet been invented, and therefore could not have possibly existed at the time it was supposed to have existed.", Teddy suggested.
"Cool !
So we're not really stealing the sarcophagus - so everything's 'honky-dory'... yes ?", Ethan said sounding hopeful and relieved at the same time.
"Well - that's cleared that up...", Tony commented.
"I certainly hope so...", Novius said wearily.
They waited until late - until the sun had set, and the stars were just beginning to become visible.
Tony's technicians, along with Ashraf, rode in the large, armored truck, with Faunus - performing his perfect impersonation of an Egyptian government official - driving.
 |
| Luxor Road Bridge - Night - Upper Egypt |
They then had the long drive north, up to Armant - crossing over to the West Bank at the 'Luxor Road Bridge'.
It was, as on previous occasions, a tense moment when they came to the road-bridge.
There was always a well-manned check-point at that point, as the Egyptian security forces were convinced that terrorists, and other ant-government groups, would launch any insurgency with attacks on bridges, railway stations and airports.
The Egyptian Security apparatus tends to be somewhat 'paranoid' so - photography of, or near, military official installations is strictly prohibited. This includes the 'Suez Canal'. Equally, photographing officials without their consent can cause problems. There are also sensitivities about taking photographs of 'public buildings' or 'infrastructure', and non-Egyptians can be arrested for photographing 'electricity stations', 'train stations' and 'bridges' (like 'Luxor Road Bridge').
Hassan, however, was a well known taxi-driver, who often crossed between the West and East Banks - so there was no trouble there.
The large armored truck was an unusual vehicle, and was obviously stopped, but Faunus had Government papers (as usual, 'fake'), and spoke Arabic with a perfect Cairene accent, and so his papers were only given a cursory inspection, and the vehicle was not searched.
"So, do you think that our 'pyramid-thingy' will still be there ?", Ethan asked Jim, as they left the checkpoints and made their way down the deserted, darkened roads."
 |
| Armant Pyramid - Night |
And then, after a smooth drive, the huge pyramid appeared on the horizon.
"Wow !... That looks really spooky !", Ethan exclaimed , as he caught his first sight of the pyramid - oddly illuminated by the starlit sky.
And so Hassan's taxi, followed by the armored truck, pulled up in front of the pyramid temple.
While Jim and Zac opened the doors to the temple, the Tony's technicians carried out four rather strange looking devices, approximately the same size as Tony's aluminum case.
The devices were obviously heavy, and Tony warned everyone to to stay clear - as they contained 'liquid mercury' - the fumes of which, if they escaped, could be poisonous.
"So is that how it works ? -
I mean the machine for lifting the sarcophagus...
With mercury ?", Ethan naively asked.
"Now that's a very simple way of putting it, Ethan - but yes - gravity can be affected by a kind of mercury..." Tony replied carefully, as they entered the large entrance hallway leading into the pyramid.
At this point Teddy - rather awkwardly - interrupted....
"Well that's right - Howard initially used a kind of mercury for his 'anti-gravity' experiments.
He called it 'IRR Xerum 525' - also called 'Red Mercury' - and it's a violet colored, mercury-like substance - which is probably used in the devices that Tony has brought here to use in the sarcophagus.", Teddy said.
 |
| Pyramid Temple Hallway - Armant - Upper Egypt |
"Dangerous stuff !", Teddy said - sounding rather serious.
"So how dangerous ?", Zac asked - stopping them all as they passed down the hallway.
"Very...", Tony answered, quietly.
"So why didn't you tell us about this earlier ?", Jim asked - and he sounded annoyed and disturbed by this new information.
"I didn't think anyone would be interested...", Tony replied glibly.
"Well before we actually use your 'gizmos' I think we need to know a bit more - after all - it's not as if this particular invention that Howard came up with was a thorough going success, and from what you say, you've only recently got it up and running again - and are keeping it secret.
"So, Teddy - you seem to know something about this - so perhaps you could explain what's going on...", Novius suggested.
"Is that OK ?", Teddy asked, directing his question to Jim and Tony - who obviously were in a position to decide.
"OK by us...", Jim said looking for confirmation from Tony.
Tony nodded in agreement.
follow the link below for more information about
'Scientific discovery consists of seeing what everybody has seen, and thinking what nobody else has thought. Scientific discovery must be, by definition, at variance with existing knowledge.'
"Well, it all goes back a long time...", Teddy began.
"This was before Howard got involved in the 'anti-gravity' research - but he was already working for the US Defense Department.
And should I say here that this phenomena is more accurately referred to as 'electrogravitics' - rather than 'anti gravity'.
 |
| SS Ahnenerbe from an original image by Peter Crawford |
"And what's this 'inter-dimensional-travel-thingy'", Ethan inevitably asked.
 |
| 'Der Laternentraeger' - Lucifer |
"Well, most probably some form of 'time travel'.
The Germans called it 'Projekt Kronos'...", Teddy said.
"Oh - like our 'Kronos', the god of time !". Ethan exclaimed, finally remembering some of his Greek.
"Yes - but later it was called 'Der Laternentraeger', or 'Die Glocke'.", Teddy then paused for a moment to let everybody get up to speed.
"Now this project has been presented as a sort of 'hoax', or 'urban legend' by governments and security services - as a form of 'disinformation' - since the second World War - but in actuality that's far from the case.
Apparently the 'Xerum 525' used by the Germans, which acted as a 'super-conductor, was supplied by a Swedish company, 'Dynamit Nobel AG' - although AEG, the German electronics company, was also involved.
This 'IRR Xerum 525' contained, among other elements, thorium oxide and beryllium oxide, called 'Leichtmetall'.
 |
| Die Glocke |
The 'IRR Xerum 525' also contained mercury, and several heavy isotopes.
When in use, the 'Glocke' emitted a phosphorescent bluish light, which was the obvious result of ionized radiation, and also produced a very powerful magnetic field.
It seems that the principal purpose of the German experiment was to attempt to control gravity.
One of the ideas behind this was to reduce, or eliminate, the use of fossil fuels in aircraft, and other devices - allowing any normally-weighted object to be lifted as if it were weightless, or near-weightless - and to travel at extraordinary velocities.
The control, or the partial control of gravity, might also have given Germany the possible capability of interplanetary travel.
The first experiments were conducted between May and June 1944.
The operation of the 'Glocke' was highly dangerous - not so much as a result of using 'Xerum 525', but rather from certain radiations that were emitted - and some of the scientists working on the project died as a result.
 |
| Walther Gerlach |
 |
| Herman Oberth |
Most of the other scientists working on 'Projekt Kronos', and their assistants, also died as the war ended - but in most case because they were executed by members of the SS - and few survived to pass on their 'electrogravitics' research.
The 'Glocke' also mysteriously disappeared.
Interestingly, two scientists involved in the project who did survive were Hermann Oberth and Walther Gerlach .
Gerlach, who discovered, through laboratory experiments, spin quantization in a magnetic field, the so called 'Stern–Gerlach' effect, ended up in the UK - and Oberth worked with von Braun in the US, - and both met up with Howard Stark - and it was from these two scientists that Howard developed his theories regarding 'electrogravitics'.", Teddy explained.
"Well that's all very interesting, Teddy - but you still haven't helped us with our concerns about the safety of Tony's 'anti gravity gizmos'.", Zac said, rather pointedly.
Teddy looked rather abashed.
"Now I would have thought that was obvious.
The same technology that is going to be used in moving the sarcophagus is also used in the 'dimensional portal' - and so far it doesn't seem to have caused any problems - so what are you worried about ?", Teddy said.
"Well why didn't you just say that - instead of giving us all that technical stuff about about 'funny mercury stuff', and 'vortex-thingys' and suchlike.", Ethan said, sounding exasperated.
"Sorry - but I just wanted to be thorough - like give you a bit of 'background' information...", Teddy replied, trying to sound very innocent.
"So, Tony - are you really sure that making these devices so small has not affected their safety in any way ?", Jim asked.
"Don't worry, guys !
It's like most technology - as time passes it becomes easier and easier to miniaturize it - so, as long as you don't try to open things up, and take them apart - everything will be all right.", Tony said.
"Right ! - Well lets just get this business organised, and move this 'sarcophagus-thingy' down to the temple doors, and into the truck.", Ethan said.
 |
| Doorway to the Sarcophagus Chamber |
And yes - the sarcophagus was still there ! - just where they had left it.
Immediately Tony's technicians set to work.
Their first job was to x-ray and ultra sound scan the areas of the sarcophagus where they were intending to attach the anti-gravity generators, using their miniaturized portable equipment.
This was because they obviously needed to ensure that the drilling would not damage any concealed mechanisms that may be located in the outer sides of the 'walls' of the sarcophagus.
Teddy, of course, watched intently, taking visual notes of every part of the operation.
"So, you are not wanting to open the sarcophagus here in the chamber ?", Ashraf asked Jim.
"Oh no... we opened it on our first visit...", Jim replied.
"And what did you find ?", Ashraf asked.
"Nothing - it was empty.", Zac replied.
(Now you - the reader - will know this - if you have been paying attention...)
"So why are we all getting so tense ?", Ethan asked.
"Well I'm not.", Teddy said nonchalantly.
It didn't take long for the technicians to give their 'read-outs' to Tony.
It appeared that the sarcophagus could be safely drilled, and the apertures 'tapped', ready for bolts, at the points that had been selected.
Tony then turned to the others, as the technicians donned goggles, ear-defenders, and face-masks.
"It's best if we wait outside while they do the drilling...", Tony suggested.
The doors to the sarcophagus chamber were then closed, and the drilling commenced.
The high-speed drills did not take long to make the drill-holes in preparation for the anti-gravity devices that were to be attached to four locations on the sarcophagus.
Meanwhile, in the passageway outside the sarcophagus chamber, Tony with Ashraf's help, was unpacking the 'anti-gravity' units.
"So Tony...", Ethan began, "How do these little 'gizmo-thingys' actually work."
Tony thought for a moment before replying.
 |
| Gyroscope |
It's sort of a combination of electricity, the superconductivity of mercury and gyroscopes.", Tony said.
"And what are 'gyroscope-thingys' ?", Ethan asked - having never come across such things before.
"It's difficult to describe
A gyroscope is a device, consisting of a wheel mounted into two or three gimbals providing pivoted supports, for allowing the wheel to rotate about a single axis.
The important point is that gyroscopes can affect gravity." Tony said.
All spinning objects have gyroscopic properties. The main properties that an object can experience in any gyroscopic motion are rigidity in space and precession.
"Well I don't really understand that, but it doesn't matter as long as these things work...", Ethan replied.
By then the four 'anti-gravity' units, along with their electrical power supplies, had been unpacked.
 |
| Stark Industries Anti-Gravity Units |
"Dinky, aren't they ?", Ethan commented as he bent down to 'check-out' the 'anti-gravity units.
"Now remember what Tony said about mercury !", Teddy warned.
"OK !", Ethan whined - sounding like a naughty schoolboy.
 |
| Tony Operating the Ant-Gravity Devices |
A remote control unit came with the 'anti-gravity' equipment, and Tony then began to work out what settings would be needed.
Now apparently, despite being compact units, the anti gravity devices were remarkably powerful, and there was always the possibility that any object to which they were attached might, if the wrong setting were input, levitate uncontrollably, causing a great deal of damage.
Tony, however, could only guess at the weight of the sarcophagus, and so he needed to very gradually increase the 'gravity shielding' effects of the four units.
Once the sarcophagus was lifted a few inches, it would then be seemingly weightless, and it would simply be a matter of 'pushing' the sarcophagus in what ever directions was required - at least that was the theory.
Now the x-ray images, and ultra-sound scans had indicated that the sarcophagus - rather that being attached or embedded to the floor of the sarcophagus chamber - was, in fact, only laid on the floor - which was good.
"OK...guys.
I think you'd better leave and close the doors, just in case anything unexpected happens.
So Tony was left alone in the sarcophagus chamber.
Then there was silence.
"Well before, Ethan, you asked 'why are we all getting so tense ?' - so this is maybe a good time to get tense, now...", Teddy commented.
"Yes...", Ethan replied, looking nervous.
 |
| Sarcophagus Levitated |
"Everything's OK...", Tony said with a smile.
So Ethan and Teddy and Jim and Ashraf peeked in.
Novius, who really was nervous, hung back.
"Wow !...
That anti-gravity-thingy actually works !", Ethan blurted out, as he gazed in amazement at the huge sarcophagus, as it hung about one foot above the marble floor of the chamber.
"Of course !", Tony proudly said.
"But is it safe ?", Jim asked.
"Of course...
So why not let Teddy take a ride on it as we guide it down the passage ways ?", Tony suggested.
"Why does it always have to be me ?", Teddy moaned, as Ethan sat him on the sarcophagus.
 |
| Teddy Takes a Scary Ride |
Once outside the pyramid, Tony altered the settings of the anti-gravity remote control, and the sarcophagus rose so that it could be placed in the truck that was parked outside the pyramid entrance.
"Hey ! Let me out !", Teddy, who imagined he was going to be locked in with the sarcophagus, squeaked, as the technicians slid the sarcophagus into back of the truck.
However, as the rear doors of the trucked were locked shut, a door to the front cabin was opened by Ethan, who rescued a very alarmed teddy bear.
"It's OK Teddy.
We weren't going to leave you in there...", Jim said reassuringly, as he climbed into the front cab to sit alongside Ethan.
"Of course...," Teddy replied, pretending that he hadn't panicked -  |
| Armant Coffee-Shop at Night |
"Right, well we'd better get back into Hassan's taxi, and then we can go back to Armant town and have some shai at that nice little coffee-shop, so that we don't go back through the checkpoints at the same time as the truck - in case the police get suspicious.", Jim said.
The truck, carrying the sarcophagus, driven by Faunus, then moved out first - and Hassan began to slowly follow.
It was at that moment that something very strange began to happen - but maybe not so strange, considering previous events.
 |
| Pyramid Temple Transformation |
"I think that Hassan ought to drive away - quite quickly...", Teddy suggested.
"Oh dear - it's not going to sink into the sand again !", Ethan muttered as the front of the pyramid temple became almost completely transparent, revealing the interior hallway, where the flaming braziers began to flare with an unnatural white brilliance, while the outlines of the whole scene became blurred as it seemed to pulsate with energy.
As they drove away, Ethan, Teddy and Jim were looking out of the rear window of the Peugeot, and were expecting the the pyramid itself to 'take-off', but instead they saw the pyramid, like the temple, flicker and then begin to fade, so that the dunness, which were behind it, slowly became visible in the moonlight.
 |
| The Armant Pyramid Disappears |
"So that's it...", Zac said.
"Do you think we shall ever see it again, Marcus ?" , Novius asked Jim.
"I really don't know, but as far as I could see, the only thing the pyramid contained, apart from one set of hieroglyphics - which Teddy told us were 'Pyramid Texts' - was the sarcophagus, so perhaps the pyramid would have no need to appear again.", Jim speculated.
 |
| Luxor Bridge Check-Point - Egypt |
And so, while Faunus passed without incident through the West Bank checkpoint on the Luxor Bridge, as he made his way, with the sarcophagus to the 'Winter Palace, Hassan drove in the opposite direction, towards the town of Armant - and to one particular coffee-shop in the town - the intention being to avoid having the truck carrying the sarcophagus, and Hassan's taxi, passing through the Luxor Bridge checkpoint at the same time.
"I wonder if anyone in Armant noticed the light from the disappearance of the pyramid ?", Ethan said, as he looked out at the dark, starlit sky.
"Hopefully not - the pyramid was some distance from the town, and anyway, I can't see any reason why they should link that with our arrival at the coffee-shop.", Jim replied.
Like most coffee-shops in Egypt (see above, and at the link), the coffee-shop in Armant was open until late.
As it happened, the young tea-boy who had served them before was on duty, although he was far from busy, as he had no customers.
It was the same young man who had said "أنا أحب دمية دب الخاص بك.." ('I love your teddy-bear') on their same visit.
"Well I just hope the tea-boy doesn't remember us from our last visit.", Zac said.
"I think he will remember us, Sir - very few tourists visit Armant.", Hassan said.
The tea-boy, however, said nothing, in either Arabic or English, to indicate that he had ever seen any of them before - and didn't even seem to notice Teddy.
Seeing that there appeared to be no problem, Jim then contacted the limo drivers, by encoded cell-phone, who were parked about a quarter of a kilometre from the bridge, and told them that himself and the others would soon be arriving.
It was a long drive to Aswan, and it was late, so using Hassan's taxi on the way back to the Cataract Hotel wasn't really an option...
The two Mercedes were very fast, and very comfortable, and on that part of the journey they were unlikely to be stopped, as they would be taken to be government limousines.
"OK guys - let's drink up, and we'll be on our way...", Jim quietly announced.
The tea-boy was paid for the shai, and generous backsheesh, in the hope that he would have the good sense to keep quiet about his late night visitors, and Hassan then drove them to the rendezvous with the limos.
After paying off Hassan, and sending him back to the Winter Palace, the limos then set off at speed on their night journey to the Cataract Hotel in Aswan.
Meanwhile - back in Luxor - unable to control his curiosity, Tony, imagining that he was alone, opened the sarcophagus.
Tony, however, had already been told by Jim that the sarcophagus had been previously opened - and was apparently empty - but Tony was loath to believe Jim's story - otherwise why would Jim be so keen to acquire the sarcophagus.
Tony, of course, didn't believe for a moment that the sarcophagus had some mysterious, 'life-giving' properties.
Regardless, Teddy had shown Tony the concealed device that would open the sarcophagus, and so, after dismissing his technicians, Tony stood, seemingly alone, in the cavernous carport, and opened the gleaming, lapis and gold container.
And... it was empty - just as Jim had said it would be...
Empty of anything that could be seen, or touched - but just... perhaps - Tony wondered...
Faunus, of course, had been watching - from elsewhere - invisible... and smiled.
Jim, with Tony's help, successfully 'acquires' the 'Armant Sarcophagus', and then takes Clare and other members of the group to visit the various sights around Aswan - including the temples, and other monuments, and 'Kitchener's Island'.
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All text - © Copyright Peter Crawford 2021
All Images - © Copyright Vittorio Carvelli 2021
Graphic Design - © Copyright Zac Sawyer 202