A Mongol Empire Scenario-Desert Tides- Or how I learned to swim in quicksand

[J. Passepartout]

Why, the man who would be king? This is a pleasant suprise. I love that story, as well as the movie. I literally say that Dravot and Carnehan have contributed a great deal to the man I am today.

And furthermore they have aided in revealing some secret of our dear ladies.

 

[CatKnight]

Hmm.....Definitely sounds like Higgins is hiding something he knows. He's trying to throw his questioners on the defensive - and doing a fair job of it!

 

[coz1]

The sun and sand have certainly not dulled your writing. The man who would be king, indeed. Oh what has Higgins caught the old ladies up to? Back and strong as ever, sir!

 

[Valdemar]

Refresh my meomry if you please kind sir, who is Simmons?

V

 

[Stuyvesant]

Ah, pure Higgins: first you try to bluff your way out of things, by claiming it's all a mere coincidence, and when people don't buy that, you just try to radically change the subject.

I foresee a lot of cries of surprise (by the other members of the gang), some cries of indignation (by the dear ladies), and a smug Higgins, happily leading the topic of conversation away from the fact that he can't explain the current chain of events with his weak 'coincidence'.

 

[stnylan]

Higgins certainly knows how to throw a cat among the pigeons - or lots of them. But I cannot help but feel a comeuppance is coming, and in particular I am feeling that comeuppance might be our own Mr Rowe, who seems to have been rather quiescent of late.

 

[unmerged(28944)]

I dare say, Higgins is slicker than a used car selling policitian! Or in other words, someone you can't nail down on anything that he doesn't want nailed down on.... and maybe not even then!

I think, as a few of my fellow readers already mentioned, that there are going to be quite a few interesting conversations going on in the next several moments, and I can't wait to read all about 'em!

 

[Nil-The-Frogg]

Well, Higgins is universally supposed to be mistaken. And I too think he's either wrong or faking it. BUT, everything he said might be true. You might need, on average, 556 centuries to win the lottery, playing everydays. Some people win nonetheless. Besides, Storey certainly is daring enough to take that route, just because we've all been lured in the supernatural highway :rofl: .

BTW Valdemar, Simmons is the boss that pays Higgins, and then pays Rowe to supervise Higgins. And apparently pays Elspeth as well to look at them both...

 

[unmerged(37565)]

“Coincidence!”

“If you don’t have an answer at least make up an something that doesn’t insult our intelligence.”

This is the best part of the update.

Can Higgins find an answer? :wacko: o

btw what is the part of the story that Higgins did not tell them yet? (mentioned by Arturo some updates ago) One day Shara and Rowe might find out .... ..

unless Higgins keeps talking about coincidence, chance and such things. :rofl:

 

[Storey]

J. Passepartout – One of my favorite stories and I couldn’t resist using the mason symbol ‘coincidence’ in my story. Yes we will learn some more about our ladies but first we need to visit our villains.

CatKnight – Higgins is always hiding something and he’s determined that the group keep their collective feet on the ground and not dwell on the supernatural possibilities to explain what’s happening. I think he just takes offense to sloppy thinking, which is what he thinks about the spiritual world.

Coz1 – Lets see you should be visiting with stnylan by now. Hope you’re having fun in the humid south. Be sure to drink plenty of cold beer.

Valdemar – As Nil-The-Frogg pointed out Simmons is Higgins’ boss, benefactor and all around money bag who is probably getting anxious about where and what Higgins is after that’s still costing him so much money. Did he hire the girls to report on Higgins or not? Hmm…

Stuyvesant – As usual you’re correct in your assessment of the situation. Higgins by sheer verbosity is trying to over come the fears that his companions have about what is happening around them. After all we’ve had five people killed and more to follow. How long before one of our companions has the misfortune to bite the dust, kick the bucket or bought the farm?

Stnylan – Hope you’re enjoying Alabama. Rowe is sitting there watching the heavyweights fight a round. Maybe he’ll join in but not right now. In fact I can’t believe Aurturo is still holding his tongue.

Draco Rexus – Indeed Higgins would be able to sell just about anything he put his mind to, after all its part of being a successful dealer in antiquities.

Nil_The_Frogg – I admit that I enjoy misdirection in a story and if by chance the reader is still now sure what way the story is headed at this late date then I’m happy.


Rubruk – The rumors of the manuscripts also included hints of supernatural powers. The extant of these so called powers were unknown so of course they grew in the active imaginations of those who hunted for them. So Higgins has been leaving out all of the bits of information that would cast doubt about his version of what is going on. This included some events (death and destruction?) that only he and Aurturo know about. If the other companions learn about this later in the story is something we will have to wait and find out.

I have once again furiously thrown myself into siding the house and the vinyl panels are flying on to the house faster than greased lightning. Unfortunately for every two I put on I have to take one off because I didn’t do it right! Still I can’t tarry in my task because it’s the end of September and that means that the rain is just around the corner. I know it’s hard to believe it rains in Seattle but then it’s a strange world isn’t it? So its cutting into my writing time but I still plan at least one post a week unless the blessed rain comes and I have to put away my tools and wait till spring to start nailing the (%^$#(* vinyl once again.

Joe

 

[Valdemar]

You are in Seattle?

never knew, I studied in Olympia briefly and then in Vancouver... the North west is lovely if wet

V

 

[coz1]

Coz1 – Lets see you should be visiting with stnylan by now. Hope you’re having fun in the humid south. Be sure to drink plenty of cold beer.

Well, as I live down here year round, I have grown accustomed to it's heat and humidity...as well as the southern ladies. The Beach Boys were all wrong, though having just returned from California yourself, you may disagree at the moment.

As for the siding - looks like you really needed that break. And here I assumed it was your reward for a project well done...and finished. Oh well.

 

[stnylan]

Stnylan – Hope you’re enjoying Alabama. Rowe is sitting there watching the heavyweights fight a round. Maybe he’ll join in but not right now. In fact I can’t believe Aurturo is still holding his tongue.

Having a great time thanks Joe. As for delightful Arturo I have a sneaking suspicion he might double-cross everyone by the end. Of course, I might just be being a little paranoid.

 

[Storey]

Krafft sat at a table in the small room of a second rate hotel on the edge of the bazaar reading from his notes. He was tired and edgy from the day’s bad news as he swatted at a fly that buzzed by his ear. He looked over at Wolfgang and frowned. Wolfgang sat with three of his men playing cards. His back was to Krafft and the rigid lines to his shoulders expressed the anger he felt. He griped his cards tightly and they bent with the pressure until he released them one by one by slapping them down on the tabletop each time grunting an obscenity. His luck was as poor as his talent and he lost hand after hand, which added to his foul mood. He tossed his money to the winner without hesitating but his playing partners grew more nervous with each exchange of money. They started throwing their cards away even though they held a possible winner just to let Wolfgang win but even with his wins he grew angrier. His mind still boiled over the chewing out he’d received from Krafft earlier in the day when he, grinning from ear to ear, handed the manuscript to him unknowingly without it’s valuable notes. He grunted at the thought and drew another card from his hand. His was about to slam the card down when he was interrupted by a faint knock on the door. Everyone instinctively reached for their guns as they turned toward the slowly opening door and saw the pock faced man from the lobby of Higgins’ hotel enter.

Felix Fassbinder stood in the doorway for a second looking at everyone before focusing on Krafft. Krafft’s mouth opened in surprised and he leaned forward placing his hands, palms down with the fingers spread wide as if to launch himself forward like some wild animal. No one said anything as Felix closed the door with a gentle nudge and quietly walked over to stand over Krafft.

“Herr Krafft we meet again.”

Krafft swallowed and grunted a non-committal response. Felix smiled and took off his overcoat and tossed it on to a chair.

“Eloquent as always I see. Lets not waste our time shall we? You’re being recalled to Germany.”

Krafft’s mouth opened but Felix didn’t let him start.

“These delays of yours in achieving our goal are no longer acceptable.”

Felix was amused to watch beads of sweat suddenly trickle down Krafft’s forehead threatening to run into his eyes. Krafft swallowed once before his pleading voice filled the room.

“But we’ve achieved so much. I’m sure we are close to discovering the source of our quest.”

Felix took out a pen from his coat pocket. As he slowly unscrewed the top he raised his voice forcing Krafft to stop. He tapped his fingers with his pen as he looked at Krafft who still sat looking like he was bracing himself to flee.

“No you are not as close as we would like.”

He started to tap his fingers one by one with his pen.

“One, you posses a single manuscript, which does not have the information we seek. Two, you have not eliminated the competition and three you still do not know what it is we are hunting for. These facts differ from what you have been reporting back to headquarters.”

He leaned forward towering over Krafft who licked his lips in nervousness.

“Thanks to Wolfgang we know what has really happened.”

Krafft startled eyes glanced at the grim smile of satisfaction on Wolfgang’s face.

“I know of your blunders and what is more important so does the Fuhrer. You will leave immediately and report to headquarters.

“NO!”

Krafft didn’t have a chance to say another word as Felix pushed a button of the side of his pen and a slim blade sprang out. In one movement he slammed it down and impaled Krafft’s right hand pining it to the table. A howl filled the room and Krafft reached over with his left hand to free his wounded hand but Felix slapped it away.

“Don’t touch it until I tell you to!”

Krafft whimpered but didn’t move. His eyes flickered from his hand, pinned to the table, to Felix and back again to the growing puddle of blood surrounding his hand. Felix took out a handkerchief and wiped his hands.

“As I was saying before being rudely interrupted you are to go back to Germany and you will be leaving tonight.”

He finished cleaning the blood off his hands and turned to the men sitting in the corner. Not one of them had moved during Krafft and Felix’s exchange.

“Fredric!”

A burly man at the card table jumped to his feet, standing rigidly at attention.

“You will accompany Herr Krafft. He is not to leave your side and you will deliver him personally to Herr Goering. Understood?”

Fredric gave a brisk nod.

“Good.”

He reached down to the table and paused for a second before suddenly jerking the knife out of Krafft’s hand. Everyone in the room ignored the faint squeal from Krafft.

“You may go.”

Fredric walked over to Krafft and half lifted him out of his chair before dragging him out of the room. Felix walked over and dusted off the still warm seat before sitting down. He took a deep breath before looking over to a figure sitting alone in one of the corners of the room.

“Herr Vetterman I presume?”

Vetterman stood up and slowly walked over. He stood shifting slightly from foot to foot while Felix stared at him.

“I understand you have made contact with some of Higgins’ companions.”

“Yes in Damascus. However nothing came of it.”

“You are to try again and this time succeed.”

Vetterman was about to protest but Felix held up his hand still holding his pen. Vetterman closed his mouth with a faint click.

“I have been led to believe that you are an intelligent man. A man who has proven resourceful on many occasions. A man who has the imagination necessary to find a way to do the impossible. A man whose loyalty comes at a high price, which we have more than met.”

Felix sighed and leaned back in his chair.

“Herr Vetterman I am an understanding man. I recognize the limitations that each of us has but I also recognize the strengths. Take Wolfgang for instance. He and I have worked together before with considerable success.”

Vetterman could see Wolfgang swelling up with Felix’s compliment. Wolfgang grinned and for the first time his eyes reflected the emotion.

“Subtlety is not his strong suit but if I feel that friendly persuasion is needed he is ideal for the task. Krafft’s mistake was to hold him on too short of a leash.”

Felix looked at his hands and frowned. The faint blush of red from Krafft’s blood was visible under his fingernails. He took out his handkerchief again and started rubbing his hands.

“Now where was I? Ah yes. I don’t care what explanation you come up with you are to join our adversaries and win their confidence.”

Vetterman tried to say something but Felix held up his hand.

“Please don’t interrupt. I dislike bad manners. I had Wolfgang pull out the tongue of the last person who interrupted me.”

The sharp bark of a laugh came from the corner of the room. Vetterman didn’t have to look to know that is was Wolfgang. Felix looked over with the fondness of a man looking at his favorite dog before continuing.

“When you have… successfully infiltrated our enemies you will contact us with what you have learned of their plans. Understood?”

Without waiting for Vetterman to answer Felix continued.

“Good! I would recommend that now is a good time to start.”

Vetterman turned quickly and made for the door. Once outside he let out a lungful of air he hadn’t realized he was holding. He stood in the hallway for a moment, indecision playing across his face. Then suddenly he put on his hat as he started walking down the hallway.

 

[stnylan]

So someone bigwig has taken personal charge. I think Krafft though is about to become his worst enemy - I would not wager any money that Krafft will reach Berlin. I think he will contrive to lose his escort somewhere, perhaps off the back of a train, or over the rail of a ship?

And Vetterman, I rather suspect, in that moment of indecision decided to be loyal to one person only - himself.

 

[coz1]

One wonders if Vetterman will comply or switch sides fearing for his life. Further, Wolfgang might have been left on a short leash, but he has bungled plenty of times himself. I wonder what Fassbinder's punishment of him might be if he ever grows too impatient with old Wolfy.

But I won't say poor Krafft. He was not getting the job done and even though Fassbinder's methods may be a bit harsh, they fit when it came to Krafft. His trip will not be a pleasant one.

I hope the gang keeps an eye out as it sounds as though Herr Hitler has become impatient.

 

[J. Passepartout]

Krafft may not have been getting the job done, but if my hunch is correct as to when exactly Wolfgang made his report on this, I think it is possible Wolfgang decided he didn't like Krafft.

This Felix fellow is not someone I would want to cross. I would be gratified if Vettermen were to defect, but whatever he does, it is easy to make it seem like he was just scared of Felix.

 

[unmerged(15337)]

Wolfgang is only a thug. This Felix, though, is pure evil. And I shudder to think what Wolfgang will do now that he is "unleashed" as Felix said.

I don't suppose Higgins could persuade Felix that the whole search is a wild goose chase inspired by superstition?

 

[unmerged(28944)]

Well now, I guess we can safely conclude that the gloves are coming off now, eh?

It shall prove to be quite thrilling to see how the departure of Herr Krafft and his replacement by Herr Fassbinder impacts our unsuspecting band of heroes.

As for Vetterman... as much as he tries, I really don't think he'll be able to convince our brave but sometimes foolish (read Rowe) band of adventurers that he's turned to their side... but it will interesting to read how he tries to prove that to them!




Soo, OT, but did you finish with your siding?

 

[Nil-The-Frogg]

Well now, I guess we can safely conclude that the gloves are coming off now, eh?

It shall prove to be quite thrilling to see how the departure of Herr Krafft and his replacement by Herr Fassbinder impacts our unsuspecting band of heroes.

As for Vetterman... as much as he tries, I really don't think he'll be able to convince our brave but sometimes foolish (read Rowe) band of adventurers that he's turned to their side... but it will interesting to read how he tries to prove that to them!




Soo, OT, but did you finish with your siding?

Well, I'd say he might have a particularly bad time trying to convince Higgins... OTOH, gaining Rowe's sympathy would absolutely require a complete avoidance of any kind of flirt with Shara, wouldn't it?

Felix is cool, but perhaps a bit overconfident?