[hr][hr][center][h1][i][b][color=a187be]Aziza Tarek[/color], 
[color=686F91]Harry Walsh[/color], 
& 
[color=b8860b]Reginald Keystone[/color][/b][/i][/h1][/center][hr][hr]

	[color=a187be]"Yes, of course. I won't let you down Reginald. I would never do anything that would put anything of yours in jeopardy,"[/color] Aziza said quickly as she looked up at Reginald. 

	[color=686F91]"Understood sir,"[/color] Harry said as Aziza looked towards him. 

	[color=a187be]"I have never flown before... Do you think I should?"[/color] she asked, slightly excited at the prospect. 

	A twinkle ignited in Reginald's eye at the topic of flying. Naturally he was biased, being one of the original Flight Officers for the British Royal Military back before [i]planes[/i] were a big thing and dirigibles were all the rage in battlefield communications. He hadn't logged as much time behind the stick recently as he would have liked, but it remained the single greatest pleasure of his days when he could. [color=b8860b]"Oh indeed, I would greatly prefer travel by air, you see, if but I were the one piloting the aircraft. Otherwise, I can only recommend travel by plane for the sheer velocity of it. However, if you have [i]never[/i] taken an a plane, I should imagine it might be quite the experience."[/color] He gave a cheery grin, his hands itching to use a stick and throttle again, [color=b88608]"A ship would be slower, but provide greater opportunities for luxury; additionally a ship may drop you off directly in Brighton. A plane might be a touch less comfortable, an upside being a much faster journey. If you wish to put Cairo behind you quickly, I submit a stark affirmative, and shall charter something accommodating."[/color] 

	Harry was content to go along with whatever made Aziza more comfortable even if he disliked airplanes. He wasn't about to say that to the Lord MAJOR though. Not when the man was willing to help Aziza out as much as he was. Plus, he hated smoke and the large ships and trains were nothing but that. So for him it was a coin toss and best left to the lady he was promising to protect. Aziza thought on the matter for a moment, looking over to Harry for his input. The two discussed it quickly, Harry being supportive of whatever Aziza felt most comfortable with. It was rather evident the prospect of flying was a bit unnerving to the woman but that was to be expected, it was something new and flight hadn't exactly been an option for most until very recently in human history. Yet she wanted to put Egypt behind her, at least for her safety. Maybe one day she could return, find her son. Maybe he would seek her out. Swallowing she made up her mind and looked towards Reginald. [color=a187be]"I want to fly."[/color]

	[color=b8860b]"Excellent, my dear. Unfortunately, there are limited aeroplanes in service here at our small airstrip at the Qasr El Nil Barracks, and they are mostly for supply and postal services... hmm..."[/color] Reginald mused aloud, considering any options that may present themselves for use. [color=b8860b]"...however, I might place a phone call, if you would be as kind as to give me time. Please, take a seat. I shan't be but a moment."[/color] 

	[color=a187be]"Of course."[/color]

	[color=686F91]"Aziza, here,"[/color] Harry said as he rested his hand on the back of a chair and turned it so she could have a seat. Nodding Aziza stepped over to the chair and sat down, arranging the shawl around shoulders better as Harry found a place to sit for himself. It was all in the hands of the Lord Major now. 

	Reginald was one of the luckier people in Cairo, so far as organized communications went. Being the commander of a major barracks had its perks, not the least of which being open lines to other, friendly entities within the city. Especially as it related to air service, owing to his longstanding, nigh legendary history. He picked up the receiver to his office telephone, and addressed the operator. [color=b8860b]"Cheerio, yes. If you would be so kind: Cairo Airfield, please. Yes thank you, quite."[/color] A few seconds passed in silence as the Lord Major drummed the fingers of his free hand upon the edge of his desk. Suddenly breaking the silence, [color=b8860b]"Yes, good morning. Lord Major Reginald I. Keystone, Commanding Officer, Qasr El Nil Barracks, at your service, sir. Yes, yes. Oh, I [i]do[/i] remember you, sir. Yes, jolly good occasion. Roasted goat and bulgur wheat spirits. Capital. But to business! I am curious as to the state of outgoing passenger vessels, sooner the better, with at least two openings."[/color] Reginald grabbed a notepad and pen, and began scribbling furiously. [color=b8860b]"Yes, oh indeed, sir? Well... Yes, of course. Thank you very much. Absolutely. One hour. Do bill the barracks. Thank you."[/color] 

	Biting her bottom lip slightly, Azizas eyes kept darting between Reginald, the phone, and Harry. Sitting there in antici.....[sub]SAY IT![/sub] pation was horrible but as Lord Major Keystone seemed to be wrapping up his call it seemed as if everything was in order, or at least it sounded that way from the thank yous. He wasn't screaming bloody hell or the like. 

	He set the receiver back down, and looked to Aziza and Harry. [color=b8860b]"One hour. In one hour, a dirigible shall depart from the airfield, headed toward London. Everything is arranged, mention my name and you shall have luxury accommodation from there out. I shall arrange for a car to meet you at the London Airport and take you to Brighton. It is done, my dear."[/color]  

	Letting out the breath she hadn't known she was holding Aziza laughed nervously and nodded. There was a slew of thanks from both her and Harry. Harry for the Lord Majors assistance and being a right true friend to Aziza, all the while giving him assurance time and time again that he would look after her and protect her. Aziza for the simple fact that she felt if she could get out of town alive she could finally put this part of her life and fear behind her. There had to be some talk about both hers and Harry's horses they had brought over. Those would have to be sent on ship but it would be done and they would arrive later. 

	[color=b8860b]"It is you who are doing me a favor, of course. We have been trying to find a trustworthy Estate Manager for quite some time; I am amazed that I had not suggested this sooner, my dear. I shall assign a relations officer to handle any affairs or personals you have in Cairo. In the interim, you send word my way if there are any complications, and this..."[/color] the Lord Major pulled out his wallet, handing over a few of his business cards and two certified promissory bank notes, [color=b8860b]"Is redeemable with any financial institution that does business with the London banks. It is for expenses and unforeseeables, you understand. It has been my utmost honor and pleasure to be your friend, Miss Tarek, and if I am unlucky enough to survive this mess, I shall retire to the estate that you are maintaining in my stead. Perhaps we [i]shall[/i] meet again. My life was the better for your presence. And Sergeant Walsh! It was a pleasure making your acquaintance. If you are fortunate, you may have a long and profitable employment under this fine lady. Good day to you both."[/color] 

	After several more hugs and thanks yous, Aziza and Harry were on their way and heading out the Lord Majors office. Reginald closed the door slowly, a wave of disheartened sorrow passing over him. He never did like saying goodbye to people he cared about. It was a comfort to him that she would be safe from her previous life now, and might even be able to do something about her family situation. 

	Just as the door was about to click shut, a sharp knock sounded from the other side. It was the enlisted man from earlier, handing him papers before offering a quick salute and returning to duties. The remainder of the inventory report was now in Reginald's hands, which he skimmed through quickly until he located the numbers he was after. [color=b8860b]"Ha! Jolly good!"[/color] he exclaimed, focusing his mind back onto the budding adventure. The figures seemed to fall favorably enough to supply the first leg of their journey, and so his role as Quartermaster now required him to report his findings to the Vera, their Fellowship's leader. [color=b8860b]"Hmm... I must get myself to the museum, straightaway!"[/color] 

	Reginald did give a couple minutes' pause before leaving for the sake of decor. He didn't know if he could handle seeing Aziza and Harry again, so soon after saying goodbye.