In the shadow of the pyramids
Sgt. Nick Fury and The Rocketeer find themselves at the Nepherites Cafe at 5:00 PM as requested on November 19th. The host greets them at the front entrance and walks them to a private room behind the bar. Already waiting inside the room is a man in a leather jacket partially bleached by the sun, beneath a wide-brimmed brown fedora. He wore a holstered large-framed Smith & Wesson m1917 revolver on his right hip, opposite a coiled bullwhip attached to his belt.This unexpected guest appeared to have spent quite a deal of time under hot desert suns. This man was none other than Indiana Jones. Born Henry Francis Jones Jr. On July 1st, 1899 to a globe-trotting professor father and homemaking mother in Princeton, NJ. He had one sibling sister, who sadly perished at a young age due to illness. When Indy first learned to walk he displayed his newfound talent by climbing to the roof of their family home. In 1905 Henry Jones Jr named himself after the beloved family Malamute "Indiana", although his father would still lovingly refer to him as Junior well into adult life and much to the chagrin of Indy. As a young child Indiana enjoyed playing with his namesake, playing with friends, and conducting his own science experiments instead of attending school.
General "Happy Sam" Sawyer is a genuinely sour-looking military official; no nonsense and all business from the moment he steps into the room. After some basic introductions, The General addresses the room:
"Good Evening, Gentlemen, and ladies. Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to meet with me tonight. You all have come from far and wide, and your presence here is greatly appreciated.
"As most of you all know, the Nazi party has been dabbling in the occult since the Great War and Hitler has ramped up their studies in recent months since the new war broke out."
Hitler was not atypical in this regard. Millions of Germans and Austrians coming of age during the first decades of of the 20th century shared a broader supernatural imagination replete with occult and borderline scientific doctrines, Nordic Mythology, Germanic folklore, as well as Pagan/New Age/Völkisch religions. A dizzying array of occult associations, Esoteric institutes, and new religious sects all sprung up to satisfy Germans' demands for a 'Science of the soul'. Those who could not afford to take classes or subscribe to esoteric journals flocked to the thousands of tarot readers, clairvoyants, and astrologers who lined the streets of Vienna, Munich, and Berlin. Hitler had surrounded himself with men of like minds: Wolfgang Von Strucker, Johann Schmidt, and Helmut Zemo all shared Hitler's fascination with the occult. His inner circle consisted of men who practiced astrology, plotted to resurrect ancient pagan gods, and often considered themselves magicians. Hitler himself, in contemplating how best to manipulate the masses, apparently read a parapsychology tome simply titled: 'Magic' in which he underlined the sentences such as 'Satan is the fertilizing, destroying-constructing warrior' and 'He who does not carry demonic seeds within him will never give birth to a new world'. It was men and passages like these that led Hitler, and his secret organization known as HYDRA, to seeking darker power.
"It's come to our attention that he is honing in on several mystical items he believes will grant him an edge over the Allied Forces and put the Nazis in a better position to secure victory after victory in the months ahead. We believe the Nazis have already obtained several items of power, including The Coptic Staff, and The Spear of Destiny." Sam continued…
"What's so special about this staff and spear?" The Rocketeer interjected inquisitively.
"The Coptic Staff is an ancient Egyptian talisman, said to imbue one with invulnerability. The Spear of Destiny was the weapon rumored to have pierced the side of Jesus Christ as he laid dying during crucifixion." Indiana Jones answered.
"There is a man here in Cairo that our Intel providers believe is in Cahoots with some of the high ranking members of HYDRA and Hitler's inner circle." The general continued.
" He's the king of Egypt's underbelly, the crime Lord known as Amahl Farouk." Indiana Jones added.
"With a little asking around I'm sure you can get a sit-down with Farouk," The general said to Indiana before returning his attention to the entire audience. My superiors have sanctioned me with pre-allocated funds to assist you all in Your mission, and if some of your expenses include bribes or some such illicit activity, just keep it out of the reports. The U.S Government needs you to get info from Farouk on how many items the Nazis are currently after and what their locations may be if he knows. Once you have the info, report back here to me and we will decide what your next move will be."
"A little sniffing around and greasing the right palms should get us an audience with Farouk." Indiana proclaimed to the other two men assigned to his escort and security.
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The thieves quarter is located in the gigantic Cairo marketplace where all types of goods are sold. From food to fabrics and drugs to stolen treasures from ancient crypts, nearly anything can be found for a price.
Amahl Farouk is the crime boss of the Thieve's quarter and has openly met with leaders of the third Reich, most notably Baron Wolfgang Von Strucker. With a little poking and prodding, and a few Egyptian pounds finding their way into the hands of a loose-lipped vendor, Sgt. Nick Fury and The Rocketeer wormed their way closer to an audience with the man.
Meanwhile, Indiana Jones is accosted by a juvenile thief, who chases into one of the myriad dusty alleyways of the Thieve's quarter. Eventually the child is Waylaid by a robed figure who chastises the child in Arabic. The man profusely apologizes to Indiana on behalf of the mischievous child, and says he will punish the child by dismembering his hand, per the customs of their people. Indiana counters that there's no need to so harshly punish the child, as long as he gets his stolen things back and can get a little information.
"I know who you are, Jones, and I can guess the information, or rather... individual, you seek. I am the leader of the Thieve's guild,Achmed El Gibar." The robed figure stated. "This child is an initiate to the guild, and will be punished with dismemberment not for the theft, but for getting caught. No negotiations on that matter, he knew the consequences."
"How do I get in the room with Farouk?" Indiana queried.
"You are in luck, Jones, that Amahl has recently employed my men and myself in acquiring exceptional skills such as yours in a business matter." El Gibar answered.
"When and where?" Indiana asked.
"The Allaylat Almadia Nightclub, after sunset this very evening." El Gibar answered. "I myself will be in attendance as well, Mr. Jones, to collect my finder's fee on your head."
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Nick Fury and The Rocketeer spent hours finding a vendor willing to stick their necks out a little bit, would only offer up a meeting with one of Farouk's many underlings, on the stance that neither Farouk or any of his men would work with American allies. After many futile attempts, the duo reunite with Indiana Jones who relates his successes with their objective.
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The Allaylat Almadia (The Last Night) is a decadent nightclub of Egyptian excess. The walls are lined with purple and gold fabrics and stone tablets with ancient hieroglyphs obviously torn from the walls of crypts by greedy tomb raiders looking for their one big payday. There are exotic belly dancers entertaining the male patrons of the establishment and the bar seems to be overstocked with the finest wines and spirits from across the globe.
Farouk has his own private lounge on a balcony overlooking the club. He is seated on the floor atop lush lavender pillows being fed dates by a pair of luscious topless dancers. When El Gibar allowed them entrance to Farouk's room, Farouk greeted them with a deep yet pleasantly soothing voice and asks them what brings them to his city.
"We come seeking information." Indiana Jones replied.
"Ah, quite the commodity you are after. But a service I am capable of amply providing. What nature of information?" Farouk inquired facetiously.
"We need to know about what HYDRA is after." Sgt. Fury simply stated.
A look of distaste with the Sgt's lack of tact and diplomacy spread across Farouk's portly countenance. "May I interest you gentlemen in refreshments of any nature? Sustenance, beverages, or perhaps…" Farouk lightly brushed one of his sausage-sized fingers across the thigh of one of his concubines. "A more hedonistic pleasure?"
"No thanks, Mr. Farouk, our visit is strictly business." Indiana rejected.
"I consider myself a businessman, Mr.Jones, and can wholly respect a transaction. I am willing to help, but sadly, I do not know the specifics of the items that Der Fuhrer is currently in search of. However, you have certainly piqued my interest and I may indeed be of service to you in the long run.
"There is a legend of a man of great knowledge and power who has taken residence in the sands outside of Cairo. He is a lone hermit who is rumored to practice the dark arts. The man viciously protects his abode--an ancient tomb of an fallen pharoah. Many in Egypt believed the pharaohs were gods, but for many years, there have been various religious sects that have gathered at this specific tomb in worship of 'The One True God', En Sabah Nur; The Eternal Pharaoh.
This hermit is said to himself possess an object of great power: The Pearl of Ozymandias. I know of this item well. It is said to have scrying powers that allow it's user to see through both time and space. If you can acquire this stone for me, I would in turn be willing to guide you on your path in search of the items you seek."
"Why would you be willing to help us when you've already shown your allegiance for the Reich?" Nick Fury asked incredulously.
"As I said before, I am first and foremost a businessman. If you are willing to retrieve the Pearl for me, it would serve as quite a boon for my business, do you not see?" Farouk retorted, miffed by Fury. "I may associate with thieves, but this does not mean I am a man without honor. I know full well that dangling an item of power before Baron Von Strucker, like a carrot before a horse, would lead him to making off with the item for himself. I expect better of your trio."
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The Trio of men took their leave of Allaylat Almadia shortly after their meeting with Farouk, reconvening at their motel to discuss their next steps. They arranged a debriefing with General Happy Sam Sawyer to include him in the planning.
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