The Poly Pub Thread

[My Hubby Loves Civ]

I let out a sigh of frustration. 'Why in the world does everyone believe I have some magic answer to their research projects?' "What exactly is your interest in all of this?" I queried.

He explained how Zahi Hawass had recently, just last month, attended the Los Angeles County Museum of Art to lecture. He had a chance to speak with Hawass, one to one, regarding the secret shafts research of the Khufu Pyramid. Hawass had discovered that there was definitely no openings on the outside of the pyramid for the shafts in the Queen's Chambers.

Being it is sealed, he has to return to the Westcar Papyri and read how Khufu was looking for the documents of the god Thoth to help him with the design of his pyramid. Only further research into the shafts can reveal their function, solving one of the many mysteries of the Great Pyramid.

"I believe you hold the 'key' to the mystery within and I am not alone." He looked meaningfully at me, only breaking his stare, to scan the current pub occupants.

[My Hubby Loves Civ]

I was about to inquire as to what he thought the 'Key' is? When I noticed his expression turned to surprise. "Mrs. Civ, we will speak more, I assure you, but I must leave, now." He didn't even wait for my response. He glanced once more across the room and quickly disappeared out the front door. I scanned the occupants on the otherside of the room, but could not see anyone who seemed to be taking notice of our table.

I needed another drink. So, many people seemed to be involved and I haven't a clue who I can really trust. When I tied up, Ming had stated Hawass was behind it. Now, some other stranger, mentions Hawass. Was this Mr. Sidmeier connected with them? What about Jsorense? How in the hell did he fit into all of this?

[jsorense]

Through the ganja smoke and the vapors from the fog machine jsorense strides across the room headed toward Mrs. Civ. The UV lights flashed off his brilliantly white dinner jacket and his cowboy boots gave him a sideways gait not unlike John Wayne. As he approached the booth he presented an unopened envolelope. " if this is what I think it is Mrs. C, you can take your reward money and stick it!" remonstrated jsorense as he slammed down the packet, swiveled on a high heel, lost his balance and fell right in front of the surprised woman.

[jsorense]

An elegantly gloved arm reached down and helped jsorense get back up on his feet. Looking somewhat desheveled, jsorense hastily slipped into the booth next to Mrs. Civ. Her exotic perfume smelled like spring flowers but her face told a story of suspicion, anxiety and fatigue. There was only one thing jsorense could think of doing; he ordered a picture of beer, two glasses and some food. "I hope you like grilled octopus salad." he said apologetically.
The jukebox, once again sprang to life with, "Don't Forget to Dance."

[jsorense]

A strained silence hung between Mrs. Civ and jsorense like a class 5 force field. While Mrs. Civ poked at her salad disinterestedly jsorense reached into his pocket and furtively placed his IIIS shield on the table. It sparkled with inherent authority. "I'm working for Science!" he announced. "I want to bring that Ming and his no good brother rah down if it is the last thing I do. Even if I have to chase them all the way to Mingotangcingo."
Mrs. Civ picked up the shield in order to examine it closely.
"Where did you get this toy? In a Cracker Jacks box?" She teased. But a flood of relief seemed to wash over her as MikeH served some more beer.

[jsorense]

The jukebox played on pouring out a medley of Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks greatest hits. The crowd went crazy as Aeson and MikeH spun around the dance floor in each others arms.

[My Hubby Loves Civ]

I was extremely distracted with my own thoughts to really appreciate the entertainment on the dance floor. How much did Jsorense already know? I was relieved to learn that he may be a 'good' guy, but was still concerned on whether to share everything with him. Was I under investigation too? Did he know about what I really was planning on doing? Would he be able to look the other way?

I watched him as he laughed uproariously at the fumbling and stumbling pair on the dance floor. He seemed ... 'Ah crap! ...I just could not read him!'
My head was beginning to throb painfully to the beat of the music. Jsorense expressed concern, so I just faintly smiled and excused myself from the table. I made a bee-line for the ladies room, and was startled when Aeson and MikeH collided with me in mid-twirl! We all collapsed into a wiggling heap on the floor. Gasping for air, I found it difficult to breathe with the pressure of their bodies on my chest!

[My Hubby Loves Civ]

A hand grasped mine and pulled me out from beneath the tangle of arms and legs. Jsorense pulled me up smiling, "I believe this makes us even." An embarrassed giggle escaped me, but was lost in the cacophony of swearing of Aeson and MikeH, accusing each other of not knowing how to dance!

I assured Jsorense I would return and continued on to the ladies room.

[My Hubby Loves Civ]

After splashing some water on my face and correcting my make-up, I return to see Jsorense at the jukebox selecting a song.

[My Hubby Loves Civ]

I was about to join his side, just when my phone rings its jaunty tune in my handbag. Ugh! Recognizing my husband's ringtone, I step back into the ladies room and retrieve his call.
"Babe, where are you?" He bursts out, questioning.
"I told you I was going to be late again, tonight." I glance at my watch, and couldn't believe he was calling so early, tonight. "I will try to finish my business chat and catch up with you, okay?"
He didn't seem pacified with that offering. "Babe, I came across some old friends of ours and they would love you to join us!"

Grr. I really was frustrated. I had hoped to learn more about Jsorense and how much I could trust him, tonight. Sheesh! I have learned that if I don't follow up with my husband, he gets too curious. I can't get him involved with any of this! I assured him that I was on my way and disconnected.

I was about to put my phone away when I seen I had missed an earlier message. Quickly, listening, I was even more frustrated. It was from the man known as Nagy.

...Mrs. Civ? I can assure you the passageway under my house is clear of security cameras. My friends also have advised me that while security has been increased by the pyramid, inside, the cameras still do not have infrared capabilities. My friends have also acquired the explosives, we just need your approval and you know I mean your payment, to proceed?! Call me back as soon as possible with a location to meet and confirm our earlier arrangements.

I really need to get my thoughts in order. With Jsorense's disclosure tonight, I can't let him know about all of this!

I exit the ladies room and see Jsorense waiting. I smiled apologetically to him as I reached the table and explained about my husband. He really did seem dejected, so I winked and assured him that we will get together soon.

[My Hubby Loves Civ]

A jaunty tune erupts from my handbag again. I give a knowing glance at Jsorense. He acknowledged his understanding. I hurriedly saunter out of the pub while answering my husband's call. 'God, my head is really beginning to throb!' Am I in over my head?

[jsorense]

Aeson followed Mrs. Civ out the door his eyes taking in her every movement and returned to his bouncer duties. MikeH sat on the bar and started to chat up a group of sorority sisters from The University. They often came down to this end of town for the thrill of slumming. Meanwhile jsorense straightened his tie and jacket and slicked back his comb-over then retired to his "office." Closing the door he sat on an empty pail and began to think deep thoughts. "Now is the time to put the squeeze on The Mad Monk." he thought. "If anyone knows what rah and Ming are up to it would be Mr. Sidmeier."

[jsorense]

The introductory power chords of "Oh Well" from his phone told jsorense that IIIS Headquarters was calling. "Yes, this is Agent Jay. Yeah, I got the address." jsorense thumbed off the phone then checked his .38. It was time for a road tip to see The Mad Monk.

Back out on the street jsorense climbed into his rusty pumpkin colored Pinto. After only a couple of attempts the car roared into life. "I've got to get that muffler fixed." he thought for the thousandth time. As he careened down the street he fumbled through the debris that filled the car. At last he found what he was searching for; his 8-track tape of "The Dark Side of the Moon.". The comforting music smothered the hammering noises the came from under the hood. Life was good.

[My Hubby Loves Civ]

I was feeling depressed and needed to stop in the pub for a quick drink. Nagy had called me back today with bad news. He stated his explosive expert surveyed the shaft and determined that even a minimal amount of explosive would crumble the limestone and close the shaft completely! Nagy also stated this was going to be his last call. The G.I.D. were making trouble for him.

I should have known it was going too smoothly. Now, I would have to figure out another way to get inside that chamber. I would have to do some more research on Dr. Sherbiny's map. I must have missed something. Frustrated, with the world, I gulped down my drink. At that moment, I noticed Sidmeier across the bar watching me. His attention was drawn towards the back hall doorway and he immediately straightened and entered beyond.

Hmmm...was Ming back there right now? What connection did they all have? Memories of my time in that closet filled my thoughts in warning. I grabbed up my handbag and dashed out of the pub. I just needed to get away for now.

[jsorense]

After tracing the intricate route jsorense arrived at the destination, the offices of one Mr. Ezekiel Sidmeier. It was in a ritzy part of town, the rent on the place must have cost a small fortune. The building was a converted Georgian mansion with lots of pillars and arches like something out of Masterpiece Theatre. jsorense parked his beater in the carriage way and walked up the gravel path to the front door his boots making loud crunching noises. He was surprised to see the door ajar. Peering inside he saw a vision of total chaos: chairs and tables overturned, cushions ripped, every drawer pulled out and files strewn everywhere. But The Mad Monk wasn't to be seen. This bird had flown.
Pissed off and relieved at the same time 'Agent Jay' called into HQ to report: Ming and rah had gotten there before him.