The plan's set, the army poised to attack, But can one thing alter their destinies' track? In the coming days, will they fight their best? Jack Sterling, a man from the past, distressed.
He recalls history, but it doesn't align, What truly occurred in this tumultuous time? Is it the Chronotex's power to vex? Or humanity's actions, their aftermath complex.
The Plan Part 2
Breathing heavily, Jack sighed deeply. "Well, you need to learn how to drive. We nearly got ourselves killed."
"Yeah, you're right," Khonsu gasped, trying to catch his breath.
Jack stepped outside onto the hard sand of the field, his hair tousled and bits of mud flying around.
Menes, who had initially stopped the car, rushed to the back and asked, "Are you two okay?"
"Yeah," Jack replied, touching his leg.
Kamil rushed to Jack's side and apologized, "Sorry, the reason all this happened is that I forgot to attach the brakes to the engine."
Jack chuckled. "Don't worry. Khonsu didn't even press the brakes right until the end because he didn't know how to drive."
Kasib, leaning on one of the palace pillars, added, "Well, there's nothing we can do now. What happened has happened. Let's just fix the problem."
Kamil assured them, "It's fixed. The wire is securely attached now."
Menes leaned in close to Jack's ear and whispered, "Jack, give a ride to a few of the soldiers. I know they saw the car fail, but they're still eager to ride it. This could be a chance to increase your reputation among them."
Whispering back to Menes, Jack replied, "I understand."
Stepping forward, Ramon's voice cut through the chaos and silence. "Soldiers, what you see today is the showcase of one of the Royal Army's most powerful vehicles. It has the ability to transport people and equipment with the speed of 40 horses and the strength of 20 men. This beast was created by one of our new friends. Allow me to present to you: The Car, the vehicle of the next generation, crafted by Jack Sterling." Ramon bowed, gesturing toward Jack, who appeared surprised by the sudden attention.
Observing Ramon's ability to handle the situation, Kamil thought, "Oh, Ramon, you always know how to navigate these moments better than anyone."
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"Once again, he's saved us from another moment of embarrassment," Kasib noted to himself, acknowledging Ramon's deft handling of the situation.
With a smile directed at the soldiers, Jack asked, "So, who wants a ride?"
Excited cheers erupted from the soldiers as they rushed toward Jack, eager to experience a ride in the new car.
Many hours passed...
In the moonlit room, the tense atmosphere enveloped General Setka's quarters. Jack and the rest of the group gathered around, seated on the sofas, while Menes and Memnon occupied seats at Setka's table. The discussion revolved around the operational status of the newly crafted car.
"Is the car fully operational?" Setka inquired.
"Yes," affirmed Kamil. "The vehicle has ample space to carry some of the gold. Additionally, we've prepared additional carriages to transport the remaining gold and assets belonging to the Royal Nebu."
Setka produced papyrus sheets with a drawing of the Royal Nebu's base, marked with a prominent red 'X' and delineations of soldier units and their routes.
Gathering around Setka's table, the group watched as Setka pointed at the map. "The soldiers I tasked with spying on the Nebu returned with this information. The base where the gold and assets are stored is marked here." He indicated the large 'X'. "However, the site is heavily guarded. Attacking head-on would alert them, disrupting our plan. So, I propose we go halfway underground."
"Underground?" exclaimed Ramon.
"Yes," confirmed Setka. "In the city of Saharan, we know of many hidden underground routes from the Great War. These were intended for future use, discovered recently by our soldiers. These tunnels lead halfway through major checkpoints, close to the house where the gold is stored."
Setka explained further. "Our plan is to manoeuvre the car near the entrance of one of these tunnels. The car itself is too large to navigate the tunnels, so we'll use plates or bowls tied to ropes to transport the gold through the tunnels and back to the car for storage."
The group nodded in understanding.
Setka explained, "The tunnels run deep, and any noise could alert the Nebu. That's where Memnon's ability becomes crucial. He'll manipulate the soldiers' memories, and if needed, turn them into our allies."
Memnon nodded in acknowledgment.
"Regarding the gold," Setka continued, "it's stored in wooden boxes and white bags in their vaults. I've instructed our soldiers to find similar materials to pack fake gold. Jack, do you think you'll have the counterfeit gold ready in a few days?"
"Yes, I've dealt with counterfeit currency before. However, I'll need skilled designers and access to the materials used for the authentic currency," replied Jack.
Setka reassured, "We have some of the finest designers and blacksmiths at our disposal. We'll provide all the necessary resources."
"Alright, then it's settled," said Ramon.
"We'll give it everything we've got, General. That's a promise," Kamil declared, determination ablaze in his eyes, reflecting the candlelight, igniting his resolve the past fuelled his desire.
After the meeting concluded, the group dispersed to their respective quarters, seeking rest for the night. "Goodbye," declared Jack, waving to Ramon as he dropped Jack off at his room.
Returning the gesture, Ramon replied, "Good night! See you tomorrow."
"You too," Jack echoed, opening the door and stepping into his room.
Inside, books were scattered across the table—some open, some closed. Surveying the disarray, Jack sighed and removed his old brown coat, placing it back on its usual spot, a wooden chair nearby. Gathering the books, he made his way to the window, the volumes held firmly in his grasp. He unlatched the window, allowing the curtains to billow in the breeze that swept into the room.
After returning the books to their designated shelf, Jack peered outside, gazing upon the cityscape and the field where the car was parked. His thoughts drifted as he quietly conversed with himself, reminiscing, "Dad, I think I may have found lifelong friends... But, Dad, there are two vague figures in my memory. I wonder if they were my first best friends i ever had if yes then why do i not remember them."
Observing someone training with a sword on the field below, he squinted to discern the figure—it was Kasib. Grinning, Jack remarked to himself, "He's always so dedicated. At this rate, Kasib, you'll become the greatest warrior known to man."
Turning his gaze skyward, he contemplated, "Pharaoh Ramses II, did you even exist? I've always wondered about this place—whether it's the same world I'm from or a time before my time."
As he returned to his bed, he lay facing the wall, attempting to drift off into slumber. The moonlight seeped into the room, casting an enigmatic figure onto the walls—a figure so pristine, with no discernible edges, appearing much like the one Nefetari once witnessed when she peered outside.