|
Post by Lunapocalypse on Jan 11, 2011 13:18:41 GMT -5
Located on the banks of the River Nile, the Ramses Hilton hotel is a stunning destination in the heart of Cairo. Take in views of the Nile and the Pyramids from this Egypt hotel's 36th-floor Windows on the World restaurant. Relax by the outdoor pool or enjoy coffee and pastries at the Garden Court Café. The Ramses Hilton hotel boasts a British-style pub, an Indian restaurant, a shopping Galleria and Executive Lounge. Only 45 minutes from Cairo International Airport.
|
|
|
Post by Lunapocalypse on Jan 13, 2011 12:58:49 GMT -5
If it weren't for all of the billboards and advertisement around Cairo the city would be hideously vacant of colour, 'Not even architecture could save it,' Aya thought as the reflection of buildings warped against her window, 'Even then there's hardly any charming Islamic architecture to see,' looking up at a brown block of a business complex; the advertisement of an old summer block buster hanging over the roof adding insult to injury. The bronze hair girl could hardly wait to go somewhere interesting or pile drive into an ancient tomb.
Brakes squeaking to a stop at the plaza, Aya paid up the fare, "Monte bene," switching to Italian for cover. Luggage deployed, thumbs up to the cab man before leaving the comfort of the air conditioned vehicle, returning to the heat. Over the road resided an oasis view of the Nile; such a cooling view in such high temperature. Dozens of people flocked around the shore of the concrete bank, a 40 degree incline into the water and nothing else. At the other side of the river docked ferries and small cruise ships, smaller personal boats floated up and down the water way.
It still couldn't quite save the greyness of it all for the girl, "At least we'll have a mean view," sighing in her speech as she looked towards the top of the Ramses. It wasn't just preference; having height gave them bearings; Aya would pay the extra to get the room she wanted too.
|
|
|
Post by Mikey on Jan 14, 2011 9:47:41 GMT -5
[“Someone decided to spew chunks all over the tarmac and put the crowd on zombie watch.”] Tyson responded to Aya in Spanish, weary of letting the cab driver know what had happened in the airport. Last thing they needed was for him to dump them out on the side of the road. And he was taking the chance that this guy didn’t speak Spanish.
Tyson had stayed quiet for the ride, watching the sights they passed from the window. He’d made Matt sit in the middle, trying to keep him facing Aya in case Matt got the urge to puke again.
The ride lasted for some time, as they ventured seemingly across the city to get to the hotel. In New York, Tyson had never had to sit in a car for almost an hour to get to where he was going. He’d hardly ever been in cars anyway.
[“Next time we’re taking the subway… If they have one.”] He said. Did Cairo have a subway system? Hmm. He’d have to investigate, because he didn’t want to be stuck in cars for hours on end. He was getting claustrophobic, smashed into the door with the other two people in the back seat.
When they came to a stop, he got out as soon as the car came to a stop and stretched his arms out.
“Well, that’s… Impressive.” He said, looking up at the massive hotel. He’d seen tall buildings sure, but not with such odd angles on them.
|
|
|
Post by .Merios on Jan 14, 2011 10:13:38 GMT -5
When Aya moved to the Taxi, Matthew broke away from Tyson, bringing his briefcase to the trunk and sliding it in. Without closing it, he headed around the car and opened the back seat, slinking into the middle hump and crossing his arms like a mad 6-year-old. He didn't know Arabic, and now that they were taking off, he heard Tyson speak Spanish. He didn't know Spanish. Where were these young people learning dozens of languages? He sighed, relaxing a bit in his seat as the car was now a good ways into the cityscape.
He leaned his head a bit forward, looking past Tyson and sometimes Aya as he scoured the landscape outside the windows. He'd only been to Cairo once, and it was briefly. He was happy to be traveling again- but under better circumstances. Traveling alone was his usual modus operandi, but it was welcome to have two compatriots who know what they were doing. He sighed, feeling the car come to a stop after a long journey. Aya and Tyson hadn't moved yet. He nudged Tyson with his shoulder.
"Kay, Godzilla, lets move."
|
|
|
Post by Lunapocalypse on Jan 14, 2011 10:55:58 GMT -5
Automatic doors slid open, a man in red hotel garb and white gloves greeting them with a smile; Aya replied with a polite 'thank-you' while following Matt inside. Timing her approach to reception as the last couple went off to their spa suite, "Welcome to hotel Ramses Hilton, looking for a room?" the receptionist woman replied in a thick Arabic accent.
"Yes. Looking for a 3 bedroom apartment. Do you have a map of the penthouse suites at all?" Aya replied, leaning in against the mahogany counter.
First of a few negative impressions were left. It was likely assumed Aya was with Tyson and Matthew; secondly the gear Tyson hauled was wide open for interpretation; finally, Aya was asking for the penthouse. The receptionist could probably pin that they didn't look the typical barmy group of friends chilling in good ol' Cairo for a couple of drinks as well.
The look Aya received in return read about that much, the receptionist pushing a pamphlet in her direction with a fairly stern glare. Aya flicked it open, looking at it briefly before pointing, "This one," the receptionist nodded and began the processing. Slipping out a stack of Egyptian pounds for payment Aya leaned in closely, switching to Arabic, [And I don't suppose you could suggest a good midnight restaurant along the Nile? Looking for some romantic time with my fiance,] she finished with looking over her shoulder at Matthew, covering her ring finger at the same time.
It worked to a certain degree, Aya turned back to see a smiling face in exchange for the grim impression moments earlier, [The 'Nile Crystal' is a good spot for couples, not too popular making it a fairly quiet place,] she probably appreciated being asked of her knowledge of tourist spots considering the enthusiasm in her voice. Whatever. It saved them being reported as suspicious anyway.
Keys procured, stepping onto an elevator heading for the penthouses, another couple of tourists jumped on with them; they looked British. There was a moment of silence in the small box before Aya whispered to Tyson, keeping to the local language, [Don't take it heart,] figuring he had paid attention, feeling a little embarrassed. She was used to the whole espionage system for profile; not around people who were used to operating a little more raw and might be insulted from character, however.
|
|
|
Post by Mikey on Jan 14, 2011 11:52:29 GMT -5
Inside the hotel, Tyson tried to ignore the stares he was getting for his style of dress and the case in his hand. He had changed his style of dress for the area… Sort of. Instead of the jungle camouflage pants, he wore the same style in plain khaki. Instead of the green T-shirt, he had a tan one on. Aya had made a comment about that back in Salem, when all he had needed was a place to change instead of getting new threads. And how he had pulled the exact same outfit out of the box in a different color.
He pretended not to notice, when in reality he was keeping eyes on everyone. He scanned the room, never stopping on anyone in particular, but keeping an even view on everyone. They probably thought he was some dumb tourist who was admiring the… Was it artwork on the walls? Didn’t look like it to him.
When he heard her speaking to the receptionist, he didn’t pay too much attention. But, when she started speaking Arabic again, for some reason he tuned in clearer.
For a moment, a tiny one, his eyebrows shot up in surprise and he shot a quick glance over at her. And saw that she was looking at Matt. He wouldn’t have minded the act no matter who it targeted, but now… He had to walk away for a moment and pretend to study a trash can with extreme interest while he fought off the fit of laughter threatening to fill the air.
He took his place in the elevator, a small smirk on his face as he looked at Aya. Then to Matt. Then to Aya.
[“I simply decided on what would appear more authentic.”] She said, and he smirked again.
[“I didn’t say anything.”] He said, looking to the side of the elevator. [“Should I go back and get a separate room? I uh… I don’t wanna be the fifth wheel here.”] He said, a snicker coming from somewhere in his throat.
[“Nile Crystal, that sounds like a really nice place.”] He said, seemingly trying to change the subject. He wasn’t. [“Make sure you bring me back something.”]
|
|
|
Post by .Merios on Jan 14, 2011 13:13:06 GMT -5
As they entered the lobby, his eyes were immediately scanning the area. Once his eyes landed on a vending machine, he dropped his briefcase and shuffled over to it as the two headed up to the counter to speak to the receptionist. He stepped in front of it and fished around in his pocket, grasping a dollar bill and slipping it into the cassette. He hungrily looked inside the glass at a bag of corn nuts and, consequently, a bottle of water that was in the next machine over. His bill was rejected, sliding out of the cassette. He shrugged and slipped it back in, hitting the A-2 button. His bill slid back out. He grunted, pulling it out and flattening it on the side of the machine and attempting to slide it back in again. It made a beep noise as it rejected the bill once more. In the heat of the moment, he kicked the bottom of the machine, sending a shockwave through the hanging objects. His desire slid off of the rack and dropped into the receptacle. With fervor, he reached down and dug his hand into the receptacle, retrieving a bag of corn nuts- or, what he thought were corn nuts, judging by the picture and not the foreign words.
He turned to Aya, stuffing his mouth full of the delicious snack food as he met her glance, corn dust caking his mouth and his scarred cheeks stuffed to the brim. He moved his eyes from her to the receptionist and then to Tyson. He shrugged and chewed, heading back towards his briefcase. He took a few steps towards Reception as the two walked away. He slinkered past and stopped at the desk.
"Hi, how can I he-"
Matthew held up his right index finger, silencing the receptionist as he chewed the last few bites and swallowed it, bringing his right hand up to his mouth and wiping it.
"Your machine is broken."
With that, he tossed her his sweaty, old American dollar bill and picked up his briefcase, shuffling back towards the elevator and slipping in between two tourists and entering the elevator. The movement caused him top inevitably drop his corn nuts on the ground outside the doors. Before he had time to reach out and grab them, the doors began to shut. He uttered a tiny "No...." before the doors completely shut. He skulked, dropping his head a bit in disappointment. Matthew backed up, leaning against the rear of the elevator and crossing his arms, dropping his briefcase to his side. This just wasn't his week.
|
|
|
Post by Lunapocalypse on Jan 14, 2011 21:48:03 GMT -5
Mumbling a curse in Arabic at the big man as the doors pinged open, stepping onto a velvet landing.
The hallways were so quiet that even the drone of air could be heard. Slipping the flexible key card into the break above the door handle, a green LED strobing in registry of correct identity; turning the golden handle and opening into a modern lounge, sunken into the floor slightly, looking out to the dry city. They didn't have a view of the Nile; that was thoughtfully replaced with the domes of the Cairo Citadel in the distance; its two minarets starting to silhouette in the light.
Aya stepped out onto the balcony down a short set of stairs from the lounge entrance. The sheer amount of space provided suggested the suite was designed for the party type of businessmen; a lot of people were probably upset they weren't being invited to anything in penthouse 2 this weekend. One short glance over the hand rail defined what level of vertigo they were dealing with and then the pale girl went back inside.
"Ah-! This one's mine," butting in front of Matthew before he could claim the bedroom and slamming the door shut behind her. The immediate sound of a lock catch dropping echoed into the lounge room.
Sighing. Aya looked around at the room, probably larger than any of the lowest paying apartments in the Ramses. If felt unusual having a door between herself and her two partners, compared to the style of living they had for the last month. She finally had her own private space; being a person with a double dose of the X chromosome, that meant a lot more to her than either of her two counterparts.
Placing the attache case beside the bed while dropping her backpack on top; Aya unzipped it and pulled out an assortment of clothing. She peeled her green shirt off that she had been wearing since her second last day in Seattle, no-frills white bra uncoupling after that. Aya opened the attache case on the bed after fitting a clean, jet black bra on, pulling out the parts of her custom harness. She left it stripped for only the chest connection, moving her sidearm holster from her hip to between her shoulder blades.
Aya examined her reflection in the mirror wall while sliding her Pro-9 into its nylon covering, "There you go, girl," murmuring to herself while pulling on the straps, "Not so naked anymore," smiling at the doppelganger, admiring her curves in a moment of contented selfishness as if falling in love with her own reflection.
A dark grey shirt concealed the sidearm, hiding the truth, snapping Aya from her day dream. Finally she pulled on a yellow, hooded blouse, leaving it unzipped. Personal taste had dictated she choose a size several times smaller to herself, the tail of the windsheeter only reaching just past her ribcage.
Still disassembled in the attache case rested her 416, remaining that way while she removed a 9mm magazine and slapped the lid shut; dropping it on the floor and kicking it under the bed. Aya tucked the mag in with the Pro-9, satisfied after one last judgment of her reflection, and headed back for the lounge.
|
|
|
Post by Mikey on Jan 15, 2011 7:30:11 GMT -5
Tyson let out a low whistle when he walked into the room and took a look around. Sure, he’d been in fancy hotel rooms before. He’d even taken the penthouse in New Orleans, but none of them had compared to this. God almighty, this place was nice.
He watched Aya cut in front of Matt and take the master bedroom for herself, and he let out a quick chuckle. Personally, he’d be fine with sleeping on the couch in a place like this. The couch looked more comfortable than a lot of beds he had slept in in his time. Bigger than most, at that. As if wanting to try out the theory, he strolled over and plopped the case down next to it, taking a seat and sprawling out. He lifted a boot and set it on the case, moving from side to side a bit to find the perfect spot. When he did, he wasn’t sure if he wanted to get back up.
But he did anyway.
Strolling over to one of the smaller rooms, both identical for the most part. The layout was different, but they both had a bed, a dresser, a closet, and a writing desk with chair. Not too extravagant, but still elegant.
He set the case on the dresser and flicked open the locks, lifting the lid and taking a look at the contents. On top, neatly folded clothing. Color coded by stereotypical camo patterns. He grabbed a stack and moved it to the side, looking at the Glock on top of the pile of arms and armor. He took it out and slipped it into the back of his waistband, un-tucking his shirt and letting it cover the weapon. He then grabbed the knife with its sleek metal sheath and slid it into his right boot. He grabbed two magazines and hid them in a back pocket, also covered by his shirt. He knew they were going to be going out and doing something. He wasn’t sure what yet, but they had some interesting people looking for them. He’d be ready.
When he was done grabbing what he needed, he snapped the case shut and grabbed it with his right hand. Turning back to the bed, he lifted the mattress with his left and eyed the small space under the bed, cut off from the sides by the wooden framework. Slipping the case into the space, he let the mattress fall back into place and quickly fixed the corners of the comforter and flat sheets.
He strolled out and eyed the room one more time, looking over at the door to the master bedroom as Aya opened it and strolled out. He took a look at her, and couldn’t resist.
“Not what I’d pick for a romantic dinner, but to each they’re own.” He said.
|
|
|
Post by .Merios on Jan 16, 2011 23:42:56 GMT -5
Matthew slinked in, watching Aya head rather quickly into her own room and shut the door. He stood in the doorway, his eyes following Tyson as he headed into one of two smaller rooms. Matthew took his cue and headed into his own room and didn't bother shutting the door as he tossed his briefcase onto the bed and tossed his small knapsack onto his dresser with a loud thud as metal collided with wood. He walked a few steps and then spun around, plopping down onto his back into the down of the bed, spreading eagle and letting out a loud sigh. His right hand fiddled around for a bit under the covers and produced a remote for the rather large LCD tv near the door, on top of a dresser. He switched it on, bundling up a bunch of covers and a pillow underneath his back and head as he relaxed, his eyes fixed on the tv. It was on some sort of documentary, all in broken English with thick Egyptian accents. Something about trying to find the burial site of some old king.
He turned the channel, a news report came on. There was a disruption out near one of the roped-off pyramids near Giza. He didn't last long enough on the channel to listen to any more as he switched to the next, popping on a re-run of an old American sitcom, something about a bunch of friends living in New York. He left it on, turning around and opening up his suitcase. He groaned, seeing a suit, two pairs of jeans, two pairs of dress shirts (black and white) and several pairs of boxers and rolled up socks. His eyes narrowed as he pulled the clothes out, dropping them onto the ground. Papers. Pens. Miscellaneous items stuck inside the corners.
"Damnit!"
He grasped the briefcase and threw it across the room, letting it smack against the dresser.
"They mixed up my baggage..."
He turned and stood up, walking over to his knapsack and grasping it. He unzipped the side and reached within, pulling out the disassembled barrel of his Metaba. He smiled and dumped the parts on top of the dresser, a bit of sand pouring out of the case.
|
|
|
Post by Lunapocalypse on Jan 17, 2011 1:52:10 GMT -5
"I'm sure the female version of you wouldn't wear anything different than what you do now, Ty," Aya retorted brashly as she flicked the hood into a more comfortable position. If he didn't drop it she would start getting physical. Noise came from the room Matthew had taken, Aya strolling over with a look of concern, "What's-""They mixed up my baggage..." "Oh," Aya watched Matthew pull out parts of his Mateba, "Is that a problem?" he had the revolver handy but she wasn't sure of the rest. Whether he had his Stoeger or machete in his knapsack was uncertain. The scar face didn't look too much further past upset than lost clothing.
|
|
|
Post by .Merios on Jan 17, 2011 4:21:12 GMT -5
He began pulling the parts of the handcannon away from each other, setting them separate on table. Without looking up at her, he grumbled a response.
"They.. They mixed up my baggage."
He began violently snapping the pieces of the gun together, slowly at first but steadily gaining speed.
"The 'Chevy had my weapons in it. The area was too hot to recover them at the time. They're easy enough to replace... But."
He snapped a piece in hard.
"I.. I'm starting to forget how Marie's face looked."
|
|
|
Post by Lunapocalypse on Jan 17, 2011 5:03:44 GMT -5
Aya seized up a little once Matt finished, wishing she hadn't been so condescendingly forward with her question. He hadn't talked about it, but it was obvious Matthew had a family from the ring he still wore. She took another step into the room, "We can head back to the airport and see if we can track the person who has your bag," the human mind was notorious for erasing photographic memory of what you held most dear, "It wouldn't be that far out of our way."
|
|
|
Post by .Merios on Jan 17, 2011 10:18:10 GMT -5
"Y..Yeah, that'd be nice."
He finished up the Autorevolver and turned around, leaning on the dresser. He collected a few rounds from the dresser that he had dumped out previously and flicked out the heavy cylinder, slowly starting to slide the rounds into place.
"Sorry, Aya. Shoulda' told you I'm still human." He shrugged, finishing loading it and flicked it out to the right, snapping the cylinder back in. He slapped it with his left hand quickly, spinning the cylinder a bit and jolting the gun down, stopping it in it's tracks. His left hand wandered behind him and grasped the leather holster and brought it in front of him. He brought it around his waist, fastening it in place in front and slipping the handcannon into it's secure place and drawing over the leather snap, clicking it into place.
"I didn't mean for that to sound condescending, but I think you'd understand."
He looked out the door, leaning a bit to see what Tyson was up to.
|
|
|
Post by Lunapocalypse on Jan 17, 2011 10:51:35 GMT -5
"I'm used to it," Aya replied curtly.
"Alright. Let's get moving now so we still have enough day light for the markets," Aya tapped her thigh to initiate the changing of rooms, joining Tyson in the lounge area again, "Matt's baggage got mixed up back at the terminal. We're gonna head back and pick it up,"
While heading for the exit of the penthouse Aya realized there was an unnecessary number of people on this task. Really they could kill two birds with one stone; she was so used to all of them working as a squad. Turning back to Tyson, "Actually, do you think you could take Matt back yourself, Ty?" she asked in a sort of 'do me a favor' tone, "I really need to scope the Citadel,"
She was making too much to do in just one day, but priorities had to be made; it wasn't like anyone was at a loss from this, "We can meet at the main entrance of the Cairo markets in a couple of hours. I shouldn't be too long,"
|
|