The Loyal Lieutenants Act Six Scene Two Sub Scene One

 

Act Six

Scene Two

Sub-Scene One

Caesar arrives

 

Mardian stood on the jetty where the barge docked. He was dressed in the simple tunic and inflated pants that were worn by his ancestors when they landed on the continent. He wore his holster at the rear of his waist, concealed by the tunic hem. He was flanked by two others similarly dressed, and there was a row of musicians: the trumpet for the bold sounds, the saxophone for the smooth flow of the notes, the trombone for the sensational wide sound that reverts around, and the sharp note that pierced the scene from the clarinet. It was the elements of jazz music. Caesar stepped off the 1922 Nash Roadster Model 42, which picked him up at the train station. The roadster vehicle was made for sport and has two doors, two seats, and an open top. He sat beside the driver and was given a tour of the city there. It was grand, as if he were standing on a chariot in ancient Rome. He was escorted by a fleet of T-Fords that were the guards of Egypt. It was a show of strength for Caesar to be seen with Egypt. “How was your ride, Caesar?” Ptolemy met the latter at the jetty. Ptolemy was dressed in the expensive three-piece suit and shook Caesar’s hand. “Impressive.” Caesar smiled. “1922 Nash Roadster Model 42. I bought the earlier few that were produced there.” Ptolemy smiled. “Consider it yours as my gift.”

Nash Motors was founded in 1916 by former General Motors president Charles W. Nash, who acquired the Thomas B. Jeffery Company. The Nash design includes a modern overhead valve and a five-main bearing crankshaft for durability. These cars were reliable and fast, capable of nearly eighty miles per hour. Just the thing for outrunning the Bureau of Prohibition' revenuers''

“Generous of you.” Caesar was delighted. He was then impressed with Ptolemy and his hospitality. He was more impressed with the barge that he was about to board. It was an impressive makeover of the design, with inlaid gold on the railings, marble flooring, and a lavish carpet spread.

“Persian hand women.’ Ptolemy told Caesar, who was looking at the craftsmanship.

“Welcome to Egypt.” Ptolemy led Caesar to the banquet laid out for the Romans, and a cushy divan was offered to rest the weary bones of the visitor.

“I am sure you will need a good rubdown after that long train ride.”

“I do. The ride was at best fast, but the comforts were lacking.” Caesar smiled. He saw such lavish offerings of fruits and dishes that he could not make out their names.

“Here in Egypt, we are blessed to offer you the finest of fruits imported from the other continent and disembark at the wharfs off Rome, naturally, and the best tender meat of the livestock from the wide pastures down south.”

Ptolemy leaned back on the van and smiled when a maid fed him the fresh grapes while another offered him a glass of wine.

“I will enjoy my stay here in Egypt.” Caesar smiled when he was offered the same.

“Tell me, Ptolemy... sorry, I should call you Pharoah.”

“Ptolemy is fine. I could call you Julius.”

“Yes, by all means. We are friends.”

“And allies.” Ptolemy toasts Caesar.

“Allies, indeed.” The barge sailed down the river towards the palace, and there Caesar was met by the alluring half-sister of Ptolemy, Lady Cleop, Caesar.”

“My honour, Lady Cleop.” Caesar was stunned by the beautiful lady standing before him in her silky gown and a wide necklace of gold and jewel stones. Lady Cleop had her own hair design: a thick shoulder-length bob followed by a tripartite style, where three separate sections of hair were arranged down the back and in front of the shoulders, and a voluminous style, which covered most of the upper body.

“It is my honour to be with you.” Lady Cleop smiled. Her slight smile accompanies her direct eye contact; with a slow glance away, she looked away towards the left, but was still holding the smile.

“My pleasure.” Caesar was taken in by her beauty and manners.

“Please enjoy our hospitality, Caesar.” Lady Cleop then walked to her assigned seat, taking small steps, and delicately sitting there. She was accompanied by three maids who stood next to her at the rear.

“How was Rome?”

“Fine, Lady Cleop. It is not as grand as Egypt.” Caesar smiled and then turned to Ptolemy. “What do you do for fun here in Egypt?”

“Music and love.” Lady Cleop cut in. “My apologies there. I should not have interrupted.”

“Not at all. I am ever willing to listen.” Caesar leaned forward to listen to the lady. “Voltaire once said: Beauty pleases the eyes only; sweetness of disposition charms the soul."