Under the Sign of the Swastika

[Mr. Handy]

"Oh, good," says Elisabeth, smiling at Posie. "When you return it to him later, he'll probably be happy to read it to you, translating it into English." She goes to help Mingzhu and looks for another pan. "I second the nomination, and I nominate myself to cook the eggs. There's twelve of us, and two eggs each would make two dozen eggs...though some of us are quite peckish, myself included. I'd better make three dozen, just in case."

[DrPeterson]

"Mads Mortensen? Who is he?"

Caroline smiles.

"That's a very odd name for a member of the Society."

[Tabs]

OOC:   Um, $20.

Mao presents his goods for Renwick's inspection:

Pottery flasks of rice wine--$1; bottles of "grape alcohol"--$2; huangjui ("yellow wine")--$3; baijiu--distilled spirit--$5.

~

Posie takes the book. "I'm quite peckish too. Maybe . . . maybe I can crack the eggs?"

Mingzhu applauds the little girl: "Bravo! Those who help can expect the choice portions," she smiles playfully at Elisabeth, but not Caroline.



"Mads Mortenson is not a Society member," answers Jian, adding; "another stranger on a train who Ouyang invited to stay---"

"Ah!--Mortenson," says Ouyang.

[aine]

Santiago points to Feng's knife and then to himself. He fishes in his pocket for any money he might have and holds it out to Feng.

[Mr. Handy]

"Yes, that's a great idea, Posie!" says Elisabeth, grinning too. "Would you like to keep time as well? I have to cook the eggs for three minutes. You could borrow my watch and count for me. That way I can concentrate on the cooking and don't need to worry about watching the time."

[Cearlan]

"How many of us are there to provide drink for?" I ask. "I have some money and would of course buy what I can. Do you have any recommendations So? Enough of the huangjui for the ladies perhaps and baijiu for the men if we can afford it? Is there something we could maybe get for little Posie?"

[Tabs]

Feng carries the two disemboweled chickens into the kitchen, chattering to Mingzhu as he does so.

"Feng says to buy a knife in town, Señor," translates Mingzhu.

Feng cooks up the stew. The way he nonchalantly adds spices to the pot is evidence of his expertise, you hope.

"Well he seems to know what he is doing," says Mingzhu, not altogether convinced.

~

Posie claps and stamps with excitement: "Oh! yes please." She straps on Elisabeth's watch as if it were from the Crown Jewels.

~

"Good choices, Dr. Renwick," says So; "and thank you for your contribution. The girl can drink watered wine?"

OOC:   Do you wish to do or ask anything? if not we'll fast forward an hour to dinner.

[DrPeterson]

OOC:   I could go for a bite to eat.

[Mr. Handy]

"What can you tell us about Mads Mortenson?" asks Elisabeth, curious.

OOC,Just one more question, then I'm ready to move forward.

[Tabs]

"Ouyang met him on the train, about two weeks ago," replies Jian, "and invited Mads Mortenson to stay in the compound. We left him here when the Society visited Peking. He is still around; he slept in my bed last night! He seemed lonely, so it was suggested he visit the Western library in Chengchow."

[Mr. Handy]

"That's probably where he got the book," says Elisabeth. "I look forward to meeting him."

[aine]

Santiago follows Feng into the kitchen, nods his thanks to Mingzhu and washes his hands under the tap. He still has a couple of feathers in his hair. "I'm sure this Mortenson will be home for dinner; he won't be able to resist the smell!" Santiago says appreciatively, watching Elizabeth and Feng cooking.

[Tabs]

He seemed lonely, so it was suggested he visit the Western library in Chengchow."

" 'One is never alone with a book,' " quotes Mingzhu.

~

Dinner is a simple affair, but there are copious scrambled eggs, pancakes and chicken stew. The stew is deliciously spicy, however, it is not to the little girl's liking: too hot and cabbagey. "The chicken is alright, I s'pose," says Posie as she stuffs too much scrambled egg onto a pancake and rolls it. The table is long and narrow, the five Society men (Ouyang, So, Jian, Feng and Dao) face the Westerners, with Posie sat at the head of the table; opposite her is an empty chair for Mads Mortenson, who hasn't made an appearance. His book, Miss Harriet, sits on the table, waiting to be collected.

Santiago is disconcerted when a beak bobs up in his bowl.

So raises his cup aloft: "I propose a toast: Our guests!"

[aine]

"To our honoured hosts." Santiago returns the toast. "What could we do to return your kind gesture?" He asks the society men, hoping Mingzhu will translate.

[Cearlan]

"To our hosts goes much honour and I hope good fortune!" I add half standing and bowing slightly to each of the Chinamen in turn.

[Mr. Handy]

Elisabeth raises her glass of wine and clinks it with Santiago's. "Cheers!" she says, and then takes a sip. She doesn't want to drink too much, lest it go to her head.

[DrPeterson]

Caroline joins the toast.

"To our hosts and to unlikely companions on the road!"

She empties the cup with gusto and lets out an appreciative sound.

"And my compliments to the cooks. The meal is excellent."

[aine]

Santiago watches Caroline swigging the wine back and so drinks his wine freely, and immediately tries to hide a grimace; it tastes appalling, quite different to what he is used to drinking. "Is this, er, made from rice?" He asks politely, trying not to catch Elizabeth's eye which would, he was sure, make him burst out laughing.

[Mr. Handy]

"I don't know, dear, but I suppose it's possible," says Elisabeth. "Dr. Renwick, you fetched the wine. What sort is it?"

[aine]

ooc,I will be away until probably Wednesday. Please can you npc for me when necessary.