French India. Regio Kolkata

[maddox]

Late june 1915, The monsoon late, the earth backed dry under a scorching sun.

The large mission of Father Antonio stands out from the heat induced haze , the air thick with dust.

The Green Cross over a whitewashed building limpless next to the Jesuit banner. A sligthly smaller French and Italian flag on seperate poles displaying the same apathy.

The small church the scene of commotion.  A black robed priest is standing on the front portal stairs, arms milling, words flowing like an avalanche.

"You louts, you servants of the anti christ, YOU WILL NOT TAKE THIS WIDOW TO HER DEMISE."
The French law applies here, and that, even in the rather strong secularism, allows religious freedom, as long that doesn't crosses the lines. AND SATI IS MURDER.

The dozen richly clad men ,seated on obviously expensive horses show disdain for the feisty priest.

The most gaudy dressed, slender man adresses Father Antonio in an icy voice:
Priest, you cannot deny our rights on our own land. You will regret this.

To be continued

[maddox]

Father Antonio watches the men ride away and when they dissappear from sight he goes back into the dim, cool church, soft voiced and calm:

"My child, your husbands father will not take you away from here, not if I deny him his heathen practice."

"I'm not imposing I hope, sir Antonio?"

You asked sanctuary, and the church recognises that right. But I think you need more than temporary sanctuary. Doubtfull that your father in law would leave it at this. So the best we can do is send you on to Kolkata, and from there there are 2 obvious options my child.  Unless your family supports you directly. And it  isn't sir, it's father or Padre.

My family supports Tagore Narain Mandeline , 2 of his retainers with him were my brothers.

Then my child, you have 2 immediate options. And I doubt you wish for a vocation as a nun. Even if I'm supposed to promote that important role. No, we can enroll you in the hospitals books, and send you on to Kolkata's main Green Cross hospital, with the explanation why you don't get the education over here.
Of course, it all depends on your views in life. I never had a young lady of your rank enroll here. Most of the girls here are of low caste, even untouchables. And I should warn you. If you accept one of the 2 options, you will have to set aside any prejudice you have concerning the station of people in life. As a nun or as a Green Cross nurse.
But we're running ahead of the situation.
I want to know how you knew you could get sanctuary here, it isn't knowledge promoted in the castes you live, or should I say lived in?

Si, eu, Father Antonio. My husband employed a lot of cleaning ladies, and some of them even dared to talk to me when no man was around. Laundress Avantika told me about her daughter Bindiya who came here and learned how to be a nurse.And she became a christian. So she could tell me about the good works of the church. And yes, I can see how I can help others. I always felt a living doll, one that was traded to gain so called honor for the family. No own will, nothing to do except becoming pregnant and produce more sons. But my husband  wasn't capable to sire children, so that was blamed on me too. One of the reasons he, his father and my family already decided on Sati for me when my husband became ill. Even when I suggested seeking help here for my husband, they didn't listen. As if they already condemned him, and me to death.
Avantika had told me that her daughter knew what ailed my man. Inflamed appendix, and that it could be treated if a doctor was there soon enough.

I didn't know Bindiya was back? But it sounds logical. Your husband has died in horrible pain. And it was the lords way to make clear the system you lived in is plainly wrong.
But it makes clear that you can't stay here. I'll arrange all what is needed to get you away from here as soon as possible.  With the information you have given, it's obvious that your family will not relinquish their heathen ritual.
Can you read?

No S, father Antonio, I can't read. it's not feminime.

Oh no, again we travel back in time. A century or so. I have to admit the French have that one right, mandatory reading, writing and arithmetics.
My child, I'll introduce you at the hospital. Docteur Achard will take you under his wing.

Father Antonio, my name is Indira.

To be continued

[maddox]

Docteur Achard, this is Indira. She has expressed the wish to become a nurse ,and I approved.
But I have to admit, she will travel as soon as possible to Kolkata, for her own safety.

That is not good to hear, ma belle. Enchanté mademoiselle Indira. We'll make your short stay as usefull and pleasant as possible.
Father , then it is a lucky coincidence that tomorrow a resupply train for the Hospital will arrive.
Mademoisselle Indira, I'll escort you to a bathroom and we'll supply you with the standard clothing of the hospital. It's unfortunatly customary that the nurses, even in training, wear the uniform.


Merci Docteur, for your kind words.

Father, can I ask you to join me for dinner? And of course Mademoisselle Indira. Such beauty should be remembered, and of course, what better setting than dinner?

*******************************************************************************************

Further information to get the setting right.
The Jesuite mission was started in 1897, and is nearby the city of Burnpur, 25 miles north of the Damodar river.

Father Antonio is the second head of the mission succeeding Father Marcoli in 1912. The young priest, 34 years at the time of these events

The Green cross hospital was started in 1909, after a great cholera outbreak. First in the form of temporary shelters, later as a whitewash brick 2 story building
The nurse training center was started after this epidemic, when it became very obvious that the lower caste females were very keen on escaping the suffocating society. And were eager to learn.

The womanizing, but gentle head doctor Achard was quick to suggest the build of the school to his the superiors.
Doctor Achard is a small man with long flexible fingers, what he sees as his trademark as briliant chirurgon, balding but always impeccably clothed. Born in 1860 he's the eldest male in the compound.

1912 brought an enlargement of the hopital to a 100 beds for patients. 10 beds in seperate rooms, and 6 wards for 15 beds.

[maddox]

1 day later, around noon.

A convoy of 2 large wagons, each pulled by teams of 18 mules and 2 horses each- based on the Borax freigth wagons of days past in Death Valley- and a 10 men French armee cavalery escort stops at the hospital. The first wagon is only half loaded but a gunnery team is holding guard with a mounted Chauchat machine gun in the free freight space.

Bonjour Monsieur Antonio, Docteur Achard. I hope all is well.
Good day to you to Sous-Lieutenant Achiel. And yes, all is well as far as possible.

No troubles with obnoxious locals? It seems springing up everywere over the Indian sub continent.

Except 1 incident yesterday, what passed without much problems, nothing happened. But why standing here in the open, in the full sun, join us inside.

Enjoy as long you can, before we started in Kolkata, the telegraph brought us news about the monsoon. We can expect it to hit any day now.
Actualy, we hope to reach Burnpur tomorrow evening.
(the men dismount, the men tend the horses and will join the sous-lieutenant, the priest and doctor later. The Gunnery team stays on guard.
Workers attached to the hospital start to unload the wagons)


Seated in the shadowed room the 3 men start talking, a young lady in nurse outfit serves calvados with a dash of quinine.

So you had an incident yesterday, care to tell me more?

Yes, une mademoisselle  asked for sanctuary, and of course we gave it to her. not much later her father in law arrived to demand her to join him and his retainers in the way to her husband. But there was a catch. A big one.

Ah a damsel in distress? We'll help as far as possible, but our duty to Glorious France has precedence of course. But tell, what is that catch?
You're long enough in the country, so you know the heathen rite of Sati. Burning the widow with her husband. The young lady excaped that fate, but her family won't take no for an answer. And it's not an option to keep her in the mission for extended times. The families involved are local bigwigs.
So she elected to join the Green Cross.  And we hoped you could escort her to Kolkata.

Kolkata is a long way travel from here, especialy with our slow wagons. But we can get her to the trainstation of Burnpur, and from there she can travel to Kolkata.

It's better than nothing, and at least the first bit of the travel will be safe with you and your men guarding her. I'll give you the needed documents.
But you mentioned reaching Burnpur tomorrow evening. That means you're joining us for the night?

If you allow us too Father Antonio. We can camp if there isn't any suitable room. But my last visit here did prove the hospitality of the church.

Achiel, you and your men slept in my house. It's adjacent to the church. In my living room actualy. A,d yes, the same hospitability will be shown this time too.

to be continued....

[maddox]

Indira, I arranged an escort of trustworthy men to guide you to Kolkata.
Sous-Lieutenant Achiel is a good young man, and his men are well trained and dependable. No local warlord will think of attacking them.

(Indira is dressed in starched nurses whites, a large green cross embroidered on her back, 2 of the other nurses remade  the uniform to her size, so it's not only well fitted, but will give hormone sponsered toughts. A duffel bag contains 2 more of these,and some juwelry she had when she arrived, other bits of those equisit juwels are converted into money.)
I'm gratefull Father Antonio, for the things you already have done for me. Doctor Achard, merci for the wonderfull dinner you gave me yesterday evening.

My child, it's the least we can do, I'm only afraid it isn't enough. But go with god. And when everythings cooled down, you will have a space here with us, if you elect so.

*********************************************************************************************

15 days later, a bedraggled convoy, after 5 days of lashing tunderstorms and downpoors enter the bustling city of Kolkata. The main Green Cross hospitals entry portal.

Merci, Achiel, you and your men were most cortious.  Thank you for the good care.
It was our pleasure Mademoiselle Indira.

Men, to the kazerne, our duty for this month is done!
*******************************************************************************************
At the baracks, Sous-Lieutenant Achiel reports, and gets leave for his men.

Men, we have been under duress for 15 days, and all of you performed formidably and restrained.
But Jacque, don't moan so hard behind the bush, Nurse Indira was worried about your health.

Mes ouis Sous-lieutenant Achiel, I'll endeavor to restrain that in the future. But that will be a lot easier if there isn't a Nurse Indira around.

We got a 3 day pass, lets get a cold shower and a shave before we enter the city in search for relief.

Achiel, where can we find such nurse uniforms? I should give one to my wife.

Praparm, keep it down untill you're home. No need to show your prowes in the showers.


********************************************************************************************

3 days later, Indira sees the shores of India from the quarter deck of the green Cross flagged liner Afrodite. A tear twinkles down on het right cheek.
A feeling of dread and loss shivers over her spine.

Ahead of her, the wonders of Pago Pago.

[maddox]

Kolkata, gouvernors palace.

Gouverneur, Tagore Narain Mandeline to see you.

Show him in.  And after that warn colonel Garmal that I expect trouble.
(gouvernor Duré makes sure his revolver is cocked in the upper drawer)

Bonjour monsieur Le Tagore, welcome in my humble adobe.

I WANT MY DAUGHTER IN LAW BACK! NOW!

Come come monsieur Mandeline, there is no reason to shout. Care to explain your anger. because I do not understand  how I could have your daughter in law.
YOU ARE THE LEADER OF THIS ABDOMINATION. MY DAUGHTER INDIRA WAS BROUGHT HERE TO THIS PUSTULE OF A CITY.

Monsieur le Tagore, the fact that the wogs see you as a  prince, doesn't mean you don't have to be civil. You will not shout in here or I'll have you forcibly removed.

The fact that your country has invaded mine and enslaved my people isn't a civilised thing. Nor is calling my people wogs.
But I'll tell you this. You get my daughter in law back to me or  hell will be a gentle place after I'm done.

No need for useless treats monsieur Mandeline. First, why do you think your daughter is here?

Because my people told me, she was kidnapped by a group of your soldiers. Right after my son died. She must be braught home, or my son can't be put at rest.

Kidnapped you say. How long ago?

22 days ago. And that doesn't have anything to do with this!

I warned you Tagore. No more shouting. You can try to talk civilised with me, you can leave now in peace, or you'll get trown out. What is your choise?
(pushing a button to active an intercom) Secretaire, is Colonel Garmal available.
yes Gouverneur.
Send him in

Duré I warn you, I will not go without my daughter.

Ah Colonel Galmar. Thanks for joining us. This gentlemen accuses our soldiers abducting his daughter, 22 days ago.Do you have any remarks?
No Gouverneur, no remarks, just a few questions.  Location of crime, forces involved and if possible some more direct info. I'll look into it immediatly. Can I adress monsieur himself?

I don't talk to servants Duré. But in this case the answers are clear. (spittle of his lips sprays on the heavy marble desktop). She was taken nearby Burnpur, by a group of cavelists with 2 large wagons.

Thank you monsieur, I will look into this hidious crime asap.

You ape, I want those soldiers punished, and my daughter back here, now.

Monsieur le Tagore, you will leave now, I do not allow you to insult my men needlessly. You can go friendly, or we'll assist you. Pushing the intercom button again.
Secretaire, can you send in corporal Singh and his men. Monsieur le Tagore is in need of an escort.

Duré, you'll regret this utterly. I'll move every stone to rectify this crime.

I'll inform you when we have found your daugher , au revoir monsieur le Tagore.

[maddox]

Half an hour later.

A servant is polishishing the marble desktop.

Gouverneur, I got the requested information.Narain Mandeline's estate is 35 km to the west, nearby the river Damoda. So that narowed our search, together with the convoy reference.
The report of Sous-lieutenant Achiel mentions the addition of a Green Cross aspirant to the convoy he commanded to the Jesuit mission nearby Burnpur.
A letter from father Antonio, who is the missions Italian priest, for the nuncius in Kolkata gives more information.Of course, we didn't read it.
The young lady, only name given by her is Indira, asked for assylum at the church, because her husband died of appendicities, and the families wanted to give him a companion on the pyre. The hidious practice of Sati ain't gone yet.
She's enlisted on the rolls of the Green Cross, and on her way to Pago Pago on the Green Cross liner Afrodite. So Tagore Narain can't reach her anymore.

So our soldiers did what they should do, protect the civilians?
You sure your information is correct?

Yes on both questions, Gouverneur.

In other words, that wog asshole came in my residence, insulted, lied to me and slandered our good troops. I think a nice letter will be delivered to him. I'll write it, and I leave it to you to get it delivered in his hands. Oh, and make sure he will remember not to insult Glorious France, and that he remembers that the French laws will be enforced.

At your orders Gouverneur Duré.

[Borys]

OT and OOC
Any chances that Tagore's first name is Rabindranat?
There's a street named after such a fellow in Warsaw.

[maddox]

Tagore is a rank.

[The Rock Doctor]

This is intriguing; I look forward to more...

[miketr]

August 15th 
French Calcutta

Dr. Savarkar University of Bhopal,

Sarva Mangala Mangalye Shive Sarvaartha Sadhikey
Sharanye Trayambakey Gowri Narayani Namostutey
We salute to the auspicious one, the giver of auspiciousness. The consort of Lord Shiva, who fulfils all our spiritual and material desires. Our salutations to the three-eyed Divine Goddess Parvati

Greetings and praise Professor many in Calcutta have heard of your work to drive out the foreign plague that infests our motherland and degrades our customs.  Not two months ago my son died and the French kidnapped his wife and so the Sati could not be performed.  When I went to the French Governor Duré to demand justice I was called a WOG and tossed out on to the streets like a beggar.

It is clear that the French will never respect or understand our people.  Especially as our people cry out to be free of their rule, free of their laws, free of their missionaries and their interfering Green Cross.  I humbly beseech you for aid so that one day the people of Calcutta can be restored to the motherland.   

Narain Mandeline Thakur

September 18th
French Calcutta, Home of Prince Mandeline

Narain Mandeline

And the visitors

Chattar Lal
Mogambo

"Prince it is an honor that you are willing to receive us," Said the well dressed Chattar Lal while his bold companion Mogambo looked on.

Mandeline gave a slight wave of his hand, "It is nothing.  I am most grateful to receive the messengers of the great Dr. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar."

Smoothly Lal answered with, "Of course your highness the movement was most excited by the idea of establishing contacts with such an important individual as yourself."

A slight frown crossed Mandeline's face as he said, "Yes but I was hopping for more than just contacts Mr. Lal, if Calcutta is to be free I will need more than kind words."

"Of course highness that is why we came prepared; within a few days a caravan will be arriving with rifles, munitions, explosives and even two cannon." The prince's eyes light up at the description as Lal continued to speak. "Also coming are men to help train those in the use of the weapons and a foreign guru."

"Foreign Guru you say?!" Mandeline said with some surprise.

Lal explained with, "Yes highness he came to us some years ago; while he is a foreigner he is most definitely not a Christian or Muslim.  His homeland was lost some years ago and he has been very helpful to the movement since he arrived."

Satisfied with the answer Mandeline nodded and then asked, "When will your people be ready to begin?"

Mogambo eyes' widened and almost appeared to leap out of his eyelids at the eagerness of Mandeline but still said nothing.

Lal answered, "After our material arrives and as soon as you can assemble those willing to join the struggle highness and we will of course need a place train.  We will need absolute privacy and a place where nothing can be heard or scene from the outside, so no one can... overhear."

The prince nodded, "You shall have all that you need Mr. Lal."

The two visitors gave a slight bow and left.

On the way back to their rooms the two spoke quietly.  "I thought it went well master."  The other replied after a moment of contemplation, "Yes he is exactly what we need his greed and lust for power will allow us to control him, yes Mogambo is pleased."
   
September 25th
French Calcutta, Home of Prince Mandeline

Narain Mandeline
Chattar Lal
Sous-Lieutenant Achiel
Daffadar Bikash Ranjan
Daffadar = Native Calvary Sergeant
Sahib = Lord, Master, etc
"It is a strange request Daffadar that the Prince has asked to see us after that business with his Daughter in Law two months ago."  Achiel said as the pair walked to private meal with Narain Mandeline

The short Calvary NCO stroke his beard for a moment, "Yes Sahib it is most strange.  Rumors are told in the barracks that the Thakur went to the governor himself to demand her return.  If nothing else Sahib this is a fine location to have some time away from the squadron." 

Achiel gave out a slight laugh and then the pair made quick adjustments to their dress uniforms before they entered the dinning room.

"Sous-Lieutenant Achiel I am most grateful that you and your man could find the time to come to my home." The soldiers both gave a brief bow in reply and then the prince continued on, "Let me introduce another guest.  Dr. Chattar Lal he is visiting from Bharat on some business and I have agreed to let him stay."

Brief pleasantries were exchanged and then the Prince clapped his hands; the servants brought in plates of food and drink.

After some time had passed the dinners exchanged some small talk. 

"So Lieutenant Achiel our host tells me you and your man, patrol the region looking for bandits and the like.  Have you scene much action?" Lal asked in a voice that sounded only mildly interested.     

Achiel gave a brief whip to his mouth and then answered, "There are always those that wish to take what doesn't belong to them.  Just the other day we flushed out a nest of bandits and hung the lot of them.  I have only been here for 2 years myself but the Daffadar is a career man and has scene a great deal of action."

The sergeant said, "The Sahib Lieutenant overstates things I have fought more than a few bandits but hardly any real battles."

Lal nodded and then pressed, "Oh come now Daffadar I suspect that a man of your years has scene more than that."

The Lieutenant nodded and as he spoke a serving girl came over and he looked up at her beautiful eyes and she gave a slight smile in return, "Ah... The Daffadar I believe saw a notable skirmish just before I was stationed here.  I heard of it shortly after I arrived and was able to request the Daffadar be assigned to me.  He has been my faithful guide and advisor ever since."

At last the prince spoke, "Speaking of actions and advice you come to part of the reason why I have asked for you to come here."

The Lieutenant took his gaze from the serving girl and looked at the Prince, "Of course highness."

"I take it that you know Father Antonio at the Jesuit church near Burnpur?" Asked the prince.

"Yes highness his mission is within the area that my squadron patrols."

The Prince leaned back, "Good Lieutenant I wish to resolve the dispute between myself and the good father.  With time to think things over I have come to reconsider the way things were handled with my daughter in-law.  I sent some of my relatives and some servants to retrieve her and some... impolite things were said."

The Lieutenant and Sergeant glanced at one another and then Achiel asked, "Of course Highness how might we be of aid?"

The look on the princes face turned very serious, "I have a message for the priest and I would like you to deliverer it for me."

"Of course highness it would be my honor." Achiel answered at once.

"Good... Very good Lieutenant, I am most grateful that you have agreed.  I have other matters to attend to but please continue your meal."

Lal also gave a brief nod and left.  At once the serving girl returned and smiled down at the seated Lt. Achiel.  "I would love to hear about your fighting the bandits Sahib.  You must be a very brave man."  She poured Achiel more wine.

The Daffadar smiled and chuckled to himself.   It was the same wherever they went with woman and the dashing Calvary officer.  "It has been a long ride to get here and I am tired Sahib Lieutenant; so my bed calls to me."

Achiel nodded but his eyes were all for the lovely woman.

Next morning

Daffadar Ranjan waited outside the door to his officer's room.  Deciding that he waited and knocked on the door long enough so he tried the door.  It opened and Ranjan called in, "Lieutenant the roosters are calling Sahib it is time to great the new day."  With no response the sergeant entered the room, "Sahib?" Once in the room the discarded and tangled clothes on the floor told a clear tale. 

Moving careful next to the bed Daffadar Ranjan looked down at the bed at the first signs of movement and a groan from one of the two forms on the bed.  The Daffadar took time to admire the other form and then noticed that the color was wrong, very wrong.  Moving quickly Ranjan threw the covers aside and saw the serving girl naked accept for the silken corded tied tightly around her lifeless neck.

A low moan from Achiel, "Ranjan could you close the currents I must have drunken more than I thought."  Noting the look on his sergeants face the lieutenant asked, "Daffadar what's wrong?"

To be continued...

Since this is background stuff I am going to start posting this waitng for the New Zion stuff to get done.

[miketr]

September 26th
French Calcutta, Home of Prince Mandeline

Narain Mandeline
Chattar Lal
Sous-Lieutenant Achiel
Daffadar Bikash Ranjan
Mogambo
The Foreign Guru

"I invite you to my home and you murder my servants!" The prince roared at the Lieutenant and the Sergeant restrained on their knees before him.

The Lieutenant was still shocked by the murder but the Daffadar responded, "Thakur I have know the Lieutenant since he arrived and he wouldn't do such a thing."

The Prince gave a snarl in response and said, "I will be the judge of that.  Guards take them away!"

"Thakur we are members of the Army of France in Calcutta.  As such we are subject to army justice and must be handed over to the military for any trial."  The Daffadar said firmly in the face of the Princess rage.

"We shall see about that PEASANT!  Guards take them away I said!"  The Prince waved and the guards yanked the pair to their feat and dragged them away.

An hour later deep in the lower levels of the palace

"The Daffadar is a man of strong will Master he is unlikely to turn." Lal said to Mogambo who nodded. 

Lal's master asked, "This maybe true but the foreigner doesn't have the same strength, yes?" 

Lal bowed, "That is true master he is not as strong or sure of himself as his man.  Also unlike his man he hasn't figured out that this is connected to the Prince's lost daughter in law.  I am sure that we can break him and without resorting to...severe... direct measures on him."

Mogambo nodded, "Yes we shall break the Frenchmen through his man to leave his body intact; let him watch the foreigner work on the Daffadar; no one will care about him.  Yes Mogambo is pleased."

Soon after in another room deep in the palace

Sous-Lieutenant Achiel was brought into another room and forced into a chair.  Someone tied his arms and legs to the chair and then the hood was lifted from his head.  Blinking to clear his vision Achiel saw Ranjan tied to a post across from him with his mouth gagged and no shirt on.  Lal was standing there watching and another in a black robes; not European but not Indian... On a table was a collection of knives, priers, and other devices, a stand supporting a hot brazier with several long pieces of iron sticking out of it.  A protest died unspoken as he saw the idol setup on one wall...

Achiel had been in India long enough to have scene the many armed statues of Kali the destroyer and to have learned of her connection to cults such as the Thuggee.  The strange thing was the statue wasn't like any he had scene there was but one eye, a giant blood red cats-eye. 

The look of fear and then confusing brought laughter form the figure in the dark robes. "Yes Frenchmen...  I see you recognize the statue...  Great Kali.... *insane laughter* You shale learn many things here today about Kali, the Thuggee and the Great all seeing Eye.... *insane laughter* Yes my young initiate you shall learn much about pain. *insane laughter*"   

Soon screams echoed through the chamber as the cloaked figure went to work on the Daffadar and Achiel was forced to watch.

To be continued...
September 28th
French Calcutta, Home of Prince Mandeline

Father Antonio
Narain Mandeline
Chattar Lal
Sous-Lieutenant Achiel
Mogambo
The Foreign Guru

The chamber of horrors deep within Narain's Palace

The room smelled of human waste, blood and cooked pork...

On a chair a figure that once was Sous-Lieutenant Achiel of the French Army in Calcutta sat and wept.  There were bruises, burns and cuts on Achiels body but nothing like the horror that had been wrought on the Daffadar that hung lifeless from the post.  The lifeless eyes of his long time aid and friend seamed to accuse him.

"Come, come my initiate you haven't finished your meal let me help you with that." The guru said in a voice far too calm.

"Please... Master... No more... It's wrong..." Achiel begged.

*insane laughter* "Still holding out hope that you can go home and some how forget all of this?"  *insane laughter* The guru shoved bit of meat into Achiels mouth and then poured a small amount of deep red liquid down the Lieutenants throat. *insane laughter* "You can never go home.  You are mine!  Body and soul! What will you tell your superiors, friends and family?"

Some gagging noises came from Achiel and more weeping.  The lifeless eyes continued to stare at him. 

"That you were forced to eat your friend and fellow soldier?" *insane laughter* the guru went on, "Even if they were to believe you they would never trust you again.  You are dead to them.  Civilized people will never accept one who has tasted the flesh of another human."  In a voice that broke no disobedience and pointing with a glowing iron poker the Guru commanded, "Now EAT!"

Slowly Achiel moved his mouth and turned his head away from the lifeless eyes.

September 30th
Throne room of the Palace

The Prince sat on his throne and grinned at the prostate form of Achiel before him.  Achiel, cleaned and dressed looked human once again, other than the haunted eyes.  Mandeline looked at his guests "It is as you said Mr. Lal.  Are you sure he will really do as you say?"

Lal walked forward, "Oh yes Thakur.  Still someone will be going with him to keep an eye on things."

The prince nodded, "What of the peasant?  I trust that he meet a bad end?"

Achiel gave a slight whimper and Lal laughed, "Without a doubt he meet a bad end Thakur."

The Prince leaned back and then said, "Good Lal your men our training mine in the use of the weapons that arrived.  Now Sous-Lieutenant Achiel it is time for you to deliver my message to that meddling priest." 

October 3rd

Jesuit church near Burnpur

"Sous-Lieutenant Achiel it is good to see you again.  It has been some time." Father Antonio

Achiel forced a smile on to his face, "Ah... Yes... It is has and it is good to see you again."

Father Antonio nodded and looked the Lieutenant, "You look tired Lieutenant, you and your companion are free to stay at the mission tonight."

A sad look crossed the Lieutenant's face but he forced it away, "Thank you father that is most generous."

Late that night

"Please think about what you are doing!"  A raspy voice of the father cried out.

"Mogambo orders you to kill him!"

Achiel cried, "I am sorry..."

"Lieutenant!!!" *BANG**BANG*

"Mogambo is pleased..."

A short time later the pair watched flames engulf the mission.  Achiel was on his knees weeping.  "You are a hero Lieutenant...  It is a shame that your man Daffadar Ranjan was a murder and traitor that you were forced to kill.  You found out just too late to save the good Father."

More weeping, "Yes master...  As you say... I am a hero..."

The end... for now...

[maddox]

Oktober 19th Governers Duré's Palace, Kolkata

Reading the report from Sous-Lieutenant Achiel

"septembre 25. After traveling to the Mandeline estate we got a more hearty welcome than we could expect. Our host Tagore Narain Mandeline was very forthcoming in smoothing out all the bump and rimples that could have happened.
According to his explanations, his daughter in law wasn't running from the horrible and forbidden custom of Sati, but because she poisoned her man. Tagore Mandelines son and heir.
During the wonderfull dinner and pleasantries of the evening, Tagore Mandeline asked us to deliver a message to Father Antonio.  This request was in my powers to grant.

Daffadar Ranjan and me traveled to Father Antonio's mission.
Octobre 3
Like usual, father Antonio inveted us to stay for the night. We obliged.
During the night I heard a struggle and went out to look what was happening.
Unfortunatly I was too late and I did see my friend Ranjan holding up Father Antonio with a silk scarf around the neck. When  Ranjan spotted me, he dropped Father Antonio, and attacked me, screaming "the message is delivered". I shot Ranjan with my servivce pistol. When Ranjan dropped he took an lightened oil lamp with him to the floor, the mission was ablaze before I could do more.

Damn wogs, even when you feed them, give them honnest ,well paying work, they stab you in the back.
Colonel Galmar, what is your assesment.

Monsieur Duré. I am very dissapointed in this all. Daffadar Ranjan was a long term member of the French colonial army. I refuse to believe Ranjan was one of the Thuggees.
At face value, I would believe Ranjan was forced to deliver the message he claimed to deliver.

But who's the sender of that horrible message then? Don't answer me, a pre-emptive spill over from the unrests in Bharat? I believe myself that tagore Mandeline is behind this, as he's one of the most vehement religious traditionalists in and around Kolkata. I cannot convict a man of a crime before he's tried. But we can always open an investigation.

What are your orders for the Army monsieur le gouverner?

With the unrests with our neighbors, and already violence spilling over to here, I order you to get the men at ready, in other words, we mobilise everybody. And I suggest, as interfering with the army is not my intent, that a division is moving to the border, northwest of Burnpur.

At your orders monsieur, I'll send the Lions to the northwest Burnpur border.

That,colonel Galmar, is a good idea. The Sikh group will not accept religious violence unless it is for defence of innocents or themselfs.
For Sous Lieutenant Achiel, his orders are to report to the palace, and become my aide as lieutenant Achiel. It will relieve him of the strain and will prove to him that France doesn't blame him for the insidious nature of a man he trusted. I trust you'll  guide him trough the first difficult days of the new job, Colonel?

Yes gouverneur,

[miketr]

Wow...  Achiel is now the aid to the Governor of French Calcutta...  "Mogambo is pleased..." 

Poor prince Mandeline I expect he has a very short future.

Nice Maddox I didn't expect this its an interesting movement in the plot.

[maddox]

The reasoning of Gouverneur Duré to promote Achiel is simple, a man ruthless enough to shoot a trusted friend in the spur of the moment is exactly the man Duré wants in his coterie.