Moon Goddess: Scene 12

Introduction to this thread: The Moon Goddess Is A Harsh Mistress
Explanation of Mythic elements: What's All This Mythic Stuff?
Previous Scene: Scene 11


 SCENE 12
Wherein Katja nervously endures her first police/military checkpoint outside of Saint Petersburg/Leningrad.

CHARACTERS
The Silver Huntress (her deity)
Soldiers
Drachen (her old warhorse)
Nina
Nina's Mother
Nina's Father
The Hard Man with the Nasty Scar
Susi
Yuliya
Igor
Deidre
Nina's uncle Ulrich
The target of Nina's hunt
Hamid
Efim Mororov

THREADS
* Escape to freedom
* Solve the mystery of Nina's mother
* Decipher the writing on the menhir
* Deliver antique sword to the target of Nina's hunt

CHAOS FACTOR: 3

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The scene occurs as expected.

Q: Has it been more than one day since Katja's hunt [50/50]? Extreme No.

Q: Did Katja have hunting dreams [Likely]? No. He real hunt was probably sufficient.

Rising early in the cold winter's morning, Katja helps herself to leftover bear stew for breakfast. She slept soundly and dreamlessly (but not in a bad way... her moon-hunt was more than enough excitement last night). In fact, Katja is in a very good mood. She is looking forward to seeing the city of Saint Petersburg. An urban environment should tell her much more about the world that she now finds herself in.

It doesn't take long for Nina and Igor to join her for breakfast. They eat quickly and proceed to load up the car.

Q: Does Katja see anybody else in the house [50/50]? No.

Q: Are the horses still in the stable [Somewhat likely]? Yes.

Katja stops by the stable to thank the white horse one last time. She eyes the crossbow. A fine weapon, she thinks to herself. Too bad Nina would never let me bring it. Or would she?

Katja emerges from the stables and asks.

Q: Does Nina let Katja bring the crossbow [Unlikely]? No

Nina: "Don't be absurd. Weapons are not permitted in the city. Let me clarify, primitive weapons are not allowed in the city. Soldiers and police officers may carry firearms."

Q: Does Nina give Katja a gun [Unlikely]? Extreme no.

Katja: "I'm dressed as a soldier..."

Nina: "No!"

Q: Does Igor accompany them to Saint Petersburg [Likely]? No.

Q: Does Igor have much to say to Nina [50/50]? Extreme No.

Nina then says something to Igor in Russian and Igor merely nods and returns to the house.

Nina: "Come along Katja, it's just us two now."

Katja: "And Igor?"

Nina: "He may catch up with us later. For now, he has other matters he must attend."

It is only a matter of hours before Katja sees signs of the approaching city. The forest gives way to farmlands and scattered villages. Despite the presence of more automobiles, Katja cannot help but get the sense that this is a poor land. And very drab. Her hopes for the city start to diminish.

Suddenly, Nina says: "Checkpoint ahead. Pretend you are asleep or sick or something. Curl up the blanket and do not show your face. Whatever you do, do not speak."

The automobile slows as Katja does what Nina asks.

Q: Are they allowed to pass the checkpoint with a minimum of fuss [Likely (given Nina's military uniform command experience)] ? Extreme yes.

Katja tenses up, expecting a confrontation. But Nina doesn't even speak. Apparently, they just waved her right through.

A few minutes later: "You may get up now. It's all over."

Katja: "That was easier than I expected."

Nina: "Soldiers are trained not to question superior officers. These soldiers were well trained."

Katja: "Now what? Do we visit the antiquities dealer?" [Q (50/50)? No]

Nina: "Not yet. Remember that I am already supposed to be in Saint Petersburg. I need to make an appearance to strengthen my alibi."

CQ: Where does Nina go to make an appearance [Wikipedia]? Ahmed ibn Nasir (sufi poet and teacher). I'll interpret this as a professor.

Q: Does Nina teach (in addition to her to other duties) [50/50]? No

Q: Does she perform research [Likely]? No. Hmm, I'll assume she is at least associated with a professor. Unless...

Q: Does Nina hope to board Katja in a dormitory while she performs other duties [5050]? No. Ok, an associate it is.

(we move on to the next scene and the meeting with the professor)

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CHARACTERS - Add the Professor

UPDATED THREADS
* Escape to freedom
* Solve the mystery of Nina's mother
* Decipher the writing on the menhir
* Deliver antique sword to the target of Nina's hunt

Updated Chaos Factor 3 (the minimum)