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New York, March 7, 1923, Day 1
Today I met my traveling companions. My friend the Honorable Barron Andrews requested that I accompany him on this expedition. While he gave me no details, the chance of a priceless anthropological/archaeological discovery accompanied by the opportunity to work with the renowned historian, Dr. Joseph Baker, made his offer one that I couldn’t refuse.
The cast of characters are not of the usual expedition caliber. Our host and expedition leader, Mr. Michael Bradford, seems to be a disturbed individual, but charming none-the-less. Andrews says his plans are sound, so I will reserve judgment on him until later. Mr. ‘Joe-Joe’ Harrison is a sullen man and someone to watch closely, as is his associate (I really have to wonder if they are not American Gangsters, as they both seem to be heavily armed). Reverend Jacob Sanders didn’t socialize too long. He went straight to his cabin after reading some scripture selections to get us on our way. Mr. Faulks was rather quiet, and I am not quite sure where he fits in to all of this. Dr. Baker said very little, but he seemed to be doing the same as I, studying our entourage -- something I expected from a man of his experience. Captain Planchet is the kind of man I hate (and the kind of man mother has been trying to get to marry me). He is rich and lazy, although like most, I am sure he can think if he really wants to....
At Sea, March 8, 1923, Day Two
We received a "hello" message today. I wouldn’t mention this, but as evening wore on, we received a distress message from the same ship. We responded of course and retrieved an Indian gentleman from the exploded wreckage of the ship. Still later, we were attacked by a creature that I can only describe as a worm with a spiked body, winged with fangs. I have never seen anything even resembling this creature, and I must conclude that it is not of this planet. We battled it with guns, knives, and a strange light emission device that belonged to Dr. Baker. It was this device that finally destroyed the creature.
After the battle, the Indian gentleman said that his ship had been attacked by the same type of creature. This one seems to have focused on Dr. Baker, and the crew is worried that another will return. Jack seems to be particularly concerned, because he claimed that the beast had stolen part of his soul. Everyone is worried about the manifestation and our safety. There is a lot of pressure on Mr. Bradford to inform everyone of what we are getting into rather than letting our fear and imagination create more anxiety. I am especially worried about Reverend Sanders -- he slept through the entire battle with the creature.
At Sea, March 9, 1923, Day Three
Today over tea, Mr. Bradford told me some information of our destination. It seems that we are to excavate an ancient spacecraft from the deserts of Africa. The place is such that he cannot recall all of the details, the horrors of the great monolithic craft. Even so, he seemed to be- come more and more distressed as he told me what he knew. I see some of the horror coming through in his paintings, some of which depict scenes that are very disturbing. None-the-less, Mr. Bradford has captured my interest, and it seems as though he is spending a great deal of his time trying to do so. He has begun a new painting, and he will not allow me to observe his work until it is finished. I must admit, after seeing his other works, I am quite curious.
I have given up on Dr. Baker. He seems to have no interest in women and has completely enveloped himself in his research. He hardly even comes out of his cabin.
At sea, March 10, 1923, Day Four
Morning
Everything has been quiet since the battle with the creature until last night. Last night, everyone on the ship suffered a harrowing nightmare. A giant eye, watching each of us, coming up from the depths of the ocean. Like a sentry cataloguing our progress, haunting us...I can’t even bear to think of it!
We (Mr. Bradford and I) decided to try a seance -- and sadly, we were successful. A huge black monolith; towering, spinning.... Fortunately, Dr. Baker broke the chain of power before any major damage was done (at least I hope that was the case). I am not sure if I like what is happening. Everyone is on edge.
None of us returned to sleep until dawn. Mr. Bradford, although shaken himself, stayed with me in the billiard room until I finally fell into an exhausted sleep, and then he carried me to my quarters. He stayed with me through my sleep, dosing in the chair.....Rather romantic when you think about it.....I shall have to give a great deal more thought to Michael Bradford (even if he is an American).
Afternoon
I have taken to wearing trousers around the ship. Mother would not approve, but why should I provoke the men more than necessary when 2 a.m. the only woman on board -- besides, I hate those straps, they hurt!
Mr. Bradford has shown me the painting on which he has been working. It is a portrait of myself, and he presented the finished piece to me as a gift. He is different from the suitors that mother had chasing after me. He doesn’t give stupid puppy eyes and say nonsensical chatterings. I have looked his relatives up in Burkes Peerage; I think even Mother would approve of his family. Of course, I am getting ahead of myself, first I must dangle the carrot, then I will lead him to the barn (or is he leading me?).
At sea, March 11, 1923, Day Five
I had hoped to attract some attention with my dress today, but Dr. Baker and Mr. Bradford seemed to have a lot discuss. Perhaps I can ‘talk shop’ with them.
At sea, March 13, 1923, Day Seven
Had tea with Mr. Bradford again today. Dr. Baker has spent a great deal of time discussing things with Mr. Bradford. I expect Dr. Baker knows much more concerning this expedition than the rest of the party.
I have convinced Captain Planchet that we must have a cocktail party (non-alcoholic in deference to the Reverend). I think a few parties will help pass the-time.
At Sea, March 17, 1923, Three days from London.
Mr. Faulks has informed me that he has been having recurring nightmares concerning his murder of Mr. Bradford on a deserted London street. I must find out more so that we can prevent this. I have informed Captain Planchet, and he agrees that neither of the two should be allowed to travel alone when we arrive in London. In deference to Mr. Faulks wishes, I have given my word that I will not inform Michael, but I am quite concerned.
At Sea, March 18, 1923, Two days from London
Everyone is anxious to reach England. I think the crew feel that we will be safer there; but given what I know, I rather doubt that will be the case. I have asked Michael if I may contact a psychiatrist listed in the Peerage to make arrangements to meet with him during our stop in London. Although he seemed rather reluctant, Michael has agreed, providing nothing of our expedition is revealed. My hope is to learn something that will enable me to deal with any psychological problems that may arise during the expedition.
At Sea, March 20, 1923
We dock in London today. I have
spent the last few days quizzing Mr. Faulks. I hope that we will be able
to prevent his dreams from becoming reality. Michael seems aloof, I hope
he is not offended by the time that I have been spending with Mr. Faulks.
I have made arrangements to talk
with the psychiatrist while we are in London. Perhaps an expert will be
able to help me keep the others in a relative state of calm. I hope that
I will be able to keep Michael with me at all times.
London.
Michael knows the danger he faces, and he has agreed to stay away from Mr. Faulks and with someone else in the party at all times. The Indian gentleman accompanied us on our errands for protection. While we were out, we met Mother’s Cousin Agnes. I am sure that she will tell Mother that she ran into us, so I must post a letter to Mother to reassure her.
After purchasing some suitable clothing for Hasseem, we proceeded to my appointment with the psychiatrist. Michael related a dream that he had been having, and the psychiatrist told him that he suffered from some sort of phallic fixation. (This caused a bit of a dispute -- Michael called the man a quack -- It was quite funny actually, we had to leave rather quickly.) Of course, while I had not been told of these dreams, I know that they were the product of his previous expedition as well as our present one -- Perhaps only items that his subconscious would remember. I am sure that Michael has not told us everything. I believe he is trying to protect us.
Have posted a letter to Mother, explaining why we must have great secrecy involved with our expedition (actually, I compared it to what happened to Great-Uncle Chester). I told her of Michael and his English relatives and the portrait. After all, I had to tell someone, and Mother will be so happy that I have a gentleman friend that she won’t say any- thing about the expedition.
I also posted a letter to Papa. I wanted to make sure that someone would put my affairs in order. I told him I would cable from Cairo and send the portrait. If he receives any other correspondence, or if the cable contradicts my letter, he is to ignore them. I am sure that Papa will be worried, but after what happened to Great-Uncle Chester, I am sure he will follow my instructions.
Evening
I have employed a little subterfuge and convinced Michael that I couldn’t be left alone. As long as we are in port, I Can’t allow him to leave my side. Since we have all of our equipment, I would just as soon leave tonight, but various circumstances prohibit this.
London port, March 21, 1923
Dr. Baker met a friend in London and it appears he will be accompanying us from this point on. It also seems that Mr. Buckaroo Banzai is slightly touched. He acts confused. Las night he moved some things from the other ship onto ours. Dr. Baker and Barron Andrews have assured us that Mr. Banzai will be kept under control. It seems that Andrews is Banzai’s lawyer. What does Banzai know about our expedition?
I’m not sure if I can relate the day’s incidences accurately after what has happened, but I will do my best. Mr. Faulks persuaded Michael to return to London to see a palm reader. T he man had a green j ade disc that he and Michael laid their hands on. I don’t recall what happened next, but there was a gun pulled, and the man shot himself. We returned to the ship and promptly set sail.
I know I offered to recreate the experience, and against his better judgment, Michael agreed. I wish know that he would not have allowed it for I shall never be the same again. I remember a feeling of suffocation, being drawn into a rubbery substance, a creature, a monstrosity enveloping me...and I was alone. Now it is stalking me, following, watching. And if I am ever alone, it will come for me.
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