[Music - E.S. Posthumus "Tikal" watch?v=QaNlacf7W0k]
With a jarring bounce that rattled Peggy's teeth, she and Howard careened painfully down the asphalt street. Fleetingly, she heard shotgun shells spill out of her backpack and scatter to God knows where.
Finally stopping, there were gasps and murmurs of concern as the crowd approached. Not seeing the last pursuing woman anywhere, Peggy allowed herself to rest a moment. She hoped that the Vespa had damaged that assassin in some way.
She then noticed that her empty shotgun and backpack were lying nearby. In pain, Peggy winced as she dragged them over. Looking into her pack, she saw that all of the shotgun shells were gone. Thankfully, there were more packed in her suitcase. But with that now at the docks, she had no choice but to stuff her beloved weapon back into her rucksack.
Tiredly sitting up, Peggy assessed her injuries as vendors and tourists surrounded them.
Carefully, she tested the shoulder that she had landed on. Luckily it was not dislocated. Regardless she knew it would ache in the morning.
She heard Howard moaning awake and glanced over at him worriedly. Other than suffering a few bumps and bruises, he appeared alright. Peggy thought they had gotten off easy after seeing what was left of the destroyed Vespa.
Gingerly getting onto her hands and knees, Peggy crawled over to Howard and asked, "How much further until we reach the docks?"
"Um, a bit," Howard answered blearily, "Maybe a mile or two."
"Then we best get a move on," she declared pragmatically, and Howard stuttered his head up and down.
With a pained groan, each helped the other to their feet. They then slowly made their way to the wall of onlookers. But instead of letting them pass, the Egyptian locals yelled accusations.
From what Peggy could ascertain, the populace had taken offense that reckless Westerners had purposely driven into an Egyptian woman.
The few police constables present were attempting to run interference until backup arrived, but the crowd was getting larger and more unruly.
Over all the shouts, Peggy did her best to warn everyone about the dangerous situation, but they either did not understand or refused to listen. Instead, she and Howard were roughly grabbed by the mob.
As she tried to pull away, Peggy wearily spied two of the Niqab-clad women striding purposely through the crowd toward them.
One of the women had a distinguishing tire tread on the front of her clothes from where the Vespa had struck her. The other assailant had sticky produce spattered all over her outfit. Peggy did not know where the two she had shot were, but she knew they would not be far behind.
The men yelled at the approaching women, motioning for them to leave and that they would handle things. Ignoring the abrupt commands, the woman with the wheel tread marched toward Howard. Those holding Howard let him go to chastise her.
While this was going on, the fruit-covered woman headed determinedly to Peggy. The SSR Agent's eyes widened when the assassin cocked back her fist to strike her.
But just as the woman swung, Peggy instantly went limp and sunk downwards. The man restraining her yelped when he was punched in the nose by mistake.
Howling, he relaxed his grip, and Peggy continued crumpling to the ground. She then rolled out of the way when the outraged men converged on the two veiled women.
Ignoring their shouts, Peggy snuck under the mass of men and did her best not to get trampled during her escape. Howard crawled right behind her.
Finally, they were clear of the shrinking circle. Grabbing his arm, they limped in the direction of the docks.
While the two deadly women were busy trying to get through the thickening crowd to go after Peggy and Howard, their two wounded compatriots had better luck in the pursuit.
Having circumvented the melee that had broken out, the one with the bum knee was helped along by the one with the dislocated shoulder. Though their injuries slowed them down, they were just as single-minded as the other two assassins. They staggered determinedly after the stumbling Peggy and Howard.
Peggy would have laughed at such a comical chase had their lives not been on the line. But even wounded, the two women were faster than those they were chasing and were nearly upon them.
Separating from one another, the woman with the damaged leg aimed for Howard. Savagely, she shoved him into a pile of unloaded boxes.
Twisting around, Howard fumbled in his pack. Quickly, he pulled out his electronic mollifier device. He stabbed it into the woman, but unlike the last time, nothing happened.
After shaking the mechanism a few times, he then tried again. Electrical sparks shot out of the tip, but still, it did not affect the thief. He muttered angrily, "Why aren't you working?"
While the assassin loomed over the befuddled inventor, Peggy turned to help her fallen friend. This afforded the one with the dislocated arm to dart forward. She used her non-injured hand to seize Peggy's ponytail and yank her back.
"That's not very cricket," Peggy ground through clenched teeth, grabbing onto the woman's clenched fist that grasped her hair.
Before she could spin kick the woman, she found herself flung onto a produce crate. Peggy and the fruit spilled to the ground. The fresh smell of lemony citrus clung to the air.
As Peggy began to stand, the assassin grabbed her shirt front. Effortlessly, the woman lifted the SSR Agent off the ground. Determined, Peggy slammed her cupped palms against the woman's ears repeatedly. But unlike the time at the museum, they wore some sort of protective headgear under the veil.
In retaliation, the woman mercilessly shook Peggy until her teeth rattled.
As Peggy got her wits back, the assassin continued to raise her higher, preparing to smash her onto the cemented ground.
In desperation, Peggy's hands fumbled behind her. Her fingertips touched some fruit that had yet to fall. She grabbed the last citrus fruit before it tumbled off.
The SSR Agent then rammed the lemon into the woman's uncovered eyes. With vehemence, she crushed the juicy pulp deep.
Instantly, the woman screeched and dropped Peggy.
Backpedaling, the thief sputtered and rubbed her eyes. As Peggy gingerly got to her feet, she was gratified that these superbeings still had a weakness they could exploit.
Then the most curious thing happened. Peggy watched in shock as sparks suddenly shot out of the woman's eyes. Soon smoke began to billow from her ears, and there was a fizzling sound as more electricity coursed free. As the assassin stumbled away, Peggy's astonishment became resolve.
So that was their secret, Peggy thought with a determined nod. They were robots. Though still dangerous, she felt they had a better chance of survival now that they knew what their enemies actually were.
Massaging her tingling scalp, Peggy could see strands of her auburn hair still clutched tightly in the shuddering robot's grasp. Pissed, she grabbed its arm and swung the off-balance machine through a nearby shop window. The twitching automaton soon ceased to be a problem.
With that now taken care of, Peggy turned. She saw that the robot with the bum knee had begun to drag Howard away. Peeved, the SSR Agent yelled, "Come back here, you walking transistor! I'm not done with you!"
Still too intent on kidnapping Howard, the robotic woman ignored Peggy's demand. So, grabbing an empty crate, Peggy hurled it at the retreating machine. The wooden box hit the automaton's back and shattered upon impact.
Now Peggy had its attention, and she retreated a few steps to stand next to the tea vendor's stall.
Pushing Howard away, the machine turned on Peggy. Glaring at the human female, the robot limped toward her.
Just as she neared, Peggy snatched up a serving of Egyptian Koshary tea. Ignoring the merchant's indignant yells, she splashed the entire contents of the full teapot into the robot's eyes with a pithy, "Here, let me help you cool off."
Just like her sister in arms, the robot began to spark and sputter.
Astounded, Howard stared at the misfiring machine.
Peggy stated proudly, "They are some form of an automaton."
A grin spread on Howard's face as the pieces clicked, "Yeah, that explains all their incredible attributes." Circling the sputtering machine, he breathed, amazed, "Wow, but how could anyone create something so advanced? It should not be possible yet. Even I couldn't design such a machine."
Peggy snorted. Only Howard's ego could dismiss what was right in his face. She was about to reply when she spotted movement. The two undamaged robots were marching aggressively toward them.
Without a thought, Peggy grabbed a crate of bananas. Instead of chucking the fruit at the automaton's heads, she tossed it at their feet.
Amid the curses from the outraged vendor, all watched as the fruit spilled in front of the robots.
Knowing their resolve, Peggy was not surprised when these unstoppable machines marched on top of the squishy fruit. The crushed bananas were slippery, and the automatons began to flail about.
Peggy barked out a loud, "Hah!"
It was just like what had happened to them with the sand at the Smithsonian. But suddenly, there was a suctioning noise, and their footwear instantly snapped hard onto the ground. They no longer fought for balance and instead stood there unmoving.
Then they leaned forward, and the pressure was automatically released from their shoes. Taking another step, the same process was repeated. Though slowed down, the robots moved inexorably closer to their prey.
Unsurprisingly, Peggy had to pull a curious Howard away. Wistful, he gushed, "Fascinating. They must have learned to adapt since the last time we encountered them. I must admit, whoever invented them is a genius."
Peggy snapped, "Save your praise for another time, Howard. Come along."
But before Peggy and Howard could retreat, the disgruntled vendors were suddenly blocking their escape. They all spoke in rapid French and Egyptian, and Peggy could only make out that she had ruined their livelihood.
Though sympathetic to their plight, Peggy had no time for this. She asked Howard, "Can you please pay them so we can get past?"
Howard quickly peeled off some bills from the wad of cash he always carried. But before letting them pass, the irate vendors insisted on counting the money first.
Suddenly, the robots were through the quagmire and were charging toward them. Peggy quickly shoved Howard past the surprised vendors just in the nick of time.
She barely evaded the first robot's reach, but not the second ones. That automaton grabbed Peggy and hurled her away as if she weighed nothing.
Just before she crashed onto the asphalt, Peggy thought that at least she had been thrown in the direction of the docks.
Peggy slammed hard on her left side, and it felt as if her hip was instantly engulfed in fire. Oh, she would have a lovely bruise there tomorrow. As she clumsily rolled to her feet, Howard joined her side, and they limped away as fast as possible.
Even going as quickly as they could, Peggy heard the robotic women's heavy boot stomps nearing.
"This will never do. We need a diversion." Spying their form of a reprieve, she grabbed the remaining money clenched in Howard's fist and tossed it up in the air. Screams of glee echoed against the walls of the marketplace as a crowd of tourists, police, and vendors converged. The multitude of people blocked the robots from pursuing them.
Peggy hoped that the robot's programming superseded any need to unnecessarily hurt bystanders in the hunt for their quarry.
As they stumbled, further along, she was relieved to hear more cheers than cries of pain. As the sound of jubilation became more distant, it seemed that Peggy's trick had worked.
Thankfully they were now out of the marketplace and heading into the restaurant district. With the temperature finally cooling, more tourists left the numerous open-air patios to continue sightseeing.
On the sidewalk, locals entertained onlookers with rope tricks and other Mysteries of the Pharaohs.
Peggy barely registered the sound of the snake charmer's horn as they hobbled past. An intrigued Howard noticed the hypnotized cobra as it swayed out the open top of its woven basket.
"Wow, will you look at that, Peg," Howard muttered, impressed.
"Not now, Howard," she needed to ignore any possible distractions that would delay them from where they needed to go.
It was a good plan that was working rather well. That was until the fruit-spattered robot punted the snake charmer's basket right in front of them, instantly blocking their path.
Eyeing the basket warily, Peggy and Howard began circumventing the wicker container.
Too late, the venomous cobra reared up from the basket's open top. Its hood flared out from irritation. A horrified Howard watched it stare at them, its forked tongue flicking angrily.
Peggy snatched a thick wooden pole that held up a nearby restaurant's awning. Then, without a thought, she whacked the basket right back to where it had come from as if it was a cricket match.
The basket landed and spilled over, its deadly cargo now free. The snake charmer yelped when the agitated snake recoiled, gearing up to strike. Forgetting his bowl of alms, he ran away with the enraged snake slithering after him.
Peggy and Howard began to hurry away, but the robot's ploy had worked. They had quickly caught up to their wounded prey. The sticky fruit-covered automaton reached for the brilliant inventor.
The SSR Agent instantly placed herself between them with the order, "Get back, Howard."
Nodding, he promptly retreated. When the frustrated robot focused on the human blocking its path, Peggy spun around and swung the heavy wooden pole at its head.
Instead of ducking the swing, the robot flung itself upwards.
Peggy watched as it began to vault over her. By its intended trajectory, the automaton planned to bypass the human entirely to reach Howard.
But as the robot's body began to arc over her head, Peggy twirled the thick pole around and braced one end against the solid ground. With it repositioned at just the right angle, the pole caught the robot's middle as it came downwards. The wooden rod bowed dangerously, and Peggy feared the machine's weight would snap it in two.
Instead, it held, which enabled Peggy to pivot the pole quickly to the right. This new angle changed the robot's course. Flailing, it now flew over to land on a restaurant table.
Having not been cleared of food yet, the machine crashed onto the slippery half-finished fish platter. The robot struggled to rise but had a devil of a time trying to find purchase. The suction ability seemed to only work with the bottom of their shoes.
Hearing stomping behind her, Peggy spun around. The pole grasped two-handed like a baseball bat. The charging robot with the tire tread mark was nearly upon her.
Going on the defense, Peggy barely had time to shift the pole in front of her. Quickly she slid her hands apart to clear the middle of the makeshift staff to block any strikes.
The merciless robot's hand slashed down and easily chopped the thick wooden rod in two.
Off-balance from the strength of the hit, Peggy stumbled back a step. She had just raised the two pieces to protect herself when the robot attacked. But, even with the wooden poles taking the brunt of the hits, it hardly made any difference. With each deflected blow, Peggy felt the strikes reverberate to her core.
Changing tactics, Peggy went on the offensive, but the automaton easily blocked any hits swung her way. Desperate, Peggy chucked the wooden pieces at the robot, who effortlessly brushed them aside.
It advanced and, in two strides, was right in front of Peggy. This time, the robot clasped both hands together as it prepared to bash the SSR Agent dead once and for all.
Sneering, Peggy was ready to dodge whatever came her way. But due to the robot's speed, Peggy knew she could not escape most of what was coming.
Suddenly, a big platter of half-eaten food was flung into its face before the machine could follow through. Seconds later, another plate hit the automaton. Then multiple dishes besieged the robot.
As the automaton turned menacingly to face this new onslaught, Peggy ducked out of the way just as Howard threw a colossal serving bowl at it. Because of his actions, Peggy could hurry to the open-air café and stand by his side.
Feeling her adrenaline quickly depleting and her aches intensifying, Peggy pushed Howard away. Through gritted teeth, she ordered, "Go, run, Howard. I will keep them busy." By now, they had to be close to the docks.
Returning to the street, she tiredly watched as the fruit-splattered robot joined its friend. Together, they both strode determinedly toward her.
"I'm not leaving you, pal." Howard brushed aside the maitre d' who had spoken a few choice words to him. In moments he snatched a carving knife from the table and looked to throw it to Peggy.
"No, wait," she ordered, "I forgot about your gift." And she plucked free the special parasol that Howard had given her from the straps of her backpack.
Hearing the robots behind her, Peggy spun around.
The fruit-juiced automaton was practically on top of her. The SSR Agent barely had time to position the umbrella in front of her like a knight's jousting pole.
The obstinate robot slammed into the umbrella, and Peggy slid back a few steps from the collision.
Damn, these robots were strong, she grudgingly thought, impressed. No matter, it just meant she would have to tweak a few things. Robot or otherwise, she would handle them or die trying.
Undeterred, the fruit-splattered robot stepped back and bent over to charge headfirst.
Seeing this, Peggy twisted the umbrella open. Quickly she diverted the charging automaton away as one would a rampaging bull. The robot couldn't stop in time and crashed into a nearby palm tree.
An exhausted Peggy ignored the sound of cameras clicking behind her and the nearby crowd chanting something. She was just grateful that they were no longer getting involved. It seemed they had learned this lesson the hard way by the bruises and bloody lips they sported.
Peggy now faced the last robot, teeth bared determinedly. Sneering, she tweaked the umbrella closed, making it a more solid weapon.
Standing a few feet away, the female machine cocked its head at Peggy as it reassessed her opponent. She then pulled back her arm as if she was going to strike.
But instead, when the automaton flicked its hand forward, a shiny metallic whip suddenly shot out from its wrist. It seemed to curl outwards as it came rushing towards Peggy, almost as if it was alive.
Taken entirely by surprise, Peggy didn't react in time when the whip snaked around her body. Instantly, her arms were secured to her sides. And just as fast, it painfully constricted as the robot reeled Peggy in.
The interlocking cable was wound too tight. Peggy could hardly catch her breath.
Obstinately, she still held the umbrella. Instead of fighting the strong tether's pull, the SSR Agent limped forward with the tip of the closed umbrella thrust out like a battering ram.
Slamming into the robot, both flew backward and hit the ground hard. Somehow Peggy miraculously landed on top of the automaton. Frustratingly, she was still wrapped up in the whip. And once more, it squeezed painfully.
Dazed by the lack of air, Peggy continued to struggle to breathe.
Suddenly Howard was by Peggy's side, yelling for her to snap out of it. While he berated the SSR Agent, he used the large carving knife to hack at the whip until it finally released her.
After Howard had helped her to her feet, Peggy slammed the butt of the umbrella's handle against the robot's head. This only caused those cold brown eyes to refocus back on her. The oozing malice caused Peggy and Howard to take a few faltering steps back.
Unlike the exhausted pair it pursued, the tire tread robot effortlessly got to her feet. Then the fruit-stained automaton joined its side. Once more, these robotic women flexed their wrists, which activated the whips.
Recognizing this move, Peggy suddenly yelled, "Behind me, Howard!"
As Howard did as she ordered, Peggy twisted the umbrella open just as the whips whizzed forward.
Bam, they struck!
Surprisingly, the whips pierced the umbrella's thick protective material. The humans barely leaped back in time to avoid being skewered.
Howard started at how effortlessly the whips had punched through. "But it should have held," he muttered.
"Yes, so much for being like Steve's shield."
"Those whip tips must be made from a metal I have never seen before," he replied wistfully.
Before the robots could jerk their weapons free, Peggy lunged forward and twirled the opened umbrella shut. This wrapped the whips up into the mesh of torn protective fabric and metal tines. The SSR Agent then hurled it at the automatons, further entangling them.
Grabbing Howard's arm, they both trotted onwards.
Now having passed through the restaurant district, they were near the docks. Hearing the sound of distant ship bells had never been such a relief to Peggy in all her life.
Daring to exhale, she now believed they might make it out alive.
Finally, they reached the Cairo docks. Mercifully their pursuers were still too preoccupied with extracting themselves to give chase. Always hopeful, Peggy assumed that the robots with the bum knee and dislocated shoulder had already quit the chase due to short-circuiting.
Stopping to catch their breath, Peggy's expert gaze scanned the busy docks searching for the millionaire's boat. Knowing the man, it would be something ostentatious. For once, she was grateful for her companion's annoying need to overwhelm.
The vast docks were teeming with people. Jostled by a passerby, Peggy frowned at the tourist but then spied where Howard's boat had to be. The mass of paparazzi swarming at the end of the wooden platform was a dead giveaway.
Hurriedly making their way down to the lower berths, Peggy saw the motorboat that easily dwarfed all the other boats tethered close to it.
Over the heads of the large mob was a vessel of a sleek speedy design. It was shaped like a skinny arrow and mostly made of varnished mahogany. As they neared this 34' long runabout, Peggy thought the lines were amazing.
Pushing through the throngs of sailors, tourists, vendors, and police, Howard gushed, "Isn't she gorgeous, Peg? It's a Lockport II with a 125 horsepower engine."
Peggy nodded distractedly. Honestly, she was a tad confused. This was not like her friend's usual grandiose lifestyle. She protested, "Howard, I thought you would have had a bigger boat."
Stopping, they had to wait for some cargo to be unloaded from a nearby schooner.
Howard grinned at her sheepishly, "What it lacks in size, it certainly makes up for in speed. And it purrs like a kitten when I get it up to 60mph." He added offhandedly, "Naturally, I made some modifications to Hacker's design, but you wouldn't know just by looking at her."
The man could be most infuriating. Peggy tried to inquire politely once more, "Well, yes, but—"
Howard's chuckle interrupted her, "Wait, you thought this was the boat we would be staying on?"
She bristled at his insolent tone but nodded that was the case.
When Howard offered his arm to her, he admonished, "I thought you knew me better, pal. We will use this to get to the end of the delta where my yacht is moored."
Linking her arm with his, she replied somewhat testily, "Well, excuse me for not knowing that." But secretly, she was pleased. Now that there was an even stronger possibility of a bath, her mood and battered body were quickly revived.
"And I even have a smaller, faster boat nestled inside my yacht. The women just love to feel the power when I rev the engine." He jokingly leered at her, and she had the good grace to roll her eyes at his juvenile behavior.
With the delivered freight finally past them, she impatiently tugged on Howard's arm. Together they continued to rush through the thick crowd of people.
Nearing the end of the dock, Peggy grinned in relief when she saw her other trusted friend. An exasperated Jarvis had forgotten to take off her bright red hat, which showed like a beacon of salvation.
The subjects of the butler's annoyance were continually in his way as he dutifully prepped the boat for his employer. Besides the multitude of inquisitive reporters, he had to chase a curious child away now and then. It seemed that they wanted to play on the noteworthy vessel.
Sighing loudly at all the Press that blocked their path, Peggy said to Howard, "Well, shall we."
Being ever polite, Peggy shoved through the cluster of reporters with a bubbly, "Excuse me." Soon those in front reluctantly moved out of her way. From the grumbles murmured, the paparazzi were not very pleased about the scheme she had used on them earlier.
She overheard one that had the nerve to grouse, "That was some lousy trick you played on us, lady."
Peggy smiled brightly at him and declared as she tugged Howard closer, "You can't blame a girl for wanting this man all to herself." And she kissed Howard on the cheek. Peggy held the pose until all the cameras had finished clicking. She knew Daniel was going to kill her, particularly when he caught the shit-eating grin that Howard wore.
With her previous duplicitous actions quickly forgotten, the Press threw out a flurry of questions. Especially when they registered how rumpled the pair were and Peggy's noticeable limp. Sensing a story, the reporters closed ranks and obstructed their path. They showed solidarity by how tightly they were wedged against one another.
Howard answered jovially, "Boys, boys, all your questions will be answered in due time. But now, my lady friend and I would like to get to our boat."
Slightly mollified, the irritated paparazzi parted, and their means of escape was revealed.
This close to it, Peggy could appreciate the boat's design. It was a sharp-looking polished wooden runabout with two cockpit sections separated by a large expanse of more shiny mahogany.
The front area had all the controls and room for the captain and his mate, while the rear section could snuggly fit four.
Spying Professor Spencer lying sprawled across the rear cushions, Peggy pursed her lips in annoyance. My God, the man could sleep through anything.
Looking behind the snoring man, she saw the long wooden section that must have housed the powerful engine. There was a flag at the front and rear of the boat. The one at the bow was of the United States, while the one posted at the stern was the flashy Stark flag.
Regardless of this grandiose show of pride, the runabout was undoubtedly a stunning vessel, and Peggy cooed appreciatively to Howard. The often exasperating man grinned back at her, almost like a proud papa.
Once more looking at the butler, Peggy smirked. Her red hat was perched at a jaunty angle on Jarvis' head.
Ignoring the hat, Howard asked him, "Luggage stowed below, Jarvis?" And he handed the manservant the important fanny pack that held the latest rubbing of the clue.
Jarvis studiously replied, "Yes, sir, they are in the lower deck per usual." A small open compartment next to the steering wheel led below. Carefully, he placed the bag inside the fuselage next to their suitcases.
Swallowing her chuckle, Peggy asked sweetly, "Well, now if you would be so kind, please add my hat to that collection, Mr. Jarvis." An amused grin crossed her features when she saw the befuddled butler's eyes widen in surprise when he tracked her gaze. He had forgotten that he still wore it.
Quickly he flicked the offending item over the threshold and into the lower section.
She nodded, pleased. Good, she didn't want to lose any more hats. They were needed almost as much as her weapons. Speaking of which, Peggy ducked into the small compartment and opened her suitcase.
She grabbed the nearest weapon and tossed her handgun into her backpack. Regretfully, she left Bessie behind in the suitcase. She would look for the additional shells for her beloved shotgun when she had more time.
Pulling her head out of the compartment, Peggy stood. Gingerly she untied Jarvis' dirty coat from around her waist. As she handed it to him, she saw his horrified expression. "Sorry about your jacket, Mr. Jarvis."
He sniffed, somewhat affronted as he held the coat between two fingers. "Not a problem, Miss Carter. I always bring a spare." By his usual impeccable attire, she was sure the man was never without a handy replacement suit at the ready.
Quickly, he tossed the ruined coat into the compartment with their other belongings, "And I take it that there is a story that also explains your disheveled appearance."
"And it's a doozy, Jarvis," Howard replied.
Peggy looked back to the docks worriedly when she stated, "And we'll fill you in later, but for now, we are in a hurry."
Nodding, Jarvis then informed Howard, "Sir, I contacted Captain Jasper. He assured me that the yacht is ready for our arrival."
"Thanks, Jarvis," Howard motioned for Peggy to take the rear seat.
Exiting the runabout, Jarvis then offered a hand and quickly helped her into the back compartment of the boat.
Irritated that Professor Spencer still had yet to move, Peggy tossed her almost empty knapsack onto his mid-section. That was the only moment when she wished she had packed an anvil.
Startled, he sat up with a gasp. Then, seeing her glare, he mumbled, "Pardon me." And he scooted out of the way as she stepped further down into the section.
Peggy stayed standing, her gaze now focused solely on the docks. Ever vignette to those robotic women, she tried to look over the reporter's heads. Alas, it was difficult to see past the throng of onlooker's feet at this height.
While Peggy kept guard, Jarvis stood next to Howard on the docks. His subtle tilt of the head indicated the crowing reporters, "Sorry, sir, I was unable to lose them."
Howard patted his butler's shoulder and then hopped aboard, "That's okay, Jarvis. I'll take it from here."
After he cracked his knuckles, he flicked some toggles on the control panel. Turning the key, the enclosed engine roared to life behind Peggy, startling her. She sat down quickly next to the frowning Professor Spencer.
Howard's gaze rested on the rope that tethered them to the docks.
Noticing his stare, Jarvis muttered, "Oh, yes, of course, sir." And he scurried to untie the rigging completely. Done, he scrambled back on board. Then using the boat's docking pole, he deftly maneuvered them past the much smaller vessels that were moored around them.
Once they were away from the berth, Peggy heard a commotion. Turning, she spied people being shoved off the docks and into the harbor. Their indignant yells were getting closer, and Peggy knew that the last two robotic pursuers were heading their way.
After a steading exhale of resolve, she stood.