-11-

Aira's head was swimming as she was brought to the cook. Everything she had just heard was seeping in. How could she let Imhotep take over the world? She could defy him, but she didn't want to die!
All her training was of no use. All she could remember was that she should never give in to the enemy.
The galley smelled of garlic. The cook was a large woman, she towered over the girl. The cook spoke with a heavy accent that Aira couldn't identify.
Now what der we have here? she said surveying the young girl.
A prisoner. She is to help you cook.
Help mei cook, eh? Well, I need it with that grea' hulk aboard! The cook turned to her, I'm Molly, wots yer name, girl?
she mumbled as the big man left.
Shape up girl, they are never going to free you if you show your afraid! Molly talked on, Remember, kid, never let them know you care.
Molly's advice sounded familiar, but before she could dwell on it, Handed her a large pot filled with potatoes, Take this topside n peel em off der ship!
Aira nodded and headed up on the deck and over to the side of the ship. She peeled the potatoes and dwelled on everything that was happening.
~*~
Meanwhile...

TRANSATLANTIC AIRLINES FLIGHT 202 TO NEW YORK CITY! YOUR FLIGHT IS DEPARTING IN 10 MINUTES! PLEASE GET TO THE LOADING AREA!
Jamie ran through the airport with the others following them. They had to make the flight!
LAST CALL FOR TRANSATLANTIC AIRLINES FLIGHT 202!
They handed their tickets to the stewardess and they got their seats just in time.
~*~
Aira brought the pot of potatoes back down to Molly.
Where is this ship going anyhow?
Kid, it was posed to be going to New York , but the gre' hulk up there is makin' us go to New Foundln'
New Foundland?
Yeppers! Way up there in Canada! Molly sighed, We was posed to be sellin' our catch in New York, buts it'll rot by da time we gets there! We'll have to find a seller up dere!
Aira sighed as she began to knead some dough Molly had given her.

Yes, kid?
Why are you a cook on this ship?
I'm earning my passage to America, kiddo. Only way I'd get there!

And the two prepared the dinner for Imhotep without another word.
~*~
When the dinner was finished, the big burly man came down to the galley.
Heres the hulks dinna, mate! Molly said handing it to him.
He wants the girl to bring it.
Aira wanted to fight him off, but she remembered what Molly had said and went along peacefully.
Here's your supper. She said handing it to Imhotep, looking him straight in the eye as she did so.
I heard of a sweet drink on board this ship. He said, I specifically asked for it. It was called rum. Fetch it for me.
Aira gave him a look of indignation, but went to fetch it, because on the inside she was scared to death of the giant mummy.
He wants rum. She yelled down to Molly.
Want's rum, do he now? Molly said, Well then, we'll give 'im the best, the stronges' tuff we's got!
Aira brought the foaming mug to Imhotep then left the room. Her fright was gone, and now she was puzzled.
Did mummies get drunk?
~*~
I need a beer. Logan groaned as he got off the flight with the other passengers. The pilot was young and it was the first real passenger flight he had ever flown.
Everyone was shaky. The flight had been horrible and they thanked the Lord just to be back on the ground.
I think we were better off with Imhotep. Bobby said to Jamie, who, though lopsided, was determined as ever.
We need to get to the Institute!
Ardeth Bay had spent the whole flight with an airsickness bag.
He's never flown before. Alex explained, And this isn't that good of a first impression.
Professor X had sent the X-Van to come pick it up. Logan groaned again when he saw who was driving it.
Like hi guys! We returned home as soon as we heard, and I like volunteered to come pick you up!
We're overjoyed, Logan said sarcastically as he pulled himself into the front seat.
This is a lot roomier then the dune buggy.' Rick commented.
Yeah. But we have a dangerous driver so you all better buckle up tight!
And with that, Kitty put her foot on the pedal and they zoomed off towards the mansion.