Ok, I decided to try a different format for this chapter, based on 0afan0's suggestion. Please let me know what y'all think!

I don't know how the Stardate system works, but they're on Earth anyway, so I used regular dates.

To Cadet Taurik, Cairo University

From Miss Marianne Broussard, Palm Hotel, Luxor

10 June 2366

Dear Taurik,

Johnny and Rahat send their greetings. How is your class? I hope the delay didn't inconvenience you too much. I can't tell you enough how much I appreciated that you stayed longer and came with us back here to Luxor.

As you have probably already guessed, we're still waiting on the pending police investigation before we can go back to Hamunaptra. The three of us have been restless to finish the dig. Rahat and Johnny finished off the rest of Rahat's "culture and heritage" last night. I had a sip to be sociable, but after the last time I don't think I want to have it ever again. Instead, I had a chocolate ice cream stout float. Have you ever tried that? It's simply heavenly!

Now for the bad news. Another of the workers was found dead in his home yesterday—hence our activities last night. He was sucked dry like the last one. The forensics team cannot explain what happened. I wish I had your Vulcan control, Taurik, because this is all so terrifying to me. Rahat and Johnny act like it doesn't worry them, but they're on edge, too. Since when is archeology a dangerous career?

To close on a more positive note, you will be pleased to know that I have used my recent free time to start on a story. It's silly, really, but you said to write what inspires me. I'll try to send it with my next letter. Take care of yourself!

Your friend,

Marianne

To Miss Marianne Broussard, Palm Hotel, Luxor

From Cadet Taurik, Cairo University

12 June 2366

Dear Marianne,

It pleased me to receive your letter yesterday. My class is going quite well, and consists of twenty-five students. Cadet Hoya and I are the only Starfleet Cadets, as well as the first non-humans to take this course with Dr. Wasam. My experience with you at the Hamunaptra dig has already given me a considerable advantage.

Be assured that the delay was no inconvenience, as the first day was spent going over the syllabi and making introductions. Dr. Wasem understood completely. It was no trouble to accompany you back to Luxor. As I told you before, it was my duty as a Starfleet Cadet to see you to safety.

That is disturbing news indeed. It is good that you are safe, however, and that the police are aware of the situation. With time, the mystery will undoubtedly be solved. Writing is an appropriate solution to your anxieties. I look forward to reading your story.

To partake in Rahat's drink again does not appeal to me, either, I must admit. No, I have never tried a chocolate ice cream stout float, as I did not know of its existence before reading your letter.

I received a message from my roommate, Sam Lavelle. He is enjoying his vacation with his family and will be coming to Cairo at the end of the summer semester. Would you and the others be opposed to my visiting you again, and bringing Sam along?

I will assuredly take care of myself, and look for your next letter soon.

Sincerely your friend,

Taurik

Taurik's personal log

Earlier that day

The Egyptology class is proceeding with satisfactory results. Dr. Wasem has given me extra assignments from the rest of the class, which are based on my superior abilities, as well as on my previous experience at the Hamunaptra site.

I received a letter from Marianne Broussard today. Another one of the diggers was found dead. Apparently, the cause of his death remains a puzzle to the authorities. Though Marianne is likely quite safe, I must admit I am somewhat concerned about her well being.

Sam called today. He plans to visit me in Cairo at the end of the semester. It was not the most opportune time, as it was immediately after I finished reading Marianne's letter. He noticed my apprehension and questioned me about it, saying that I could not deceive him with my "Vulcan self-control crap." This demonstrates to me that I must re-double my efforts to maintain control of my emotions. I plan to lengthen my meditation time by fifty percent, starting this evening.

To Cadet Taurik, Cairo University

From Miss Marianne Broussard

16 June 2366

Dear Taurik,

Today was another harrowing day! A third worker was found dead in the street in broad daylight, just like the other two. This time Qismah showed up with her usual prophecies and condemnations. There isn't enough evidence to arrest her, so the police gave her a warning. Somehow, I got the feeling that she didn't care about their warnings.

But where are my manners? How are you? Do you like Cairo? You sound like you're doing well.

We would love for you to come back and see us! You know you don't have to ask. Visit anytime. I have to say I was so happy and excited when I read your last letter! And of course Sam is welcome, too. You've told me so much about him. He sounds like a nice guy. If he's your friend, he must be. Let me know when you're coming and I'll be sure to make a pot of gumbo.

Johnny asks about you often, and I've been keeping him updated with your letters. He's been using his time to catch up on his thesis work.

Let's see, other news…Oh, yes, I almost forgot. We met Rahat's parents the other day. They came to visit him in Luxor, and they seem like nice people. His mother's name is Fatinah, and she certainly is the prettiest lady I've ever seen! She's from one of the Bedouin tribes, but I can't remember their name at the moment. His father is Valen, and he is every bit as charming as Rahat.

As promised, here is my first story. Go easy on me, now!

The two men shivered as they made their way down the streets of New Orleans. They were both soldiers in the Spanish military. On that unseasonably cold night, one of them was on his way to a new assignment. Corporal Henri Toulon listened carefully to his orders. "Governor Galvez requested you specifically," Lieutenant Antoine Metoyer told him, "though I don't know why. You are to be the bodyguard for his new consort. I have agreed to it because it may be of some benefit to the cause."

(…)

It was not long before Henri Toulon realized, to his dismay, that he had fallen deeply and hopelessly in love with the woman he was safeguarding. He berated himself for not having been more guarded. It was just his ill fortune, that the first woman he ever loved would be the one woman he could not have. He felt he had betrayed her, as well as Galvez. He was determined, however, that no matter what happened, he would never allow any hint of his feelings to slip. He would carry out his duty, and bury his feelings deep in his heart.

So what do you think? Be honest. I'm eagerly waiting to know your opinion.

Affectionately yours,

Marianne

Taurik's personal log

Same day

Marianne has informed me that a third person has been murdered at Luxor, and the police are still at a loss for answers. Qismah continues to harass my former colleagues, and I surmise she will end up being arrested eventually. My concern for Marianne is growing. The possibility that she may be the next victim…unnerves me.

There is also the matter of her relationship with Rahat. The fact that he introduced her to his parents suggests that he does indeed intend to woo her. Though it shows honorable intentions, I nevertheless continue to have my doubts about his resolve to see it through to marriage. Eventually, she will be emotionally wounded as a result of this association. It is possible that I have completely misinterpreted the situation, but unlikely.

In light of these recent events, I have increased the duration of my meditations by another fifty percent.

Marianne sent me her first story. As I predicted, it is excessively emotional, especially in the romantic sense. However, it shows some promise. I will have to structure my response carefully, as she is dismayed easily. At the same time, I must of course give her a truthful critique.

To Miss Marianne Broussard, Palm Hotel, Luxor

From Cadet Taurik, Cairo University

20 June 2366

Dear Marianne,

You must forgive me for taking so long to respond to your letter. My studies consume much of my time, as you are no doubt aware.

You may be correct in your surmise about Qismah's determination. I trust I do not need to remind you to take every necessary precaution.

As a Vulcan, and also as your friend, be assured that I will always be honest with you. Your story is rather intriguing. I personally like your choice of setting it in New Orleans during the Spanish colonial period, though it is my assumption that you are not making attempts at historical accuracy. The character of Henri Toulon is somewhat overly sentimental, but his struggle is admirable. I am curious to see how you develop him. This achievement is an important step in your goal of fully developing your abilities, as well as your self-mastery.

Yes, I am doing well. My studies are both informative and engaging. Dr. Wasem is knowledgeable and competent. She speaks very highly of you, and sends her regards.

Cairo is vastly different from New Orleans, as you know. My stay here has been educational, as is the case with every city on Earth I have visited thus far. Overall, I do like this city, to answer your question.

Thank you for accepting my request to visit you and bring Sam. I shall inquire with him about the specifics and inform you once I have been made aware of them. Sam will most certainly enjoy your gumbo.

Rahat's mother and father seem to be decent people, judging from your description of them.

Please give John and Rahat my regards.

I remain your sincere friend,

Taurik

Taurik's personal log

29 June 2366

I have not received any communication from Marianne in nearly two weeks. It is curious, as it does not conform to her usual habits. I confess I am somewhat disquieted about her, and she is constantly in my thoughts. Studying and meditation are becoming difficult as a result. If she does not return my correspondence within another week, I intend to call her.

Personal Message for Cadet Taurik from Cadet Sam Lavelle

2 July 2366

18:32 Hours

Hey Taurik, how are you? Doing fine here. Glad I finally got all my visiting obligations out of the way. Now it's blue skies and fishing in the creek from here on out. Plan to go to a picnic and watch the fireworks on the Fourth of July with this cute girl I met. So what ever happened to that hot singer from New Orleans? I'm telling you, she had a fever for you, man! Ha ha, sorry, I couldn't resist… I don't know when, but we have got to plan a camping trip sometime before we finish at the Academy. I think you'd like it, and when have I ever steered you wrong? Anyway, hope you're having fun learning about mummies. Talk to you later, dude.

Personal Message for Cadet Taurik from John Norris

2 July 2366

17:56 Hours

Taurik, call me back as soon as you get this! Marianne is missing and no one knows where she is! I thought she was off somewhere with Rahat, but he just got back in and he hasn't seen her all day! She's been acting weird for the last few weeks; I'll explain when we talk. Um, well…I really hope you get this soon. Bye.

(Now who can guess where that passage from Marianne's story came from? He-he!)