While Peggy continued to study the thieves escape route, Howard approached. Having witnessed the agility and strength of the women, he sounded hopeful, "Maybe they aren't super-soldiers like Cap. I bet they were the Red Room girls from Russia instead."

A distracted Peggy automatically corrected him, "Young women, Howard. And no," she sighed loudly, "they are definitely something new."

She wondered what they were up against. Due to their unique capabilities, they were not ordinary humans. Perhaps they were some byproduct of the super serum experiments that had continued to go on secretly. There was no doubt that any country would love to have its own enhanced soldier like Captain America.

Why only the other day, a classified report crossed her desk that the Russians were using homunculi as assassins. Supposedly, they were called Winter Soldiers. Of course, it could just be propaganda, but after having seen some rather unspeakable things during her time at war and in the SSR, sometimes such supernatural creatures did exist.

Interrupting Peggy's introspection, Howard nudged her arm and indicated the broken statue that Evelyn cradled delicately. He whispered, "Peg, I wonder why those women wanted some 3000-year-old statue so badly?"

Peggy glanced around the destroyed room, "Yes, especially when there are other artifacts worth far more money."

She was about to ask Professor O'Connell about the objects in her hands when Peggy noticed how forlorn the older woman looked.

Evelyn mumbled dejectedly upon the broken bronze figurine, "I had worked so hard on this exhibit, too."

The Egyptologist looked imploringly at Peggy and Howard, "It had taken me over a year to collect most of these artifacts and have some of the reproductions made. It took even longer to convince the curators at the Cairo museum to let me bring it abroad."

Sadly, she sighed, "I always thought sharing such priceless antiquities was important, especially for the children. It helped them realize that there was a world out there other than just baseball cards and radio programs." She added miserably, "The Bembridge scholars will never let me live this one down now."

Howard nodded at the two pieces of the small effigy, "I'm surprised that a bronze statue would snap apart so easily."

Frowning, Evelyn focused intently on the damaged burial figurine in her hands. Suddenly, her glum outlook became curious. "Not only that, they normally are not hollow inside… and what is this?" The Professor noticed a small rolled-up papyrus poking out of one half of the broken statuette.

Evelyn's usual dignified English manner was instantly forgotten, her eyes bright with possibilities, "I wonder how this had gotten inside a Royal Egyptian Shabti?"

Peggy had been expecting many different reactions from the Professor, but certainly not the sound of abject glee as Evelyn tugged the small paper out. "The bronze Shabti's were always solid objects. But this one was purposely molded to be hollow and then sealed seamlessly to hide this Egyptian papyrus within."

After quickly handing the broken figurine to Peggy, Evelyn carefully unrolled the papyrus. Staring at the scroll quizzically, she then put her reading glasses on. There was a short message written in hieroglyphics.
As Peggy and Howard stared at her, Evelyn grinned and said, "This is most curious. It talks about attaining vast knowledge and wealth."

Eyes wide from interest, Howard urged, "Well, don't keep us in suspense, Professor. What else does it say?"

She shook her head, "That's the only thing written down. But there are these odd symbols around the border. They seem to be similar to Cuneiform script but are different." She handed it to Peggy, "See, Cuneiform normally has wedged-shaped heads. These are curved."

Howard frowned, "Cuneiform?"

Evelyn answered offhandedly, "Yes, it was the first known written language developed by the Sumerians over 5000 years ago. I wonder if this different version was a precursor or an offshoot of that ancient writing."

When Peggy stared at it, she noticed two sets of faded, small lines at the top and bottom of the papyrus. Studying it, she realized that they lined up perfectly with one another, "What about these marks here?"

Evelyn squinted at what Peggy pointed at and then smiled, "I don't know. Maybe they occurred when it was sealed inside the Shabti."

As Howard looked over Peggy's shoulder, he asked. "Any idea who might be able to decipher those odd Cuneiform inscriptions, Professor?"

"Possibly an antiquities scholar or a linguistics specialist could provide you with answers. I believe there is one up at Harvard who can assist you."

Peggy was only half listening. Intent on figuring out those thieves' motives, she mumbled, "What could be so important to warrant such an elaborate heist?"

Evelyn shrugged, "Whatever it is, it must be significant."

Howard inquired innocently, "Oh, how so?"

"This clue was hidden in something the Egyptians considered sacred and revered. That alone has me believing that this leads to another spectacular find, possibly bigger than any previous discoveries."

"So, more spectacular than Tanis or even Tut's treasure?"

Howard's intrigued tone had Peggy worrying. He was known to seek out trouble if he thought there was some benefit for him. Deciding she best cut this speculation off quickly, Peggy cautioned, "Are you sure this is authentic? There were a lot of forgeries going around after the war."

Evelyn stared at Peggy over the rim of her glasses. The SSR Agent was instantly transported back to when her boarding school teacher would give her that same caustic stare. However, the look didn't last long, for Evelyn's attention went back to the papyrus, "Not only did Professor Pierre Montet personally date his collection, but I also made sure to verify the entire exhibit prior to taking it on tour."

Always the pragmatist, Peggy challenged, "Well then, maybe you were both wrong about the dates, and it is not over 3000 years old."

Evelyn politely did not correct her. Of course, she was never wrong when it came to cataloging and dating Egyptian artifacts. Just because it shouldn't exist doesn't mean she was wrong. Hell, mummies had come to life in front of her far too often to count.

She then noticed that the writing had been scrawled over something else. Evelyn smiled when she recalled the Egyptian practice of reusing papyrus.

So, instead of answering such a ridiculous accusation, Evelyn strode to the nearest light source. Holding the thin paper up to the fixture, the bright light made it translucent. She began to silently read what was underneath the newer writing.

As Evelyn studied the old papyrus, Howard whispered to his friend, "This could be huge, Peg. We need to look into this further."

Peggy pinched the bridge of her nose, "Howard, I will have my hands full looking for those thieves."

"But that sounds boring. Let Thompson do it. This expedition will be far more worthy of our skills and abilities."

"I can't just go gallivanting off somewhere now, Howard."

"Aren't you curious what those thieves risked so much for?"

"Well, yes, but…"

Genuinely surprised that his usually spontaneous friend had become so stodgy, he asked, "Where's your sense of fun, Peg? Where is that person who risked flying over enemy lines to get Cap to his buddy?"

A flustered Peggy retorted lamely, "I still do exciting things."

Howard snorted, "Since when, all I've heard you say is how dull everything has gotten. I bet when you are tracking down those thieves, the majority of it will be you sitting in cars waiting for something to happen. But if we do this, I can guarantee you action."

"I don't know—" She was starting to relent. It had been a while since she had gone on any real adventures.

Howard could tell that she was wavering, so he added the caveat that he was sure would persuade her that he was right, "Besides, it is our duty to find it before they do."

Before Peggy could say anything, Evelyn gasped and spun around.

Noticing their quizzical expressions, she explained, "Sometimes the Egyptians would reuse papyrus. When held over the light, it reveals more hieroglyphics underneath."

Squinting at the paper, Evelyn continued, "Also, there are more of those odd Cuneiform-styled glyphs. Hum, I wonder the significance of these seven symbols being larger than anything else on the page."

When Evelyn showed it to them, Peggy noticed that seven bigger Cuneiform characters went down the center of the scroll. Surrounding this column were smaller hieroglyphics. Intrigued, she asked, "Did they cover up anything important?"

Barely containing herself, Evelyn gushed, "Most certainly! These hieroglyphics say where to look for the treasure."

Howard eagerly asked the Egyptologist, "Well, what does it say?"

Evelyn was about to translate when Peggy heard a noise from the back of the room.

Quickly, she held up her hand, "Just a moment, Professor, I don't think we are alone." She already had her gun out in case another one of those thieves had miraculously reappeared.

Suddenly, a disembodied male voice spoke from the shadows behind them, causing them to jump, "Well, do go on, Professor O'Connell."

Peggy spun around, her gun only lowering slightly. Sneering, she recognized that voice, "Don't be shy, Agent Smith. Come on out and join us."

Without further ado, the CIA operative emerged out of the darkness. Ignoring Peggy's glower and the weapon she held, he said through a forced smile, "Come now, Professor, I know you speak Egyptian fluently."

Before Evelyn could retort, Peggy spat, "How long have you been standing there, Smith?" It was more of a rhetorical question. Having never seen him arrive, she knew he had been there quite some time.

Smith shrugged, "Long enough to see that what the Professor holds is very important, and that others want it badly."

Shaking her head, Peggy asked, "Why didn't you help us?" She should have known that this man's honor wasn't worth a plug nickel.

"I find it is best to observe before I get involved," Smith replied smoothly. He then smirked when Peggy reluctantly lowered her weapon to her side. His cold smile grew, "Besides, you seemed to have everything under control." He once more appraised Peggy, "And I must say, you are quite an impressive fighter, Carter, even against such overwhelming odds."

What a cad, Peggy thought contemptuously. She growled, "Shouldn't you be following up on your agents, Smith?"

He frowned at this blatant dismissal and replied cordially, "There's no reason to be like that, Carter. We are all friends here, and friends share."

If Peggy had any hackles, they would have suddenly risen. Instead, she snapped back, "You didn't help when we were being attacked, so in my book, that means we are no longer partners. And certainly, we were never friends."

Smith slowly approached them, and the progression of shadows crossing his features added to his sinister nature. Finally, he stopped in front of Peggy and warned, "You don't want to make an enemy of me, Carter."

Unfazed, Peggy replied, "Good night, Agent Smith."

Seeing that she still wouldn't back down, Smith took a deep breath. Getting somewhat under control, he drawled out, "As you wish, Margaret."

Even with a smile plastered on his face, Peggy could tell he was still clearly upset. After one last meaningful glance at the papyrus, Smith stalked out of the room.

Howard whistled at the perceived threat, "You certainly know how to make friends, Peg."

She smirked, "He is not the first man I ever rebuffed."

After ensuring that Smith was gone and out of earshot, Peggy turned to Evelyn and encouraged, "Go on, Professor, what does it say?"

Snapping out of her astonishment after what had just passed, Evelyn held the small paper up to the light again. "I believe it says, 'A wonder to behold, descent as if to the Underworld itself to begin your journey. And may the God Khnum protect you.'"

Peggy sputtered incredulously, "Begin our journey? How long is this supposed to go on?"

Howard waved his friend off, "It sounds like a typical treasure hunt, Peg. The clue promised vast knowledge and riches, so why would you think it would be an easy grab?" He turned to Evelyn, "Now, who's this God Khnum, Professor?"

Evelyn smiled, "That was the name of the Pharaoh Khufu, who had built the largest of the three Pyramids in Giza. I believe this alludes to your answers being found in the Great Pyramids' subterranean chamber known as the "Pit."

Howard mumbled, "So it's in Cairo, Egypt, huh?"

Peggy could practically see the gears turning in his head. She asked quickly, "As a renowned Egyptologist, have you ever heard of treasure being associated with this Pyramid?"

Evelyn shrugged, "Archeologists have always assumed more rooms were hidden in this massive structure, but none have ever been found."

Howard asked, "Tell us more about this underground chamber."

"Here, let me show you," Evelyn smoothed out some of the exhibit sand that had spilled onto the floor. She then used a piece of the broken Shabti to sketch a triangle. The Professor made a steep descending line from its base that went under the Pyramid's center. At the end of it, she drew a small rectangular chamber.

Satisfied, she tapped that room, "Many thought that the subterranean chamber was originally intended to be Pharaoh Khufu's tomb. But for some reason, it was only partially completed. No one can figure out why the Pharaoh had his sarcophagus moved up into the Pyramid." She drew a circle near the pinnacle of the triangle.

Howard murmured, "I wonder what made Khufu change his mind. Was the underground chamber ever excavated?"

"It was, but nothing was unearthed."

Peggy protested, "That Pyramid has been around for thousands of years. I am sure tomb robbers have already picked it all clean."

"The same had been thought about King Tutankhamun's tomb, yet plenty of priceless artifacts were found behind a false wall. Perhaps there is more to Giza's underground chamber than first believed, and a secret room is hidden there."

"And what makes you say that, Professor?"

"Well, when you first enter the chamber, there is a deep pit. Nothing was ever found in it, but a long crawl space was discovered in the wall on the opposite of it. But it leads to nowhere." Evelyn drew a line jutting outwards. "There is no logical purpose or function for this blind passage. It just dead ends."

She circled that line, "Due to the clue, I believe that would be the best place to start."

"And we will find what others over the decades have not?" Peggy challenged.

Smiling, Evelyn replied, "Parts of this planet are still waiting to be discovered, Agent Carter. Who's to know what else could be under the largest known structure in the world?"

After a moment, Peggy asked, "Does the papyrus reveal any more specifics?"

Evelyn shook her head, no.

"I guess we won't know until we get there, Peg."

"This is crazy, Howard. All this could be some wild goose chase."

"Those thieves and Agent Smith didn't think so. It must be something special if so many are interested in it."

Reluctantly nodding, Peggy acquiescence, "Fine, and since that is the case, we best err on the side of caution." She focused on the Egyptologist, "Professor, how long are you in town."

Evelyn glanced about the destroyed room, "Unsure now."

Peggy's no-nonsense attitude softened, "Well, I will put a couple of agents on you for protection just in case. At least until the exhibit leaves town."

"I hardly think that is needed," Evelyn sounded more amused than affronted.

"Sorry, Professor O'Connell, I insist."

Evelyn shrugged good-naturedly and went back to studying the papyrus.

Peggy figured she would contact Thompson and have him return to the exhibit. She was sure he would grumble about babysitting the good Professor. But when she mentioned that those thieves might come back for Evelyn, she knew he would be up for the challenge.

As she stepped away for privacy, Howard pointed to the papyrus, "Can I borrow that for the night, Professor? I have an imaging machine that can make detailed copies."

The Egyptologist reluctantly nodded as she handed it to him and added, "But I will need it back as soon as possible."

"Hey, I have a lab a few miles from here. I can get it back to you in the morning," he leered suggestively at her. Evelyn ignored him as she looked miserably around the demolished exhibition room.

As Peggy radioed Thompson, she overheard Howard say to the Egyptologist, "You reacted cool and calm in the face of danger, Professor." Peggy would say this for the man. He was persistent. She wondered how long it would be until the affable Evelyn decked him.

"Well, my husband and I have been through a lot. You'd be surprised at what we have seen. This was nothing." Nonchalantly Evelyn tucked her usually perfectly coifed hair back into place.

"I like a no-nonsense attitude in a woman. Right, Peg?"

Peggy smirked, "Don't pat yourself too hard on the back, Howard. You might loosen something important." Any other retorts were stopped when Thompson finally radioed back. Peggy became all business as she gave him the new orders.

While Peggy's back was turned, Evelyn declared to the amorous Howard, "I dare say you best watch yourself, Mr. Stark. Since my husband is not around to teach you proper manners, I certainly would in a pinch."

Before Howard could reply, Peggy finished her call and muttered, "All this for a piece of paper."

With his lecherous attentions easily diverted, Howard's eyes now gleamed at the prospect of riches, "You heard her, Peg. This could lead to knowledge, or better yet, treasure."

Shaking her head, Peggy admonished, "Aren't you wealthy enough?"

Not seeing it as a reproach, Howard shrugged, "The Egyptians were far ahead of their time when it came to advanced mechanical engineering. It makes you wonder what else they had figured out. Well, that and the possibility of gold."

Peggy knew he was already making travel plans by the far-off gaze in the millionaire inventor's eyes.

Suddenly Peggy felt very tired and, for some reason, itchy. She scratched at the dress's straps as they dug into her shoulders. Although the attire had been comfortable before the attack, it now felt heavy and abrasive.

She just wanted to get out of it and take a long hot bath. But first, she would have to contact the Colonel and give him her report. For now, she would leave the Giza Pyramid stuff out. She didn't want to bog things down with any supposition until they knew more.

Howard noticed her discrete scratching, "Hey, the dress worked out great, huh?"

Mortified at being caught, Peggy quickly stopped and gritted her teeth as the itch spread, "Yes, but it needs an opening on the side so I can get to my backup piece easier next time."

He loudly snapped his fingers, "That's a great idea, like a hidden entrance!"

Leaving Howard to mumble design concepts to himself, Peggy bent over and retrieved her discarded shoes. The movement made the pain from her bruised body flare up, and she grimaced. Those women could hit hard. And the longer she stood there inactive, the more the aches made their presence known.

Sighing, she tiredly limped toward the exit. As the adrenaline from the fight continued to wear off, she felt the pain blossoming on her cheek and arms.

Then from down the hall, she heard the growing murmur of excited foreign voices approaching their location. She groaned. It sounded as if Thompson was trying to placate the Egyptian dignitaries, but Peggy knew they would not be very thrilled when they saw what was left of their borrowed history.

Peggy quickly went back to Howard and tugged on his arm. Worriedly she proclaimed, "Come along, Howard. I will have to do some explaining, but preferably not anywhere near this mess. Professor O'Connell, you best come with us, too."

Evelyn shook her head and promised, "It's better if I stay. I'll explain to them that thieves had done all this damage."

Though grateful, it wouldn't matter. Peggy was the one who had taken all the guards away from the exhibit. And she was the one who had vowed that nothing bad would happen to it. Besides, with the thieves long gone, someone had to take the blame, and she was the only one left around.

With the vociferous crowd almost upon them, there was no more time to argue with the resigned Egyptologist. After a nod of thanks, Peggy dragged Howard to the exit.

She winced when Howard excitedly whispered in her ear, "I bet the treasure hidden under the Pyramids is gold, Peg. Everyone wants gold. Now I'll have to track down that linguistics specialist tonight so they can get here in the morning. Oh, and also have Jarvis prepare—"

"Quiet, Howard," she hissed.

Hurrying out of the room, she suddenly ducked them behind the nearby giant Bugatti Throne Chair. Thankfully, they were not seen by the advancing horde of dignitaries. She knew that Thompson could claim ignorance, but what about Professor O'Connell?

Regardless of what Evelyn had said, Peggy still felt like a coward for leaving her behind to deal with the Egyptian's outrage. But honestly, she could not face them right now. Especially since all she wanted to do was go back to her flat to rest her bones, pour herself some calming tea, and think a few things over.

Nonetheless, for penance of her desertion, she knew that she would get an earful from the Colonel tonight.

She sighed. This situation had just gotten a whole lot more complicated.

End Note: I have done my best to get the historical dates throughout this story as accurate as possible. Google can mostly be correct, but there are sometimes discrepancies in the information. My apologies if any of them are wrong. Please let me know if you spot any glaring issues. It is the best way for me to learn :-)