The golden hues of the Mediterranean sunset filtered through the windows of the Sheraton Montazah Hotel as the Lonnit Entertainment crew gathered in one of their hotel rooms. Maps, notes, and tablet screens cluttered the table as they worked to piece together the clues Dr. Zahi Hawass had provided about the possible locations of Cleopatra and Mark Antony's tomb.

Kate Wilder stood at the head of the table, tapping her pen against a notebook. "Alright, let's review. Dr. Hawass mentioned two key possibilities: Taposiris Magna and sites along the Nile. Both have yielded artifacts linked to Cleopatra, but no definitive tomb."

Jamie Tiergan, lounging on the couch, raised a hand. "I still don't get why they'd bury her out in Taposiris Magna. Wouldn't Cleopatra want to be in Alexandria? It was her city."

Erin Keenan nodded, scrolling through a document on her tablet. "That's a good point. But maybe there was a strategic reason? Like hiding the tomb to keep it safe from invaders."

Mark Nestor, sitting on the floor with a laptop, chimed in. "Or maybe she wanted to be buried with Mark Antony somewhere special. The whole 'tragic lovers' thing."

Charles Lonnit, perched dramatically in an armchair, waved a hand. "It's all speculation until we find evidence. What we need is something concrete. A lead that points us to a specific spot."

Kate sighed. "That's the problem. We have fragments—coins, diadems, clues—but nothing that definitively says, 'This is it.'"

As the group fell into thoughtful silence, Kate's phone buzzed on the table, breaking the quiet. She picked it up, glancing at the screen. "Unknown number…"

Kate answered cautiously. "This is Kate Wilder."

A deep, accented voice responded. "Ms. Wilder, this is Dr. Omar Fahmy, an Egyptologist. I've been following your work on Ancient of Discoveries. I believe I can assist with your search for Cleopatra's tomb."

Kate's eyebrows shot up. "Dr. Fahmy? That's… unexpected. What do you have in mind?"

"I suggest we meet at the Ancient Roman Theater in Alexandria," Dr. Fahmy continued. "It's an often-overlooked site, but it holds clues to Cleopatra's early life and reign. It's where we must begin if we are to understand her story."

Kate nodded, jotting down the details. "We'll be there. Thank you."

The line clicked, and Kate turned to the crew, a spark of excitement in her eyes. "Change of plans, everyone. We're meeting an Egyptologist at the Ancient Roman Theater."

Jamie grinned, standing up. "An actual Roman theater? That sounds epic."

Erin grabbed her bag. "What are we waiting for? Let's go."

Charles, ever the showman, clapped his hands. "To the theater! History awaits!"

The Ancient Roman Theater in Alexandria was a marvel, its semi-circular stone seating and stage whispering tales of performances from centuries past. As the crew arrived, the golden hour bathed the site in a soft glow, perfect for filming.

Mark immediately began setting up his camera, capturing the sweeping view of the theater as Kate approached Dr. Omar Fahmy, a tall man in his late 50s with sharp features and an air of quiet authority.

"Dr. Fahmy," Kate greeted, shaking his hand. "Thank you for meeting us."

Dr. Fahmy smiled. "It's a pleasure, Ms. Wilder. Cleopatra's story is one of intrigue and complexity. To uncover her tomb, we must first understand her beginning."

Mark signaled they were ready to roll. "Alright, Kate, whenever you're ready."

Kate turned to the camera, her voice steady. "We're here at the Ancient Roman Theater in Alexandria, a site that predates Cleopatra's reign but holds significance in understanding the Roman influence in Egypt and her life. Joining us is Dr. Omar Fahmy, who will guide us through Cleopatra's early years."

Turning to Dr. Fahmy, she continued, "Dr. Fahmy, let's start with Cleopatra's birth and family background. What can you tell us?"

Dr. Fahmy folded his hands, his tone measured. "Cleopatra VII was born in 69 BCE into the Ptolemaic dynasty, a family of Macedonian Greek origin that ruled Egypt after the conquests of Alexander the Great. She was one of six siblings, all of whom played roles in a tumultuous struggle for power."

Erin, off-camera, whispered to Jamie, "The original family drama."

Dr. Fahmy continued, "Cleopatra was known for her intelligence and ambition. Unlike many of her predecessors, she embraced Egyptian culture, even learning the language—an unprecedented move for a Ptolemaic ruler."

Kate nodded, steering the conversation. "And her early reign? She co-ruled with her brother, correct?"

Dr. Fahmy's expression darkened slightly. "Yes. Following her father's death, Cleopatra became co-regent with her younger brother, Ptolemy XIII, whom she was also required to marry—a custom of the Ptolemaic dynasty to preserve their lineage."

Jamie made a face behind the camera. "Marrying your sibling? Hard pass."

Dr. Fahmy continued, ignoring the background commentary. "Their co-reign was fraught with tension, culminating in a civil war. It was during this time that Cleopatra allied with Julius Caesar, a decision that would solidify her power and forever entwine her story with Rome."

The interview ended with Mark capturing a sweeping shot of the theater as the sunlight faded into twilight. "And… cut. Great work, everyone."

Kate turned to the group, her tone thoughtful. "Cleopatra's early life is key to understanding her motivations and alliances. If we're going to find her tomb, we need to start from the beginning."

Charles nodded sagely. "Every legend starts with a first act. This was hers."

Jamie grinned. "Let's just hope the next act doesn't involve more sibling marriages."

Erin snorted. "Or dramatic exits."

Mark packed up the camera, a hint of excitement in his voice. "So, what's next?"

Kate looked toward the horizon, determination in her eyes. "We dig deeper—figuratively and literally. Cleopatra's story is just getting started."

With their first major interview complete and a clearer direction in mind, the team left the Roman Theater, ready to tackle the mysteries ahead. Alexandria's secrets awaited, and the crew was eager to uncover them—one layer at a time.