Page 95 of Johan.

“We found it,” I whisper, my voice trembling with emotion. "The Star of Ubar.”

The team works together to carefully remove the Star from the sarcophagus, securing it in a protective case we brought for this purpose. The weight of it is substantial, both physically and metaphorically. This is not just a treasure; it is a piece of history, a symbol of a bygone era.

Rachid watches, a look of awe on his face. “We did it,” he whispers. “We actually did it.”

As we load the Star into the jeep and prepare to return to the main base camp, the reality of our situation sets in. We have succeeded in our quest, but now we must ensure its safety. Ludovic must not find out what we have discovered until it is safely away from his reach.

Back at the main base camp, under the cover of darkness, we gather in the tent, the Star of Ubar securely hidden. "We need to get this back to Cambridge," I say, my voice steady despite the excitement coursing through me. “We can't let Ludovic get his hands on it.”

The journey ahead will be fraught with challenges, but for now, we savor this moment of triumph. We have found the Star of Ubar, and with it, a piece of history that will change our understanding of the ancient world. The road ahead is long, but together, we will protect this treasure and ensure its legacy endures.

37

Johan

Under the vastcanopy of stars in the heart of the desert, I gather Amelia, Angela, Lukas, and Rachid in a clandestine meeting. The air is cool and still, the only sounds being the faint whispers of the wind and the distant calls of nocturnal creatures. Inside our dimly lit tent, the flickering lantern casts dancing shadows on the canvas walls, creating an atmosphere of both intimacy and urgency.

We sit in a tight circle, our faces illuminated by the warm glow of the lantern. I can see the determination in everyone’s eyes, mirroring my own resolve. This is a risky plan, but it’s our best shot.

“Alright, everyone,” I begin, my voice barely above a whisper to maintain the secrecy of our conversation. “We need to get Ludovic out of the way to transport the Star to Cambridge without his interference.”

Amelia, her face thoughtful, leans forward, her eyes reflecting the flickering light. “What’s the plan? How do we do that?”

I glance around at each of them, feeling the weight of their expectations. Lukas rubs his chin, deep in thought, his brows furrowed. “Maybe we can send him on a wild goose chase. Make him believe there’s a more valuable artifact somewhere else?”

Angela shakes her head slowly, her auburn hair catching the light. “He’s too smart for that. He’ll know something is up if we suddenly direct him away from here.”

Rachid sits back, his eyes narrowing as he contemplates. “What if we create a diversion? Something that demands his immediate attention away from the site, like a staged conflict or an emergency?”

I consider this, the idea rolling over in my mind, but quickly realize the flaws. “It’s too risky. If he gets suspicious, he might not leave at all.”

The tent falls into a heavy silence, the weight of our dilemma pressing down on us. The lantern’s flame flickers, casting erratic shadows on the canvas. The tension is palpable, each of us lost in thought, searching for the perfect solution. Then, a thought strikes me—a bold and cunning idea. I look up, meeting each of their eyes in turn, the plan forming clearly in my mind.

“What if we create a fake relic?” I suggest, my voice steady despite the excitement bubbling inside me. “Something that looks so convincing Ludovic will believe he has the real Star in his hands.”

Amelia’s eyes widen with realization, her hand covering her mouth for a moment before she speaks. “So that he'll rush back to London to start a bidding war?”

“Exactly,” I say, feeling a spark of hope igniting. “If he thinks he has the genuine article, he’ll want to meet with Loki immediately. His greed will drive him to make sure he gets the highest price possible.”

Lukas, always the meticulous planner, leans in, his fingers tapping on his knee. “But how do we ensure the fake is convincing enough?”

Rachid leans forward, confidence clear in his voice. “I know a master jeweler who has a workshop in a nearby town who can create a perfect replica. We just need to provide the specifications and a bit of time.”

The tension in the tent eases slightly as hope replaces uncertainty. “Alright,” I say, gathering my thoughts. "Amelia, you’ll work on gathering detailed images and measurements of the star. Rachid, you’ll coordinate with the jeweler and oversee the creation of the replica. Ludovic has never seen the true star, so please, the importance is to make something that would make it plausible.”

Amelia nods, her fingers already itching to start the detailed work. "I can get the specs ready by tomorrow morning.”

Rachid smiles confidently, the first sign of relief we've seen tonight. "I'll handle the jeweler. He owes me a favor.”

We spend the next few hours meticulously planning every detail. The lantern burns low, casting a dimmer light as we work. Amelia gathers high-resolution images and precise measurements of the Star of Ubar, ensuring the replica will be indistinguishable from the original. Rachid makes discreet trips to the nearby town, coordinating with the jeweler and ensuring every facet of the fake star is perfect.

The night deepens, and the stars outside the tent blaze in a brilliant display, oblivious to our scheming. By the time we finalize our plan, the first light of dawn begins to touch the horizon, painting the sky with shades of pink and gold. Exhausted but resolute, we share a final look of determination.

"This has to work," I say, my voice filled with the weight of our mission. "We can't let Ludovic get in the way.”

With a final nod, we disperse, each of us carrying the burden of our plan but also the hope of its success. As I step out of the tent, the cool morning air fills my lungs, and I feel a sense of cautious optimism. The path ahead is fraught with risk, but together, we can outmaneuver Ludovic and secure the Star of Ubar for Cambridge.

The next day at the excavation, the sun is already beating down on us, casting long shadows over the ruins. We work diligently, but my mind is occupied with our plan. Rachid approaches me, his expression serious.

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