The recent discovery in Zanzibar of the journal of Professor Sauermund has produced a flurry of activity in the scientific community. He and his party disappeared into the wilds of the southern Sudan two years ago and no word has been received from them since that time. Experts familiar with Professor Sauermund and his handwriting have verified that the journal is authentic. Once that had been determined, it became obvious that a further expedition must be organized immediately.
Under the auspices of the RGS, that is indeed being done. Unfortunately, what should be first and foremost an effort to locate and rescue fellow scientists has been clouded by the possibility that Professor Sauermund has indeed located the fabulous Lost City of Opra. Such a discovery would in all likelihood contain not only a vast store of scientific knowledge but also treasures and other wealth beyond counting. It is, we suspect, for this reason and this reason alone that so many sovereign nations of Europe and Asia have thrust themselves forward to demand that their representatives be included in the expedition.
So be it. The RGS’s position in this matter is that there is room for everyone so long as they agree that the RGS will provide overall leadership and the RGS alone will determine the disposition of any and all treasures that may be found.
The area of Africa in question is claimed by the government of Turkey as being part of Egypt. Alas, due to followers of the so-called Madhi, it has been many years since Egyptian troops have been able to travel in the region. Currently, the deputed territory is, at best, a no-man’s-land of lawless Arabic tribesmen, ruthless natives, Madhist fanatics, and other dangerous sorts. This aside from the inhospitable terrain, which is some of the most deadly on earth. Make no mistake; the expedition will be no stroll through Hyde Park.
Professor Smythe-Piddling, late of Oxford, has been engaged to head the expedition. He will be accompanied by a detachment of Egyptian soldiers who shall both provide security and represent the Sultan of Turkey’s interests. Other parties may, of course, provide their own guards and weapons as they see fit.
The expedition will embark from the coastal cities of Zanzibar in East Africa and travel overland, approaching the region from the south, rather than attempting egress by way of Egypt and the Nile River, which is under the dominance of Madhist rebels. Due to the need to prevent all the riff-raff in Africa from attempting to follow the expedition, the exact details of the time and the embarkation city shall remain secret. Legimate parties should present their bona fides directly to the RGS at which time each shall be provided with the necessary information.
The Directors
Royal Geographical Society