Chapter 75: General Pettygree In Hospital

Date: September 5, 1904 (2015)
Location: St. Georges Hospital, Bombay India
Situation: In Hospital
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Chronology
Sept. 25, 1900: Thugee armistice, recall from India and retirement.
April 30, 1903: Learns armistice broken by resurgent Thugee Army.
May 9, 1903: Recalled to duty in India to break the Thugees.
June 1903: Assumes command in Egypt as a ruse.
September 1903: Secretly departs Egypt for India.
Next four months: Assembles the Army.
Feb. 22, 1904 Gen. Pettygree Arrives at Tapi River Camp near Burhanpur.
Feb. 23, 1904: Battle of Burhanpur.
Feb. 23, 1904: Skull fracture caused by sniper
Mar. 4, 1904: Arrived at St. George Hospital, Bombay, India
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See Previous Chapter 74 here:
http://generalpettygree.blogspot.com/2015/06/chapter-74-am-i-dead.html
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PREVIOUSLY

After General Pettygree was hit by sniper fire, fell off Express and lost consciousness, he awakened seeing....

A very beautiful young woman offering him two opportunities. 

 The first was to cross a bridge to be with gathering friends and family

who had died and forever reside in a place of total peace, joy and love. 

The second was to remain on this side of the bridge to finish a mission he had begun.

Versus an as yet unknown nemesis who would soon take command of the Thugee Host. He would adversely affect millions of people bringing unspeakable horrors and new suffering to India.

"The choice is freely yours to make William."

SIX MONTHS LATER

September 5, 1904: St. Georges Hospital, Fort District, Bombay, India. 

St. Georges was also known as The European General Hospital.

 These patients appear almost or fully recovered.

Whilst others remain under close medical care. 

Everyone had prodigious time on their hands to wait and to talk.

Major Catherwood: "The Berkshires have seen the last of me, General."

Pettygree: "My dear fellow. That's all stuff and nonsense. This time next year...."

Catherwood: "Was your experience real?"

Pettygree: "As authentic as you and I sitting here Donald." 

Catherwood: "Did she...I mean...was there a touch of the hand or?"

Pettygree: "No physical contact though the air was wondrous. Feelings and thinking were striking. Colors were vibrant and I felt more alive and loved than ever before."

Catherwood: "How can you be sure?"

Pettygree: "I suppose if I see her again and...."

Catherwood: "If her prophesy about a new infernal Thuggee leader comes true?"

Orderly: "Begging your pardon General, your visitor has arrived; Lord Basingstoke, Sir."

Pettygree: "Excuse me will you, Donald? We'll talk again tomorrow."

Basingstoke: "Well Doctor? Is General Pettygree fit to return to duty as he claims?"

Dr. Watson: "I believe so Sir." 

Basingstoke: "You believe so? What about the concussion, initial delirium and residual effects?

Dr. Watson: "He has had no relapses, spasms or episodes of incoherence. Mrs. Pettygree arrived here from England a month ago. She has been a tonic for him; better than our medicines. I've no medical reason to hold him here Lord Basingstoke."

Basingstoke: "Hello William. Good to see you well."

Pettygree: "I'm glad to see you, Alec. I hope you will look favorably on my return to duty."

Basingstoke: "After consultation with your doctor and seeing your appearance, I think it is time for you to smash the Thugees forever. Let's get it done this time, shall we? Here are the latest reports."

Pettygree: "Surely this is exaggerated Alec!"

Basingstoke: "I'm afraid not. The situation is more serious than ever. Immediate action is needed. Your orders are enclosed."

Pettygree: "I'll leave for the Field Force in the morning. 8:42 train if I'm not mistaken."

Basingstoke: "I trust without Mary?"

Mary Pettygree: "Did someone mention my name?"

Pettygree: "Mary, my darling. There you are."

Basingstoke: "I'll take my leave now William and see you off in the morning. Good afternoon Mary."

Mary: "Am I to lose you again dear? Steady on and all that?"

Pettygree: "Yes. For the final time I hope. Let's have that cup of tea you promised me. I could --- use --- ah ---"

Mary: "William is something wrong?"

Pettygree: "You again!"

Very Beautiful Young Woman: "Your time has come William. Listen and see what I reveal."

"The anointed dark one has arrived." 

"He assembles his forces with thunderous fanfare."

"They cover the plain. Yet these are not all."

"As the multitude pays him homage."

"He calls many.    Many come.    From divers tribes and nations."

"Even unto the dusty ridge still more come to follow him."

Pettygree: "Who are those men beyond the ridge?"

Mary: "Men? Ridge? What are you talking about William? You act as if you are talking to someone else."

Pettygree:  --- "Oh --- just thinking out loud my dear. Let's have that cup of Darjeeling now, shall we?"

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CLOSING REMARKS
1. The St. George was an actual hospital catering to Europeans in Bombay.

2. Buildings are from Miniature Building Authority.

3. Thank you for looking in.

4. Your remarks are sought and are very welcome below at the word Comments.
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My Sentiments Are The Same

I do a quarterly V.I.P. Newsletter for my clients. Page 1 always has inspiring quotes. I want to share the latest ones with friends of General Pettygree.
Respectfully,
Bill P.

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“Everyone is what they are because of the dominating thoughts which they permit to occupy their mind. Or in the words of Earl Nightingale, “we become what we think about.”   Unknown Author

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“Act enthusiastic and you will be enthusiastic.” 

Dale Carnegie

My father taught me this one five decades ago when he took a Dale Carnegie course for work.
I learned Dad and Carnegie are 100% right.
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“Your view of yourself will … influence how others perceive you. If you are a confident, cheerful, positive person, your co-workers, friends and family will be attracted to your personality. If you are unhappy, negative, and always complaining about your situation, others will be repelled. Even when … you don’t feel very happy, by forcing yourself to behave in a positive fashion, you will find that you soon feel genuinely upbeat, because your subconscious mind doesn’t know the difference between an artificial emotion and the real thing. When you behave positively, you will positively influence everyone around you — including yourself.” Mike Stromsoe

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Friendship needs frequent expression to remain alive.

We are all human, with frailties, foibles, and insecurities. We each need to be appreciated for the uniqueness that makes us individual, and we need to be told that we are appreciated. Maintaining friendships requires effort and persistent expression, both in word and deed. Tell your friends often how much you appreciate them. Remember occasions that are important to them. Congratulate them upon their achievements. Most important of all, let them know that you are there for them whenever they need you.
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Chapter 74: Am I Dead?

Date: February 23, 1904 (2015)
Location: Entrenched Camp, Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
Situation: After The Battle
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Chronology
Sept. 25, 1900: Thugee armistice, recall from India and retirement.
April 30, 1903: Learns armistice broken by resurgent Thugee Army.
May 9, 1903: Recalled to duty in India to break the Thugees.
June 1903: Assumes command in Egypt as a ruse.
September 1903: Secretly departs Egypt for India.
Next four months: Assembles the Army.
Feb. 22, 1904 Gen. Pettygree Arrives at Tapi River Camp near Burhanpur.
Feb. 23, 1904: Battle of Burhanpur.
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See Previous Chapter 73 here:
http://generalpettygree.blogspot.com/2015/05/chapter-73-pettygree-wins-but-disaster.html
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Clicking on images enlarges them prodigiously.
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PREVIOUSLY

After the victory of Burhanpur, General Pettygree thanked the men within the entrenched camp.

He next rode outside the camp to thank and review the 9th Bengal Lancers.

As he wheeled Express to return to the enclosure....

Two of the defeated Thugee Host carefully aimed a singularly long jezail and....

Fired at the General.

Nahin, sahib khabadar. (Take care) General! Be still.

General --- GENERAL!

AN INSTANT LATER

"Call for the surgeon. --- General. --- GENERAL! Can you hear me?"

"Yes. --- I can hear you. --- But, I've lost my sight."

"He's unresponsive. We've lost him!"

"Confound it man. I CAN hear you! --- What's wrong with you?"

"Wait. --- I can see better now. --- Thank God. --- What is that light?"

"It's brilliance nearly blinds me. I should look away. But, it beckons."

"William. --- William Augustus Pettygree."

"Here I am. Who are you? --- What do you want and where am I?"

"There are many questions. Come hither and you will know."

"We are here --- at the crossing point."

"I beg your forbearance --- but the crossing to where?"

"Home."

"Preposterous. A moment ago I was reviewing the Lancers in India. However, my uniform is changed. I  must be dreaming and you are a vision in that dream. Or --- am I dead?"

"Walk with me William."

"I am compelled. I will."

"It is remarkably beautiful here. Resplendent. Radiant, loving and peaceful."

"All is as you sense and much more."

"Shall we cross to the other side?"

"Yes when your mission is completed --- or not --- as you choose."

"What do you know of my mission?"

"What you know interiorly."

"A riddle or ruse I dare wonder."

"Quiet your mind and reflect."

"Well. --- Duty, country, and honour."

"There is more, William."

"Christian tenets. Caring for my family. Doing what is right no matter the cost. Protecting those in need. Stopping barbarism. Creating justice. That is what I was doing last at Burhanpur.

"I have something to show you. Let's return to the bridge."

"Here you will decide whether to cross the bridge or...."

"Wait. I see people and animals in the distance coming this way."

"I can't identify them. Yet everyone appears familiar."

"You know them all William. Look more closely. More will come."

"Yes! Father and grandfather are there. My sister Charlotte plus old Trevelyan from the 10th Hussars. There's Roscoe my boyhood dog and..... But, they all died."

"Do they appear so?"

"I must go to them, but you bar my way. Why?"

"You are free to cross. However, if you pass the boundary on the other side of the bridge, you can not return to India, your wife Mary and your mission."

"I have a choice then?"

"Yes. However, before you decide, allow me to reveal images of what will be if you remain."

"A confident foe will arise. He could rival the malevolence of Roman Emperor Nero."

"He will be in his fifth decade. You will know him by a graying beard and turquoise jewel."

"He will travel to the palace of the Thugee Supreme Leader Muljadhi." 

"I have been summoned by Muljadhi. Take me to him."

"Wait here, if you please, Barra Sahib (great lord). Muljadhi will see you momentarily."

"You will be my Bahadur (champion) now that the Pettygree is dead. Attack and subjugate all unbelievers. It is the will of Kali."

"The Razzia will begin with the greatest ferocity today. We will take no prisoners."

"You may commence with our captives here."

"You Jawans (soldiers) of the infidel gora-logs (British) will serve as an example to all who oppose the Goddess Kali and her earthly minister Muljadhi. Kali will be pleased with your sacrifice.You will be the first of many thousands of  traitors and unbelievers upon whom she will feast."

"No Barra Sahib! We beg forgiveness."

"You will find forgiveness in the arms of Kali as you enter eternity. It is your fate."

"Make ready."

"Buzzards will feast upon your flesh scattering your bones across the land. FIRE!"

"I can't allow that malevolent creature to ruin millions of lives in India. I must go back. Will we meet again?"

"Yes, when the time is right. Godspeed William."
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CLOSING REMARKS

1) From Empress Miniature see Mutton Chop miniatures MC004 Lord Cirencester and Jazz Age Imperialism for several of the natives. The elephant is from Foundry. Muljadhi and Pettygree aboard his horse are 30mm Edward Suren castings. The bridge and buildings in the beginning are from Miniature Building Authority.

2) Dismounted lancers are mostly Old Glory. Mounted lancers and Imperial infantry are Connoisseur Miniatures.

3) I can't remember what company manufactures the woman.

4) Thank you Clive G. reminding me Parroom Station offers the nemesis in this story in their Extraordinary Personages as Captain Nemo.

5) Muljadhi's palace is an Ian Weekly creation from the collection of Der Alte Fritz.

6) Thank you for looking in. Your remarks are welcome below at Comments.
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