"Really, Jayhawk, I'm quite contented to stay here...in my own world and time. Here I have my villa and Apolita. Why would I want to take this long journey into another world and time I don't know or understand," protested Civis Romanus.
Civis toyed with his goblet of poppy-steeped wine. He looked up only briefly, for the Roman did not want to make much eye contact with the immortal seraph seated at the table near him. Civis knew Jayhawk very well and knew eye contact with the angel would lead to an unnerving glance into his own soul.
"Because a young lady of our mutual acquaintence is in danger of losing her happiness and her freedom and at some point, even possibly her life," replied Jayhawk.
"By the gods, Jayhawk." Don't you ever fight fair?! You know my weakness for the fair sex, especially when one is in danger. I have Apolita to care for. I can't go running off, leaving her behind, every time some woman is in trouble...who is it anyway?"
"Akhensenamen."
"Akhensenamen?! How...from what or whom?!"
"Imhotep."
"Jayhawk, he's dead! How can she be in danger from a mummy?"
"Because, Civis, he is not dead. The scarab ring he wore to his grave kept his spirit safe within his mummified body. The ring is very powerful in the wrong hands and Imhotep is the wrong person to possess the ring."
"How could that affect any of us today. You say the problem is in the distant future. We'll be long gone before that's a problem. My duties are to Caesar in the here and now!" argued the Roman.
"The ring has the power to bend and traverse time. If we don't stop Imhotep, Akhensenamen will not be his only victim. Caesar will be struck down as well. In the age we will visit, Imhotep has not yet discovered how to use the ring for time travel, although he knows it has the power. We must obtain the ring before he learns the secret."
Civis fell silent considering Jayhawk's arguments. He knew his first duty was to Caesar and the empire. This time, Civis had no counter. It was his duty to protect both. "Alright Jayhawk, you win. What do I do next?"
"Some simple preparations. Consider your legions..."
"Not an issue. Caius Menginus will take care of that." answered Civis immediately.
"Good. You need clothes, weapons, supplies..."
"I have my sword!"
"Civis, you have a lot to learn about the age we are visiting. Apolita has everything you need laid out in your quarters. She's waiting for you."
"She knew all of the time why you were here?" said a surprised Civis.
"Of course," replied the angel. "Your agreeing to come saved you from getting a piece of her mind."
Civis contemplated the possibility and inwardly agreed he made the right decision on his own, albeit reluctantly.