The peculiar energies associated with the scarab piece were scanned in Germany. The Guardians flew to Hamburg and rented a helicopter. Their portable detector led them to an industrial sector. They disembarked in a nearby field and studied the situation.
After a quick strategy session, the Guardians decided to be straightforward with their investigation. Quiasar and Shadow Knight went inside while Entropy remained in reserve. The supervisor was helpful, and all Guardians were allowed to investigate for the artifact. The search led outside, where the Guardians knew they were not to fly (to avoid the defense system). They walked about at a brisk rate, but the scarab piece seemed to be moving.
After a couple minutes of walking, Shadow Knight realized that he was starting to sweat! He immediately refused to go any farther, insisting on a long rest before undergoing any further exercise. Entropy and Quiasar then broke into a run to catch up to the item. Quiasar decided that Entropy was just too slow and picked him up without breaking stride. At the end corner, high up in the complex, they spotted a suspect, a running female.
Entropy immediately recognized Crossfire, his old mercenary foe. She fired a bolt which hit Quiasar's forcefield. Quiasar nimbly jumped to Crossfire and sealed the catwalk with his forcefield. Entropy moved clear and flanked Crossfire, blasted her with his rifle. Crossfire ran into the forcefield, and then vaulted over the guardrail. She was then hit again by defensive lasers and Entropy's rifle and went unconscious. Quiasar deftly bungee jumped with his forcefield, snagging Crossfire while dodging the lasers. A scarab piece was found on Crossfire.
Followup: I have wanted to catch Crossfire for a long time. This is a great time for me. We also have another piece for Flying Cobra. Note that we may want to discuss whether we want to find and give ALL pieces to anyone. Also note that Crossfire is a mercenary, working for hire. Someone else is obviously interested in scarab pieces.The Guardians talked to Flying Cobra, but were unable to find out much about the thief. They concentrated on using the detector to find the stolen segments. Both remaining pieces were in the same place in Egypt. The Guardians went to the source, an abandoned building.
Using Shadow Knights vibration and Desist's desintegration, the Guardians moved by the various defenses of the building. Finally they reached a long corridor, with many large spikes defending the door. Quiasar coated a small section with his forcefield, and the Guardians advanced. The combined weight of the Guardians triggered a trap. The corridor floor dropped, forming a large spike pit at the bottom.
Quiasar nimbly dropped on his forcefield, but was unable to aid anyone else. Desist stayed floating in the air, but failed to grab Shadow Knight. Both Entropy and Shadow Knight were impaled by the spikes. Entropy was able to pull himself free, but Shadow Knight was out of commission.
The three remaining Guardians opened the door and faced their adversary, who Quiasar recognized as Ramses. A very bland exchange of insults and threats were issued, and then Quiasar led with a brilliant shield smash to Ramses' face. Desist and Entropy teamed up to destroy the snakes, while Ramses blasted Quiasar.
Ramses summoned a windstorm that filled the room, but despite his immunity from energy attacks, fell to a series of blows from all sides. The two scarab pieces were found on Ramses, and he was taken into custody.
CONCLUSIONS AND FOLLOW-UP The individual pieces have proven powerful. The complete scarab should probably be tested then broken apart again. To avoid future problems, the entire process should be monitored by the Guardians. The entire quest has proved fulfilling for most of us. I am happy that my old nemesis Crossfire was captured, and I am sure that Quiasar is equally happy that one of his loose ends is tied up.