The year is 1933. Angelique Collins in a desperate attempt to save Barnabas Collins from his entrapment beyond time and space has invoked the mysterious Orb of Solace. A magical artifact that allows one to travel back in time to a particular moment of their heart’s desire. For Angelique, this moment is upon the Orient Express in 1933 – where she seeks yet another artifact which she believes will allow her to open the rift separating Barnabas from the current time line. But as she will soon discover there are others seeking the same object of her desire.

Strasbourg, France, 7:00 PM. February 2nd, 1933.

The sleek train stood idle at the station. Steam escaping to warm those near by as the sleet had given way to more snow as the Orient Express pulled into Strasbourg. Officials in thick woolen coats hurried through the swinging doors of the station and out onto the cold of the platform. Passengers buddle up from the first blast of the freezing night quickly scurry around the rolling luggage wagons in order to mount the steps leading up into the luxurious train. I

Once inside the narrow entryway to the train, there was still the need to check passports and papers with the Chief de Train and the Controller – more so these days (as an official from Strasbourg with an very officious air of disdain and self-importance stood monitoring those embarking) particularly with the recent elevation of Herr Hitler by President Hindenburg to the office of Chancellor. Strasbourg still remembered the siege and surrender to Germany in 1870, of being forced to become the capitol of Alsace until its liberation in 1918 by General Gouraud. With the bellicose new Chancellor, whose every action seemed to bespeak war, the city clung to the Sous-secteur fortifié de Strasbourg, as part of the Secteur fortifié du Bas-Rhin. But, situated as it was along the border – there were growing anxieties of what would happened to the city if Herr Hilter were left to fulfill his imminent desires.

The officious official glances out the carriage door to see two gentlemen moving along the platform. One was dressed in a black suit, while the other, fashionably dressed was being escorted by some uniformed official – a German uniform. The unidentified Strasbourg bureaucrat was distracted now by this group—more so than by any who had yet to board the train.

Inside the warmth of the coach Amelia Cauldwell looks out the window bored and worried.

For a brief moment she watches the man and his escort standing for a few moments in some consultation; and then the escort took a step back and saluted.

The other man nodded.

The escort turned sharply upon his heel and retreated back into the station – no doubt hurrying out of the cold.

“Herr Juntz, it is a pleasure to see you once again.” The voice was haughty, filled with old world aristocracy and spoke in fluent German.

Karl von Juntz stopped as he was about to board and turned to face the man who had spoken to him, “Baron, this is a quite the surprise. Are you traveling far?” {German}

“I am going through to Istanbul,” Baron Ferenczy informed von Juntz. “As are others. You will find a few old friends aboard. “ {German}

“As always Baron, you are filled with intrigue.” {German}

“Is it not fitting – we are boarding the Orient Express, are we not.” {German}

“Ja.”

“I am here to meet Dominique Provoyeur.” {German}

“The lovely Dominique? So—she is aboard?” {German}

“Boarded in Paris. I see I have aroused the infamous von Juntz curiosity. ” {German}

“I do so look forward to seeing her again, as well as you Baron, it has been sometime.” {German}

“Ja.”

“But, it is freezing. Let’s get inside.” {German}

The two gentlemen mounted the steps and climb board. The Chief de Train and the Controller nodded to them and took their papers. They merely glanced at Karl von Juntz, but gave the Baron a long look. The Strasbourg official, who had arrived and given his title only to the Chief de Train and the Controller made a note in his small notebook. “Welcome to the Orient Express, Herr Von Juntz, Baron.” {German} The Chief de Train said and handed their papers back to them – a brief formally as they both were traveling under diplomatic passports.

“As always.’” {German} The Baron said with a smile.

A brown uniformed Wagon Lit Conductor nodded and very brisk and businesslike reached out to the gentlemen in order to retrieve the single valise that the Baron carried. “This way gentlemen.” {German}

Alone by the window Leopold Peeters sits in the dining car idly watching the new passengers as they hurry across the platform from the station. He had thought to get out and stretch his legs – but seeing the clothing of the passengers whipping about their shivering shapes he resigned himself to the seat at the window. He was still very pleased with himself for the last Queen, the one that could have destroyed him in the card game with Lambshead, had come up first, thus wiping away the doctor’s very dangerous threat. He sat now with a full purse. Ah, now if he could but upgrade his accommodations to first class! He had spoken to the conductor, Pierre Michel, who was busy checking with the Chief de Train.

As he watched the activity upon the platform, he suddenly took a particular interest in a tall gentleman wearing a long, well buttoned white coat with a red rose boutonniere; the man carried but a single valise.

What drew Leo Peeters attention was the intensity of the man’s eyes.

They were keen and most observant; and the fact that the man didn’t seem to hurry his pace, even for the cold.

He watched as the man with the single valise and rose boutonniere stopped for a moment and surveyed the platform – it was almost as if he was looking for someone. Leopold’s eyes narrow as he watches him. A member of law enforcement most certainly, but was he French or German? Little matter there were enough suspicious suspects aboard this train to draw suspicions away from him.

The the gentleman in with the red boutonniere steps forward to make his way up the narrow metal steps leading up into the train carriage.

The same ritual of the papers was duly performed, only this time each of the gentlemen, including the officious official – whose title was now given to the man with the boutonniere – who raised an eyebrow, smiled and nodded in recognition.

Leopold, still awaiting word on the possibility of moving into first-class sits and sips a glass of sherry as he is suddenly aware now that the man with the red boutonniere was entering the salon car. His valise apparently taken by the conductor, no doubt, and already on it’s way to his compartment (which only caused Leopold to consider the likelihood of his accommodation status change growing slimmer with each new arrival)

The Maître D’ turns and suddenly beams; and steps over to greet the new arrival, “Inspector Juve, it is most wonderful to see you again my old friend. I understand that you will be making the trip with us to Istanbul . . . I received the word from the Chief de Train, but minutes ago, but alas I have already gotten the word from M. Bouc. The Telegram – be certain to assure that the Inspector is given everything he desires.” {French}

The man with the red boutonniere, now addressed as Inspector Juve nods, for M. Bouc was a director of the Compagine Internationale des Wagons Lits and a very close friend. “M. Bouc is too kind. He was even able to get me the ticket in the first-class, which I hear is near capacity.” {French}

“It is so – we are very much full this run.” {French} The Maître D’ looks about and whispers knowingly, “Are you fast after the infamous Fantômas?” {French}

“As always, Henri, as always.” {French}

“You suspect him upon the train?” {French} The Maître D’ looks a bit distressed.

“If not already then shortly.” {French}

“While they are fixing up your compartment, Inspector, have a seat. Ah, and of course your usual?” {French}

“Merci.”

The Maître D’ raises a finger as he turns to one of the attendants of the salon car, “Our finest cognac for the Inspector.” {French}

In the narrow passage outside his compartment, awaiting the conductor as he setting up the room, the Baron Ferenczy stood looking out the window at the Depot Manager, shivering in the freezing blast of winter wind.

“The Snow it sees to be following us, growing heavier.” {French} Dominique Provoyeur says as she steps up beside him, and turns with an unlit cigarette.

“Ah, it knows we are coming.” {German} The Baron replies as he snaps to life a flame from his gold lighter.

“You are certain it is upon the train?” {German} She asks with an exhaled smoky breath.

“It speaks to me even now.” {German}

Amelia Cauldwell sits looking out her window at the snowy suburbs of the city. She frowns – it appears that Baron Freneczy is now aboard – and von Juntz!

The Baron turns to look out the window, “And the other matter. Herr Wellington?” {German}

“He said he was commissioned by the Legti to get the box.” {German}

“But, alas it is still missing.” {German}

“Oui.” She nods.

He sighs and turns to look at her, “I fear a game is afoot, as it is said, and we are two moves behind.” {German}

Leopold Peeters gets up from his table and moves over to the unoccupied seat directly across from the Inspector and holds out his hand, “Excuse me. If I may, allow me to welcome you to the Orient Express.” He smiles amiably, “Leo Peeters.”

Although he speaks in French, his Flemish accent is quite obvious.

“Ah, yes, please to have the seat.” The Inspector motions to the seat across from him at his table. {French}

Leo Peeters moves over and joins him, “I take it you are Inspector Juve. Oui?” {French}

“Oui.”

“Of the Paris Police, the Criminal Investigation Department, if I remember my newspapers correctly.” {French}

“They have placed a few well meaning stories about my career, oui.” {French}

“So, Paris Police? The Criminal Investigation Department, no less. Well, what brings you to Strasbourg? Even still, what brings you even further to Istanbul?” {French}

The Inspector smiles, “You are very well informed M. Peeters.” He puts a finger to his ear, “The eavesdropping, oui?” He nods, “But, you are correct I am bound for Istanbul.” {French}

“A Holiday?” {French}

“Alas, no, business.” {French}

Leo Peeters nods.

“And you Monsieur, are you taking the Express to Istanbul also?” {French}

At the opposite end of the train, the connecting door between the salon car and the sleeping coaches opens and Mademoiselle Provoyeur saunters though the narrow threshold.

“Indeed I am, and from, there, to Aleppo. From Aleppo, I shall set off to find the Lost City of Irem! You see, I have spent these past many years far and wide, and now. I feel the need to have one last adventure before I retire.” Leo Peeters explains, “I am thinking Barcelona would be a nice, quiet place to retire.” {French}

“Ah? The mythical City of Pillars! Monsieur, a word of caution my friend. Take great care! There are many who sell routes to the this city of the myths, but all of them, alas, are but frauds, I am afraid.” {French}

Leo nods, “Indeed. I am no stranger to frauds I assure you Inspector. However, my partner and I have one very reliable lead over the others.” He smiles and taps his nose knowingly. {French}

“It is most unfortunate that so many travelers find themselves without this partner and his lead and are so are victims of the deceit.” {French}

The salon car attendant smiles broadly, “Mademoiselle Provoyeur, may I find you a seat?” {French}

“And a glass of wine if you please.” She says softly. {French}

“Certainly, Certainly. This way.” {French}

“Oh yes.” Leo Peeters sits back with a sigh, “And some deceptions are quite ingenious too.” {French}

“I take it you were a military man, The Legion?” {French}

Leo looks shocked, “Indeed I was. ’12 to ’22 how did you guess? {French}

The Maître D’ steps up to the table and places a cognac before Inspector Juve discretely so as not to disturb their conversation.

The Inspector tries to appear modest, but to no avail, “Ah, well, it is nothing, really, but to the well trained eye there are the little hints. It is good to have a man of your caliber aboard, Monsieur. Perhaps, I may have need of your assistance before we reach journey’s end.” {French}

The attendant brings a glass of wine over and places it before Dominique Provoyeur, who turns from looking out the window at the platform.

“My assistance?” Leo lowers his voice,

The Juve glances out the window, then back to the gentleman across from him, “You have perhaps heard of the infamous Fantômas?” {French}

“Surly you don’t think your target is on board the train? Is he?” {French}

“Monsieur,” Dominique asks the salon car attendant as she motions to the other end of the train, “Is that not Inspector Juve of the Criminal Investigation Department.” {French}

The Inspector levels his eyes, they grown a bit chill, “Or she.” {French}

“Fantômas a woman? Ah, ingenious.” {French}

Juve smiles like a Buddha.

The attendant looks down at the other end of the salon car, at the two gentlemen in conversation, “I am not certain, Mademoiselle ” {French}

Juve sips his cognac and looks across the table at Leo Peeters, “Oui, ingenious. Fantômas is the single greatest criminal mastermind of our time, a villain—a true villain!” Juve’s quite voice now rising, “Devious and yet brilliant – nowhere and everywhere at the same time. The shadow of Fantômas hovers above the strangest mysteries and can be found beside the most inexplicable of crimes. To Fantômas, we are but prey . . . mere prey to the beast most savage. Ah, how many, how many countless innocents have fallen victim to the cruel caprices of this evil . . . I have tracked this monster for years, and now, I at long last think I have a an awakening and a clue that leads me here.” {French}

Leo Peeters can clearly see the man’s deep obsession.

“This awakening, it makes me think, Juve, but of course . . . what—if Fantômas were a woman!” {French}

“I can say, from my experience, both are equally capable of hideous acts. But what has brought this mastermind to Istanbul? What clue has led you here?” {French}

The Matrie D’ having overheard Mademoiselle Provoyeur’s identification of the Inspector steps over to her table, “Mais Oui, Mademoiselle Provoyeur, it is Juve. The great detective himself. He will be accompanying us to Istanbul – and so, as you can see, you can and all our passengers can be very much assured that will have a safe passage.” {French}

“But Monsieur,” She asks placidly, “Did I not read in the papers that Inspector Juve was under some investigation himself for his use of a young actress in attempting to trap that master thief he is after?” {French}

He sighs, “That – that was a truly grisly affair, unfortunate events, the poor girl.” {French}

“Ah, the clue! Well, Monsieur. There is among certain underground occult societies word of a very special pearl and that it may be aboard this train,” The Inspector answers Leopold Peeters with a curious look, “And if so, then Fantômas, can not resist the temptation to try and steal it.” {French}

“Wasn’t the poor girl murdered as she stood beside the Inspector?” {French} Dominique Provoyeur asks and takes a sip of her wine with an unmistakable hint of an amusement in her eye.

The Matire D’ frowns, “It must weigh heavily upon his mind.” {French}

“A special Pearl you say. Red as crimson and as shiny as a mirror?” {French} Leo Peeters leaning forward to prop his elbow atop the table and rest his chin upon his fingers.

“Précisément! You have heard of this pearl. The Crimson Pearl?” {French}

“I would think that it should —if it does not. I mean after all, it was he who put her in harms way.” {French} Mademoiselle Provoyeur says critically.

The Matrie D’ looks shocked, “Non, Non, Mademoiselle Provoyeur – it was that devil, that Fantômas, who took her innocent life.” {French}

Leo smirks suddenly, “Well, the cat has already been released from its bag.” {French}

Juve lifts his shifter of cognac and looks at him.

With a look over his shoulder, Leo then leans in closely and whispers, “I have more than simply heard of the Pearl. For you see, it is in my possession.” {French}

“You, Monsieur, you have the Pearl?” The Inspector leans forward, his soft voice now having grown very taunt with concern. “Non! Non, you must be of the most vigilant and ever cautious – for there are those other than just Fantômas who would kill for such a pearl.” {French}

Dominique Provoyeur lifts her glass of white wine and sips as she sits in silence now that the Maître D’ has moved on to another couple just arriving.

The American woman and her handsome companion.

Leo whispers, “Indeed but Shhh. I feel that this Fantômas has perhaps his or her work cut out for them. Perhaps, they will all kill each other trying to get to me? Eh?” {French} He chuckles softly, remembering that incident in Samarkand.

“Monsieur, you must stay very close to me. I shall of course provide you with protection until we arrive at Aleppo.” Inspector Juve tells him as he looks about the train and suddenly spots Dominique Provoyeur, “Mon Dieu! Yet another villain.” {French}

Leo turns quickly and looks down the other end of the salon car and sees Dominique Provoyeur, “A villain, her?” {French}

There is a sudden jolt as the train begins to move, and Dominique looks out the window to see the station slowly moving by.

“Précisément! That is Dominique Provoyeur. She appears to be a member of the Haute Culture, of the Avent-garde! But—Monsieur Peeters, she is a member of a cult of madmen and women most sinister.” {French}

“But, if this is true, then arrest her, quickly, before we move onto German Soil.” {French}

“Alas—my friend, I have only my suspicions—she is a most clever one. She was questioned in several incidents – but no trail of evidence ever seems to lead back to her.” Juve says wistfully, “But you can be certain of one thing my friend. If she is aboard this train, then there must surely be tragedy and death.” {French}

End of Episode Cue Music