Good job we found this palm tree to sit under to watch those guys working, Sak. Even so, you can work up a real thirst just sitting in the shade - pass another Macaw, willya? They go down a real treat in this heat.

*sees the native workers muttering among themselves and gesticulating meaningfully in their direction*

Eh Sak, you sure those guys know what they're doing over there? I mean, they started off okay, but they seem to be just standing around talking and waving their arms a lot now. Maybe you need to explain the archy blueprints again... I don't think they ever saw a real pyramid before. I mean, those funny pointy things we passed on the way here were a bit.... childish, weren't they? *snickers* Oh man, I mean they didn't even have any proper steps! Good job we came along to teach 'em how to do it properly... hey!! why have they all sat down, it's not time for a lunch break yet!

*The Egyptian foreman is elected by his striking workers to approach the feathered foreigners on their behalf, and is shoved to the front to try and convey their demands*

Now what?... gimme that phrasebook back, Sak. No, the phrasebook, not another Macaw! Okay, now dude, say that again only s-l-o-w-e-r...

*The foreman keeps repeating his demand until finally a lightbulb goes off over Acol's head*

Oh yeah, I got you now! Hey, Sak, they're worried 'bout someone called 'Bakhshish'. I reckon he must be the local top god or something important, you know, 'cause they don't want to carry on till he's happy. Okay you, Neferxolotl... er... Khnumcatzin... whatever your name was, you build merotl nicely, Bakhshish be very, very pleased and spread lots of happiness around, okay? *Acol beams and nods at the foreman, who doesn't look at all sure about this*

Lots of Baxshish for everyone - much reshwetl!!...cool, I think they're catchin' on now, Sak, I'm getting so good at their language I don't even need the phrasebook anymore! *ruffles quetzal plumes smugly* Yep, you guys go build, maybe Macaws all round when you're finished up, okay?