Dar Al-Badw Academy of Rulership (IC)

[Insaanistan]

Charlie

The Bayerlander nodded as she dug in to her breakfast. "Thanks. Fish and chips tastes good but it gets old real fast."

The muffled sound of eating, followed by the slurp of a juicebox being emptied, rang through the empty classroom, as Charlie finished the last of her breakfast and waited, now noticably more awake.
Cel would find a small custard pastry within the package. Probably too sweet to be a healthy breakfast, but food was food.

---

Alcott
"Damn!" Alcott's eyes lit up as he followed. "That's really cool. Genuinely. I envy you."

As soon as they arrived in the classroom, Alcott took a seat, with an empty one to his right, obviously intending for Kieran to sit next to him.

Celina Scian of the Tribe of Fermanagh.

It was indeed sweet and it had custard, but it filled the stomach - that was good, the pastry itself tasted alright. Charlie's rather loud way of eating did not bother me in the slightest.
Then the teacher in some sort of costume made...

Breaking away from the rest of her family while they tried to restrain Nura, Hussaina entered the History classroom. Hearing the teacher’s question, she rose her hand and answered, “The Great Arab Revolt occurred because the Arabs feared a Zionist takeover of our beloved Palestine, the British promised the Arabs their own United country, and the Ottomans were failing to meet the needs of the people of the Levant and the Hejaz.”

...but I had a question of my own.
I raised my hand and, without being asked to speak, I replied: "Excuse me, Miss, but as you might be able to notice, the majority of us are not from this country, so you might want to start with telling us, what this Great Revolt was and, more importantly, why we should give a damn."
Leaning back, I brought my pen to paper and looked at the woman expectantly, challenging, as if to say Well, teacher?.
Also, she hadn't introduced herself.

Kieran Sloroimh of the Tribe of Louth.
A few minutes before that, I had grinned at Alcott's reply - truth being told, my Uncle had only taken me into the cockpit with the strict promise to not touch anything that blinked.
Or anthing else.
I took my seat next to him and waited for the lesson's content which seemed to be about some revolt or the other... and I had tuned out.

“Astaghfirallah!” Hussaina said, upset at the usage of cussing. “As for why you should care, it is the reason the munafiq Ottomans finally fell, and the start of what would soon be the stealing of the land of Palestine in the name of a ‘Jewish state’.” She then went on a tangent rant about the evils of Zionism, and proclaimed one day Palestine would free itself.

[The Selkie]

“Astaghfirallah!” Hussaina said, upset at the usage of cussing. “As for why you should care, it is the reason the munafiq Ottomans finally fell, and the start of what would soon be the stealing of the land of Palestine in the name of a ‘Jewish state’.” She then went on a tangent rant about the evils of Zionism, and proclaimed one day Palestine would free itself.

Lady Honorine Aveline

Honorine had entered the school with a pleasant smile on her face. Sure, she was sent in here largely due to the ways she could be unpleasant, but that was by no means obvious when one looked at the girl. The 15 going on 16 year old, some what pale skinned, turquoise eyed dark redhaired girl in a basic school uniform with high socks, skirt, shirt and tie (though she did wear rather tough looking military boots) stood at a tall 1.75 meters, while having a frame that while still developing was clearly befitting of what would expect from a grappling kickboxer, but one that well avoided looking boyish.

She didn't immediately begin interacting with her fellow students while she waited, prefering casual observation instead, though she kept a pleasant look about her, she wasn't trying to be intimidating, not at the moment at least. Happily, the first class she'd have would be history, a favoured subject of hers, though she was curious to as to how this school would even teach history given the nation's less-than-progressive instincts.

The first two responses, however, set off Honorine, ford different reasons. If this was a story of things to come, things were probably likely to get dirty for for her.

"Hey, Guy who's name I don't know, I'm Honorine, by the way, we're in a history class in an Arab country, if for know other reason than getting a feel for how this school see's the world so that you know how to get good marks, you want to give a damn about the Arab Revolt and what they think about. Or, you could have just not come here, thinking that might have been preferable."

Honorine began, her arms folded and eyes closed in a smug expression, at the end she opened an eye to see how the girl who spoke before her would react.

"Anyway, as with more or less all colonial revolts, the Great Arab revolt was caused by key members of the local, upper class feeling as though their colonial masters were a greater cost to their power over everyone else than a benefit, so they wanted to throw them off. As usual, any identity and religion based claims were largely propganda covers to rile up poor folk."

Celina Scian of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Ignoring the drivel Hussaina (I didn't know her name yet, though) spouted, I replied to Honorine, letting a bit of my accent shine through: "Pleasure to meet you, lass, I'm Celina.", I replied, bowed my head lightly and politely, as it was custom among the Selkie. "I am aware, that the people of this country count themselves as part of the Arab Culture, thank you, Captain Obvious. However, where I come from, teachers are expected to make the students give a damn about what they teach beyond just good grades - granted, it does not always work, but that is what is expected."
I let a beat pass.
"Now, I agree with you, that such lessons usually serve to reinforce a worldview within the students, sometimes to great effect.", I continued, giving a meaningful glance at Hussaina, "A worldview has to be propagaded and instilled, for example by school and media, though, something you and I both missed. Were we in her country..." I indicated to Hussaina with a small nod. "...I would bet, that you would have just been given a failing grade. The question now is..." I turned back to the teacher. "...what would be the reply the local educational system wants its students to give?"

[Alenberg]

Charlie Northam

Charlie seemed stunned by the teacher's question, but began typing anyways. A loud rattle filled the classroom as she jotted down the teacher's question on her laptop, and then...she stopped, before shooting a terrified glance at Cel, as if she was begging for help. Or for the teacher to not call on her. It was hard not to tell.

---

Alcott Stanton
As the teacher droned on and an argument ensued, Alcott...ignored all of that. He took out a notebook and pen for show, before then taking out a paperback novel and reading it under the desk.

[Mandal and Hormuz]

Ali and Hassan rushed through the corridors, late for history. "Your fault! You kept talking!" accused Ali. "I know, I know, but don't waste your breath. Run faster!" They arrived at the door, and, gasping for breath, knocked on it. "I hope we didn't miss too much or anything interesting." panted Hassan. "Me too." gasped Ali.

[Insaanistan]

“Astaghfirallah!” Hussaina said, upset at the usage of cussing. “As for why you should care, it is the reason the munafiq Ottomans finally fell, and the start of what would soon be the stealing of the land of Palestine in the name of a ‘Jewish state’.” She then went on a tangent rant about the evils of Zionism, and proclaimed one day Palestine would free itself.

Lady Honorine Aveline

Honorine had entered the school with a pleasant smile on her face. Sure, she was sent in here largely due to the ways she could be unpleasant, but that was by no means obvious when one looked at the girl. The 15 going on 16 year old, some what pale skinned, turquoise eyed dark redhaired girl in a basic school uniform with high socks, skirt, shirt and tie (though she did wear rather tough looking military boots) stood at a tall 1.75 meters, while having a frame that while still developing was clearly befitting of what would expect from a grappling kickboxer, but one that well avoided looking boyish.

She didn't immediately begin interacting with her fellow students while she waited, prefering casual observation instead, though she kept a pleasant look about her, she wasn't trying to be intimidating, not at the moment at least. Happily, the first class she'd have would be history, a favoured subject of hers, though she was curious to as to how this school would even teach history given the nation's less-than-progressive instincts.

The first two responses, however, set off Honorine, ford different reasons. If this was a story of things to come, things were probably likely to get dirty for for her.

"Hey, Guy who's name I don't know, I'm Honorine, by the way, we're in a history class in an Arab country, if for know other reason than getting a feel for how this school see's the world so that you know how to get good marks, you want to give a damn about the Arab Revolt and what they think about. Or, you could have just not come here, thinking that might have been preferable."

Honorine began, her arms folded and eyes closed in a smug expression, at the end she opened an eye to see how the girl who spoke before her would react.

"Anyway, as with more or less all colonial revolts, the Great Arab revolt was caused by key members of the local, upper class feeling as though their colonial masters were a greater cost to their power over everyone else than a benefit, so they wanted to throw them off. As usual, any identity and religion based claims were largely propganda covers to rile up poor folk."

Celina Scian of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Ignoring the drivel Hussaina (I didn't know her name yet, though) spouted, I replied to Honorine, letting a bit of my accent shine through: "Pleasure to meet you, lass, I'm Celina.", I replied, bowed my head lightly and politely, as it was custom among the Selkie. "I am aware, that the people of this country count themselves as part of the Arab Culture, thank you, Captain Obvious. However, where I come from, teachers are expected to make the students give a damn about what they teach beyond just good grades - granted, it does not always work, but that is what is expected."
I let a beat pass.
"Now, I agree with you, that such lessons usually serve to reinforce a worldview within the students, sometimes to great effect.", I continued, giving a meaningful glance at Hussaina, "A worldview has to be propagaded and instilled, for example by school and media, though, something you and I both missed. Were we in her country..." I indicated to Hussaina with a small nod. "...I would bet, that you would have just been given a failing grade. The question now is..." I turned back to the teacher. "...what would be the reply the local educational system wants its students to give?"

“Ya Ali!” Hussaina exclaimed disgustedly. O Ali! “I am in a Muslim land yet surrounded by the ignorance of the disbelievers. Allah protect us from-“
She was cut off when Muhammad finally paid notice to her and covered her mouth.
“Sorry! She gets excited sometimes,” he said trying to excuse her behavior. “It won’t happen again.”
Bowing his head slightly, he said to the teacher “Salaam valeykum, muallimah.” He then repeated to the class “Salaam valeykum.”

[Mandal and Hormuz]

Ali and Hassan entered. "Al-salaamu alaykum, sorry we're late. This is Ali, my brother, and I am Hassan. Did we miss anything? Where do we sit?"

[Dar Al-Badw]

Celina Scian of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Ignoring the drivel Hussaina (I didn't know her name yet, though) spouted, I replied to Honorine, letting a bit of my accent shine through: "Pleasure to meet you, lass, I'm Celina.", I replied, bowed my head lightly and politely, as it was custom among the Selkie. "I am aware, that the people of this country count themselves as part of the Arab Culture, thank you, Captain Obvious. However, where I come from, teachers are expected to make the students give a damn about what they teach beyond just good grades - granted, it does not always work, but that is what is expected."
I let a beat pass.
"Now, I agree with you, that such lessons usually serve to reinforce a worldview within the students, sometimes to great effect.", I continued, giving a meaningful glance at Hussaina, "A worldview has to be propagaded and instilled, for example by school and media, though, something you and I both missed. Were we in her country..." I indicated to Hussaina with a small nod. "...I would bet, that you would have just been given a failing grade. The question now is..." I turned back to the teacher. "...what would be the reply the local educational system wants its students to give?"

“Ya Ali!” Hussaina exclaimed disgustedly. O Ali! “I am in a Muslim land yet surrounded by the ignorance of the disbelievers. Allah protect us from-“
She was cut off when Muhammad finally paid notice to her and covered her mouth.
“Sorry! She gets excited sometimes,” he said trying to excuse her behavior. “It won’t happen again.”
Bowing his head slightly, he said to the teacher “Salaam valeykum, muallimah.” He then repeated to the class “Salaam valeykum.”

“How dare you assault your sister? You have a 2 hour detention!” The teacher said. In the meantime, the teacher said “the main causes were that the Ottoman Empire starting treating Arabs less well than they treated Turks, the rise of Arab nationalism and British support. Why it matters is it changed the course of modern geopolitics, economics and world history.”

[Dar Al-Badw]

Ali and Hassan entered. "Al-salaamu alaykum, sorry we're late. This is Ali, my brother, and I am Hassan. Did we miss anything? Where do we sit?"

“sit anywhere you want” the teacher said, kindly, “how are you at the moment?” she asked before returning the greeting “W’alaykum Salam”

[Mandal and Hormuz]

Ali and Hassan entered. "Al-salaamu alaykum, sorry we're late. This is Ali, my brother, and I am Hassan. Did we miss anything? Where do we sit?"

“sit anywhere you want” the teacher said, kindly, “how are you at the moment?” she asked before returning the greeting “W’alaykum Salam”

"Shukran. We are fine, alhamdulilah. What are we doing right now?" Ali and Hassan sat in tables next to each other in the centre of the class.

[The Selkie]

“How dare you assault your sister? You have a 2 hour detention!” The teacher said. In the meantime, the teacher said “the main causes were that the Ottoman Empire starting treating Arabs less well than they treated Turks, the rise of Arab nationalism and British support. Why it matters is it changed the course of modern geopolitics, economics and world history.”

Celina Scian of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
While we had a few late arrivals, who's greeting I returned with a small wave and a small smile, and Hussaina went off the rails (really, I could make it a lot harder for her and tell her, that I am actually not only a nonbeliever, but also a Selkie-Pagan, but that would have to wait for later), the teacher finally replied.
I raised an eyebrow.
First of all, I did not ask, why it matters, but why we should care. Second... if that is the criterion, we might as well learn about every woman Sultan Okan of Kyrenaia, the 19th century Kyrenaian version of High King Áed the Hunter, boinked, because they, too, changed modern geopolitics, economics and world history.
Still, I made my notes and replied: "Thank you very much."

Charlie Northam

Charlie seemed stunned by the teacher's question, but began typing anyways. A loud rattle filled the classroom as she jotted down the teacher's question on her laptop, and then...she stopped, before shooting a terrified glance at Cel, as if she was begging for help. Or for the teacher to not call on her. It was hard not to tell.

---

Alcott Stanton
As the teacher droned on and an argument ensued, Alcott...ignored all of that. He took out a notebook and pen for show, before then taking out a paperback novel and reading it under the desk.

And well aware of Charlie's look, I angled my notebook slightly, both for her to look at the notes and at a cute little drawing of Hussaina with a loudspeaker in her mouth.

Kieran Sloroimh of the Tribe of Louth.
While Cel provided some entertainment with her question, I think, that Alcott got the right idea. Pretending to take notes, I began to doodle down lyrics for a song, plus a few chords...
...I would probably erase them both from existance, after trying them out.

[Insaanistan]

“Ya Ali!” Hussaina exclaimed disgustedly. O Ali! “I am in a Muslim land yet surrounded by the ignorance of the disbelievers. Allah protect us from-“
She was cut off when Muhammad finally paid notice to her and covered her mouth.
“Sorry! She gets excited sometimes,” he said trying to excuse her behavior. “It won’t happen again.”
Bowing his head slightly, he said to the teacher “Salaam valeykum, muallimah.” He then repeated to the class “Salaam valeykum.”

“How dare you assault your sister? You have a 2 hour detention!” The teacher said. In the meantime, the teacher said “the main causes were that the Ottoman Empire starting treating Arabs less well than they treated Turks, the rise of Arab nationalism and British support. Why it matters is it changed the course of modern geopolitics, economics and world history.”

“What?!” Muhammad cried. “Lekin muallimah, I just...” he began to protest. However, Muhammad then realized it would do no good. He sat down in his seat and silently laced out his school supplies.

[Mandal and Hormuz]

Hassan and Ali waved back to Celian, then asked again: "What are we learning?"

[The Selkie]

Hassan and Ali waved back to Celian, then asked again: "What are we learning?"

Celina Scian of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
I smiled at the two.
"History. Some revolt or the other is today's topic.", I replied with a small shrug. "If you two want, you can copy my notes after the lesson. You missed the first part after all."
Considering, that I had them angled towards Charlie still might have influenced my decision.

[Mandal and Hormuz]

Hassan and Ali waved back to Celian, then asked again: "What are we learning?"

Celina Scian of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
I smiled at the two.
"History. Some revolt or the other is today's topic.", I replied with a small shrug. "If you two want, you can copy my notes after the lesson. You missed the first part after all."
Considering, that I had them angled towards Charlie still might have influenced my decision.

"Islamici revolt? Turkish revolt? American native revolt? Arab revolt? We do not want to copy your notes, thank you."

[The Selkie]

"Islamici revolt? Turkish revolt? American native revolt? Arab revolt? We do not want to copy your notes, thank you."

Celina Scian of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Well, if you didn't want to, you didn't want to... hope you get your notes from someone else.
"Okay.", I replied, shrugged, "Arab Revolt, though. Apparently 'THE'..." I even made the airquotes. "...Arab Revolt."

[Mandal and Hormuz]

"Islamici revolt? Turkish revolt? American native revolt? Arab revolt? We do not want to copy your notes, thank you."

Celina Scian of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
Well, if you didn't want to, you didn't want to... hope you get your notes from someone else.
"Okay.", I replied, shrugged, "Arab Revolt, though. Apparently 'THE'..." I even made the airquotes. "...Arab Revolt."

"The Arab one, then," said Hassan. "We don't know a lot about it, the Ottoman Empire was only in a tiny bit of our nation, if they were there at all. Seems pretty significant, though. However, in our universe, it was much less significant than it seems to be in this one."

[Alenberg]

And well aware of Charlie's look, I angled my notebook slightly, both for her to look at the notes and at a cute little drawing of Hussaina with a loudspeaker in her mouth.

Charlie's terror melted away into relief, and she stifled a laugh at the sight of Cel's doodle. The loud click of keys began to sound out as she copied it down, and she even went as far as to fire up microsoft paint and make her own rendition of Hussaina and the teacher...

Well, really, it was just a pair of skirt-wearing stickfigures with crudely-drawn loudspeakers on their heads, but it's the thought that counts.
She then angled her laptop ever so slightly, and turned up the brightness, letting Cel catch a glimpse, before raising her hand, her courage starting to gather. "The Arab revolt of 1920, as in the Iraqi one? Or the Syrian one of 1924?" She smiled innocently, her eyes flashing with amusement. "Or, perhaps, the Palestine revolt of 1936?"

[The Selkie]

[...]
"The Arab one, then," said Hassan. "We don't know a lot about it, the Ottoman Empire was only in a tiny bit of our nation, if they were there at all. Seems pretty significant, though. However, in our universe, it was much less significant than it seems to be in this one."

Celina Scian of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
"Well, where I come from, there certainly more important events. Ya two most likely never heard of Nuada the Founder, the War of the Cosántarraighi, the High Queen's Rebellion, the Inquisition of Inis or of the Vellenge Wars.", I said and shrugged, "And I wouldn't blame you."
Charlie's klicking of buttons stopped and I glanced over to see, if she had finished - she had, and added a doodle of her own.
I snorten in amusement...

And well aware of Charlie's look, I angled my notebook slightly, both for her to look at the notes and at a cute little drawing of Hussaina with a loudspeaker in her mouth.

Charlie's terror melted away into relief, and she stifled a laugh at the sight of Cel's doodle. The loud click of keys began to sound out as she copied it down, and she even went as far as to fire up microsoft paint and make her own rendition of Hussaina and the teacher...

Well, really, it was just a pair of skirt-wearing stickfigures with crudely-drawn loudspeakers on their heads, but it's the thought that counts.
She then angled her laptop ever so slightly, and turned up the brightness, letting Cel catch a glimpse, before raising her hand, her courage starting to gather. "The Arab revolt of 1920, as in the Iraqi one? Or the Syrian one of 1924?" She smiled innocently, her eyes flashing with amusement. "Or, perhaps, the Palestine revolt of 1936?"

...huh.

[Mandal and Hormuz]

[...]
"The Arab one, then," said Hassan. "We don't know a lot about it, the Ottoman Empire was only in a tiny bit of our nation, if they were there at all. Seems pretty significant, though. However, in our universe, it was much less significant than it seems to be in this one."

Celina Scian of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
"Well, where I come from, there certainly more important events. Ya two most likely never heard of Nuada the Founder, the War of the Cosántarraighi, the High Queen's Rebellion, the Inquisition of Inis or of the Vellenge Wars.", I said and shrugged, "And I wouldn't blame you."
Charlie's klicking of buttons stopped and I glanced over to see, if she had finished - she had, and added a doodle of her own.
I snorten in amusement...

Charlie's terror melted away into relief, and she stifled a laugh at the sight of Cel's doodle. The loud click of keys began to sound out as she copied it down, and she even went as far as to fire up microsoft paint and make her own rendition of Hussaina and the teacher...

Well, really, it was just a pair of skirt-wearing stickfigures with crudely-drawn loudspeakers on their heads, but it's the thought that counts.
She then angled her laptop ever so slightly, and turned up the brightness, letting Cel catch a glimpse, before raising her hand, her courage starting to gather. "The Arab revolt of 1920, as in the Iraqi one? Or the Syrian one of 1924?" She smiled innocently, her eyes flashing with amusement. "Or, perhaps, the Palestine revolt of 1936?"

...huh.

"It's mostly the Islamici revolt that ended the Ottoman Caliphate in our universe. What's that?" Hassan said, leaning to see the doodles, but his brother pulled him back.

[Mandal and Hormuz]

And well aware of Charlie's look, I angled my notebook slightly, both for her to look at the notes and at a cute little drawing of Hussaina with a loudspeaker in her mouth.

Charlie's terror melted away into relief, and she stifled a laugh at the sight of Cel's doodle. The loud click of keys began to sound out as she copied it down, and she even went as far as to fire up microsoft paint and make her own rendition of Hussaina and the teacher...

Well, really, it was just a pair of skirt-wearing stickfigures with crudely-drawn loudspeakers on their heads, but it's the thought that counts.
She then angled her laptop ever so slightly, and turned up the brightness, letting Cel catch a glimpse, before raising her hand, her courage starting to gather. "The Arab revolt of 1920, as in the Iraqi one? Or the Syrian one of 1924?" She smiled innocently, her eyes flashing with amusement. "Or, perhaps, the Palestine revolt of 1936?"

Removed

[Insaanistan]

And well aware of Charlie's look, I angled my notebook slightly, both for her to look at the notes and at a cute little drawing of Hussaina with a loudspeaker in her mouth.

Charlie's terror melted away into relief, and she stifled a laugh at the sight of Cel's doodle. The loud click of keys began to sound out as she copied it down, and she even went as far as to fire up microsoft paint and make her own rendition of Hussaina and the teacher...

Well, really, it was just a pair of skirt-wearing stickfigures with crudely-drawn loudspeakers on their heads, but it's the thought that counts.
She then angled her laptop ever so slightly, and turned up the brightness, letting Cel catch a glimpse, before raising her hand, her courage starting to gather. "The Arab revolt of 1920, as in the Iraqi one? Or the Syrian one of 1924?" She smiled innocently, her eyes flashing with amusement. "Or, perhaps, the Palestine revolt of 1936?"

“The Arabs are always most proud of what they call the ‘Great Revolt’. The one in World War I.”

[The Selkie]

[...]
"It's mostly the Islamici revolt that ended the Ottoman Caliphate in our universe. What's that?" Hassan said, leaning to see the doodles, but his brother pulled him back.

Celina Scian of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
I put my elbow over the doodle just about the time the other brother pulled Hassan back.
"Never heard of it.", I said and shrugged, "Should I have? Or of any of those Charlie just mentioned?"
For emphasis, I even pointed over my shoulder.

[Mandal and Hormuz]

Charlie's terror melted away into relief, and she stifled a laugh at the sight of Cel's doodle. The loud click of keys began to sound out as she copied it down, and she even went as far as to fire up microsoft paint and make her own rendition of Hussaina and the teacher...

Well, really, it was just a pair of skirt-wearing stickfigures with crudely-drawn loudspeakers on their heads, but it's the thought that counts.
She then angled her laptop ever so slightly, and turned up the brightness, letting Cel catch a glimpse, before raising her hand, her courage starting to gather. "The Arab revolt of 1920, as in the Iraqi one? Or the Syrian one of 1924?" She smiled innocently, her eyes flashing with amusement. "Or, perhaps, the Palestine revolt of 1936?"

“The Arabs are always most proud of what they call the ‘Great Revolt’. The one in World War I.”

"I'm not sure that is the case. In Oman, we have many people indifferent to it."

[Mandal and Hormuz]

[...]
"It's mostly the Islamici revolt that ended the Ottoman Caliphate in our universe. What's that?" Hassan said, leaning to see the doodles, but his brother pulled him back.

Celina Scian of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
I put my elbow over the doodle just about the time the other brother pulled Hassan back.
"Never heard of it.", I said and shrugged, "Should I have? Or of any of those Charlie just mentioned?"
For emphasis, I even pointed over my shoulder.

"It is probably only in our universe. I've never heard of Charlie's ones."

[Insaanistan]

[...]
"It's mostly the Islamici revolt that ended the Ottoman Caliphate in our universe. What's that?" Hassan said, leaning to see the doodles, but his brother pulled him back.

Celina Scian of the Tribe of Fermanagh.
I put my elbow over the doodle just about the time the other brother pulled Hassan back.
"Never heard of it.", I said and shrugged, "Should I have? Or of any of those Charlie just mentioned?"
For emphasis, I even pointed over my shoulder.

“I think it’d be important to mark down,” Muhammad said. “After all, we are surrounded by Arabs now.”