Full Version: IC: Evolution
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Bubba exits the cabin his head is low, he is looking down, and his shoulders are slumped. He drags the unconcious guard with one hand while his other arm dangles disapointingly. As Kliko passes by Bubba, Bubba sobbingly says in a very quiet voice, "There is nos donuts Klikos..." Kliko could almost detect a tear from the big giant. 'I so hungry I wanted to try the pineapple noni fruit kind.'Bubba drops the guard off in the pile of guard bodies and sulks his way to the machine gun.
07:31:22 Local Time Friday, 20 January 2062 - 5o 7' 46'' N, 52o 26' 46'' W
The combat drugs' hangover wasn't as bad as he remembered last time using it. But by now the regular effects of being awake for the last 24 hours started kicking in. It was a familiar feeling from his campainging days when they used all sorts of stimulants to keep going for over 72 hours regularly. Nowadays he preferred to bite the bullet, disengage his cyberears, take a nap and trust his teammies to 'activate' him on demand. 'Just an hour and a half back to the rendez-vous chummer.'
The guards down in the cabin could hear muffled footsteps up and down the cabin roof, hushed voices whisper "Bubba, get your kit ready to move out of here. We'll be backtrailing our way along the coast shortly." Making final checks on the cruiser's autonav system, settings to pick up speed again after they reached their next waypoint, Kliko filled up his empty rifle magazine pouches. Prepping a seperate kit for Hausmann was next. They had to put up some kind of charade after they installed the personafix-chip. Putting an assault rifles in someone's hands and having him lugging around a few extra magazines would do just that.
Checking up on their guests was next. "Bon matin mes amis, assurez-vous d'assez d'hydrates."Distributing some of the onboard water bottles. "J'ai besoin de votre présence pour quelques heures de plus. Après cela, vous êtes libre de partir." More muffled footsteps followed as Bubba dragged the machine gun back to the skiff. The crew looked eachother over one more time before re-boarding the skiff. 'If only our J could see us now, looking real smart in our jungle fatigues.' Half a minute more fiddling with the cruiser's autopilot and they were off. Kliko being the last to leave, taking up his place at the rudder as Bubba cut their towing line. They were all back on their own gain...
The combat drugs' hangover wasn't as bad as he remembered last time using it. But by now the regular effects of being awake for the last 24 hours started kicking in. It was a familiar feeling from his campainging days when they used all sorts of stimulants to keep going for over 72 hours regularly. Nowadays he preferred to bite the bullet, disengage his cyberears, take a nap and trust his teammies to 'activate' him on demand. 'Just an hour and a half back to the rendez-vous chummer.'
The guards down in the cabin could hear muffled footsteps up and down the cabin roof, hushed voices whisper "Bubba, get your kit ready to move out of here. We'll be backtrailing our way along the coast shortly." Making final checks on the cruiser's autonav system, settings to pick up speed again after they reached their next waypoint, Kliko filled up his empty rifle magazine pouches. Prepping a seperate kit for Hausmann was next. They had to put up some kind of charade after they installed the personafix-chip. Putting an assault rifles in someone's hands and having him lugging around a few extra magazines would do just that.
Checking up on their guests was next. "Bon matin mes amis, assurez-vous d'assez d'hydrates."Distributing some of the onboard water bottles. "J'ai besoin de votre présence pour quelques heures de plus. Après cela, vous êtes libre de partir." More muffled footsteps followed as Bubba dragged the machine gun back to the skiff. The crew looked eachother over one more time before re-boarding the skiff. 'If only our J could see us now, looking real smart in our jungle fatigues.' Half a minute more fiddling with the cruiser's autopilot and they were off. Kliko being the last to leave, taking up his place at the rudder as Bubba cut their towing line. They were all back on their own gain...
07:11:22 Local Time Friday, 20 January 2062 - 5o 7' 46'' N, 52o 26' 46'' W
Hunched over the back of the cruiser, Ludi watched the content of her stomach disappear under the Atlantic's waves. She had felt fine, at least, up until a few minutes ago, when her body had finally said "enough" with all the bouncing and bobbing of the boat. Matter of fact was, Ludi had never been quite fond of boats. She'd never been the kind to fish, and had never set "foot" at sea during her entire life, at the exception of her smuggled crossing of the Pacific. All she was hoping, beside her stomach settling down, was that the guys wouldn't blame it on stress. A lot of people she had served with back in Russia had what they called "post combat shakes". They'd perform fine under fire, but once the pressure was lifted up, they'd start having these strange reactions. It'd never happened to Ludi, except after the first time someone had actually shot at her. Then again, these guys had never really seen her perform in a straight up firefight.
She heard Kliko's boots behind her. Ludi waved her hand for him to stand back a bit, as she doubled over once more and heaved. The roar of the engine covered up most of the splashing her breakfast made hitting the water.
Standing back up, she took her baseball cap off an wipe her forehead.
"I like water" She said matter of factly "but not boats."
Kliko came over, offering her a canteen. She thanked him with a nod and too k a sip.
"We'll be there soon, just make sure you keep yourself hydrated. Seasickness can make you loose a lot of water, fast. Sneaks up on you."
"Spasiba."
She took another sip, trying to push the rocking of the boat in the back of her brain.
"How's our guy doing?"
"Haracho. He should come around with a headache. The fall might have been" she took a pause, looking for her words "rough, but he not look broken."
Again, the young woman wiped her forehead , cursing in her mother tongue.
"Not a big fan of the heat, are you."
"I don't like. I really don't like."
Putting her baseball cap on, her eyes disappeared under the shadows.
Hunched over the back of the cruiser, Ludi watched the content of her stomach disappear under the Atlantic's waves. She had felt fine, at least, up until a few minutes ago, when her body had finally said "enough" with all the bouncing and bobbing of the boat. Matter of fact was, Ludi had never been quite fond of boats. She'd never been the kind to fish, and had never set "foot" at sea during her entire life, at the exception of her smuggled crossing of the Pacific. All she was hoping, beside her stomach settling down, was that the guys wouldn't blame it on stress. A lot of people she had served with back in Russia had what they called "post combat shakes". They'd perform fine under fire, but once the pressure was lifted up, they'd start having these strange reactions. It'd never happened to Ludi, except after the first time someone had actually shot at her. Then again, these guys had never really seen her perform in a straight up firefight.
She heard Kliko's boots behind her. Ludi waved her hand for him to stand back a bit, as she doubled over once more and heaved. The roar of the engine covered up most of the splashing her breakfast made hitting the water.
Standing back up, she took her baseball cap off an wipe her forehead.
"I like water" She said matter of factly "but not boats."
Kliko came over, offering her a canteen. She thanked him with a nod and too k a sip.
"We'll be there soon, just make sure you keep yourself hydrated. Seasickness can make you loose a lot of water, fast. Sneaks up on you."
"Spasiba."
She took another sip, trying to push the rocking of the boat in the back of her brain.
"How's our guy doing?"
"Haracho. He should come around with a headache. The fall might have been" she took a pause, looking for her words "rough, but he not look broken."
Again, the young woman wiped her forehead , cursing in her mother tongue.
"Not a big fan of the heat, are you."
"I don't like. I really don't like."
Putting her baseball cap on, her eyes disappeared under the shadows.
07:31:22 Local Time Friday, 20 January 2062 - 5o 7' 46'' N, 52o 26' 46'' W
While there were one or two muffled "merci"s in response to Kliko's generous gift of water, the majority either looked at him in fear, or looked away from him with the same disposition. Their loss, Kliko thinks and lets them know it will be over soon. The response is mostly the same. Mistrust in the raiders, as they did not realize that other teams probably would have left them as flotsam and jetsam.
07:55:15 Local Time
Shortly after departure from the Proteus patrol cruiser, as it worked its way down the horizon, a second cruiser is spotted following its path. Hopefully. The second ship is as far from the skiff as the first. Which is far enough away that human silhouettes can not be made out on the ship with the unaugmented eye.
While there were one or two muffled "merci"s in response to Kliko's generous gift of water, the majority either looked at him in fear, or looked away from him with the same disposition. Their loss, Kliko thinks and lets them know it will be over soon. The response is mostly the same. Mistrust in the raiders, as they did not realize that other teams probably would have left them as flotsam and jetsam.
07:55:15 Local Time
Shortly after departure from the Proteus patrol cruiser, as it worked its way down the horizon, a second cruiser is spotted following its path. Hopefully. The second ship is as far from the skiff as the first. Which is far enough away that human silhouettes can not be made out on the ship with the unaugmented eye.
Bubba fiddled with the hand tools received from Kliko hoping to loosen the bolts holding the tripod. Bubba was not having much success so finally he decided to do it the Bubba way. Bubba grabbed the tripod with both hands and began to heave with a terrifying ferocity. While using all his muscle Bubba's thoughts were triggered by a gurgle in his stomach and he got a wonderful idea. Bubba dialed over to Duster.
Duster: "Hello"
Bubba quietly: "Dusters, I needs you to pick me up some donuts before we meets"
Duster: "Is this why you called me? Did you get the target?"
Bubba flustered: "We got the targets now get me some donuts for a job well dones! I'll brings you a present. I really needs me a donut... please! Make it the pineapple..."
Duster interrupting: "Dude, stay focused and..."
Bubba interrupting back screams: "JUST GET ME A DONUTS!" 'Click.'
Bubba continues to muscle with the tripod twisting and lifting, completely oblivious that his cry for donuts just broke the sound barrier.
Duster: "Hello"
Bubba quietly: "Dusters, I needs you to pick me up some donuts before we meets"
Duster: "Is this why you called me? Did you get the target?"
Bubba flustered: "We got the targets now get me some donuts for a job well dones! I'll brings you a present. I really needs me a donut... please! Make it the pineapple..."
Duster interrupting: "Dude, stay focused and..."
Bubba interrupting back screams: "JUST GET ME A DONUTS!" 'Click.'
Bubba continues to muscle with the tripod twisting and lifting, completely oblivious that his cry for donuts just broke the sound barrier.
Ludi and Kliko exchanged looks as Bubba broke the sound barrier. Moving over to the cruiser's front the Proteus-crew could hear muffled footstep along the cabin roof. Sitting down on the cabin roof's end Kliko continues in a soft whisper..."You allright chummer? Now remember that briefing on secured communications Ludi gave us the other night? That..." indicating Bubba's cell phone "...is not a secure line. A Proteus-decker could easily be monitoring cellular traffic in this region after the stunt we pulled this morning and redirect their assets to whoop our ass. This..." tapping his comm-unit "provides secure tactical communications and should be used in the event we have to unfrag a situation. Now... Ludi is very dissappointed in you, so go over to her, tell her you're sorry and hand her your cell phone... Have a ration bar when you're hungry." Tossing a ration bar, Kliko made his way back to the cruiser's bridge.
10:41:55 Local Time Friday, 20 January 2062 - Somewhere along the Kourou river
They had been moving North, sailing between the local fishermen for the major part of this morning. Sure the going was slow but at least it prevented further Proteus' attention. They had only barely managed to evade a second cruiser in pursuit of their prize vessel. It was getting warmer and more humid as the morning progressed. The merciless sun beating down on them, especially Ludi, with her seasickness and pale Russian skin was having diffulties to cope with the increasing heat, while Bubba wondered about his FFBA breathability as streams of sweat ran down his back.
Not until they arrived at their rendez-vous with Sugar and Duster, Kliko was a happy Kliko once again. It must have made for an akward sight with Kliko and Ludi crashing down on their supplies, Hausmann tucked safely between them hiding from the sun beneath what little shadow the camo-netting could provide. The jungle passing by in a haze of drowsiness as Duster steered the skiff further up Kourou-river.
10:41:55 Local Time Friday, 20 January 2062 - Somewhere along the Kourou river
They had been moving North, sailing between the local fishermen for the major part of this morning. Sure the going was slow but at least it prevented further Proteus' attention. They had only barely managed to evade a second cruiser in pursuit of their prize vessel. It was getting warmer and more humid as the morning progressed. The merciless sun beating down on them, especially Ludi, with her seasickness and pale Russian skin was having diffulties to cope with the increasing heat, while Bubba wondered about his FFBA breathability as streams of sweat ran down his back.
Not until they arrived at their rendez-vous with Sugar and Duster, Kliko was a happy Kliko once again. It must have made for an akward sight with Kliko and Ludi crashing down on their supplies, Hausmann tucked safely between them hiding from the sun beneath what little shadow the camo-netting could provide. The jungle passing by in a haze of drowsiness as Duster steered the skiff further up Kourou-river.
11:00:00 Local Time Friday, 20 January 2062 - Somewhere along the Kourou river
As the skiff continues further inland, the jungle canopy slowly engulfs her crew. The sound of the city quickly fades, and is gradually replaced by the sounds of exotic animals. The clicking and buzzing of insects, the laughing screams of monkeys, the cawing and singing of various colorful birds and water splashing from feeding fish surround the boat. It is somewhat eerie and a reminder how far away from home the shadowrunners are.
16:06:00 Local Time Friday, 20 January 2062 - Deep in the jungle, along the Kourou river
We are definitely not in the sprawl anymore. The sounds of the jungle completely engulf the small skiff as they find a place to come ashore. Even without the concrete jungle of civilized French Guiana, heat seems to radiate all around them.
The skiff sinks into the soft dirt of the shore as the team is relieved to be on land again, even if it is swarming with insects. The drag the boat out of the water and are ready for a break.
Hausmann finally breaks his silence, "Where are we going?"
As the skiff continues further inland, the jungle canopy slowly engulfs her crew. The sound of the city quickly fades, and is gradually replaced by the sounds of exotic animals. The clicking and buzzing of insects, the laughing screams of monkeys, the cawing and singing of various colorful birds and water splashing from feeding fish surround the boat. It is somewhat eerie and a reminder how far away from home the shadowrunners are.
16:06:00 Local Time Friday, 20 January 2062 - Deep in the jungle, along the Kourou river
We are definitely not in the sprawl anymore. The sounds of the jungle completely engulf the small skiff as they find a place to come ashore. Even without the concrete jungle of civilized French Guiana, heat seems to radiate all around them.
The skiff sinks into the soft dirt of the shore as the team is relieved to be on land again, even if it is swarming with insects. The drag the boat out of the water and are ready for a break.
Hausmann finally breaks his silence, "Where are we going?"
16:06:30 Local Time Friday, 20 January 2062 - Deep jungle, somewhere along the Kourou river
"A you're awake, we were worried about you rookie. We setup camp for the night. Tomorrow we continue further up river... Got to evade the patrols they undoubtedly sent after us. That is until our comms-specialist" indicating Ludi "here, gets further instructions from HQ." 'No time for names yet.'
"You're a damned lucky fragger you know that... Here, get your gun and let me show you how to tie-up this hammock."
"A you're awake, we were worried about you rookie. We setup camp for the night. Tomorrow we continue further up river... Got to evade the patrols they undoubtedly sent after us. That is until our comms-specialist" indicating Ludi "here, gets further instructions from HQ." 'No time for names yet.'
"You're a damned lucky fragger you know that... Here, get your gun and let me show you how to tie-up this hammock."
16:06:36 Local Time Friday, 20 January 2062 - Deep jungle, somewhere along the Kourou river
Hausmann, Not quite sure what is going on, he follows Kliko as the team leader, who seems competent. As long as I stick with him I should be safe, or safe enough. No need to raise any alarm way out here in the jungle, I will keep this feeling of verwirrung to my self. Verwirrung? Confusion is what I think I meant. Hausmann remains quietly staring off into space.
Hausmann, Not quite sure what is going on, he follows Kliko as the team leader, who seems competent. As long as I stick with him I should be safe, or safe enough. No need to raise any alarm way out here in the jungle, I will keep this feeling of verwirrung to my self. Verwirrung? Confusion is what I think I meant. Hausmann remains quietly staring off into space.
16:23:15 Local Time Friday, 20 January 2062 - Deep jungle, somewhere along the Kourou river
'Starts to look like a proper fraggin camp' Overlooking the teams effort to setup camp. Kliko helped out Hausmann with the installation of his Hennessy-hammock. They were specially designed for this type of terrain, including radiant reflective bubble pads to ensure optimal heat regulation... or at Hennessies marketing division claimed as much. "Get some food in your system rookie. You know how to use one of these" holding up one of the self-heating rations they brought for the occasion. "Hmmm, chicken curry, my favorite... With a bit of imagination it tastes just like real food you know. Take your pick, we got all sorts of packs with us..." "... it's real simple, put water here, shake it all about, wait 10 minutes and you got yourself a hot meal!" 'Frag, Bubba will shit his pants... bet he didn't learn this from watching Trollz in da Wood'
16:34:42 Local Time Friday, 20 January 2062 - Deep jungle, somewhere along the Kourou river
The flood gates from heaven opened up before he got a chance to talk to Hausmann again. Sitting in his hammock Kliko forced the meal down his throat. Before collapsing from exhaustion. 'Some kind of day, keep me safe chummers.'
'Starts to look like a proper fraggin camp' Overlooking the teams effort to setup camp. Kliko helped out Hausmann with the installation of his Hennessy-hammock. They were specially designed for this type of terrain, including radiant reflective bubble pads to ensure optimal heat regulation... or at Hennessies marketing division claimed as much. "Get some food in your system rookie. You know how to use one of these" holding up one of the self-heating rations they brought for the occasion. "Hmmm, chicken curry, my favorite... With a bit of imagination it tastes just like real food you know. Take your pick, we got all sorts of packs with us..." "... it's real simple, put water here, shake it all about, wait 10 minutes and you got yourself a hot meal!" 'Frag, Bubba will shit his pants... bet he didn't learn this from watching Trollz in da Wood'
16:34:42 Local Time Friday, 20 January 2062 - Deep jungle, somewhere along the Kourou river
The flood gates from heaven opened up before he got a chance to talk to Hausmann again. Sitting in his hammock Kliko forced the meal down his throat. Before collapsing from exhaustion. 'Some kind of day, keep me safe chummers.'
11:00:00 Local Time Friday, 20 January 2062 - Somewhere along the Kourou river
By the time the jungle had swallowed them up, Ludmila had begun to regain a bit of color. She had quickly discarded her baseball cap for a wide brim boonie hat. The shadow it provided seemed to cool the Russian woman’s temper a bit. Still, she would remove it from time to time, cursing in her mother tongue as she wiped the sweat off her brow. She felt like her entire body was melting through her skin, rolling down on her skin. The cool breeze of the morning had been soothing, easing the fears she had held against the climate. Maybe things weren’t going to be that bad…
Wrong. She hated it. The usual layer of Kevlar pressed against her skin, which she found oh so comforting in her day to day life, was now driving her insane. Sure, it would stop everything up to a 7.62 round; but she felt like she could barely breathe through it. Not counting the fact she had about 30lbs of ammunition strapped to her chest. Last time she had been in full combat gear, like so, was in China… what seemed like a lifetime ago. War. She hadn’t missed it. Not a single second.
She peered over the side of the boat, trying to catch her reflection in the river’s murky water. For a moment, she felt like hurling again. Her head kept trying to roll off her shoulders. Her entire body was itching. Every now and then, some sweat would roll down into her eyes, screwing up her focus.
Ludi mumbled under her breath. “Frag the jungle…”
By the time the jungle had swallowed them up, Ludmila had begun to regain a bit of color. She had quickly discarded her baseball cap for a wide brim boonie hat. The shadow it provided seemed to cool the Russian woman’s temper a bit. Still, she would remove it from time to time, cursing in her mother tongue as she wiped the sweat off her brow. She felt like her entire body was melting through her skin, rolling down on her skin. The cool breeze of the morning had been soothing, easing the fears she had held against the climate. Maybe things weren’t going to be that bad…
Wrong. She hated it. The usual layer of Kevlar pressed against her skin, which she found oh so comforting in her day to day life, was now driving her insane. Sure, it would stop everything up to a 7.62 round; but she felt like she could barely breathe through it. Not counting the fact she had about 30lbs of ammunition strapped to her chest. Last time she had been in full combat gear, like so, was in China… what seemed like a lifetime ago. War. She hadn’t missed it. Not a single second.
She peered over the side of the boat, trying to catch her reflection in the river’s murky water. For a moment, she felt like hurling again. Her head kept trying to roll off her shoulders. Her entire body was itching. Every now and then, some sweat would roll down into her eyes, screwing up her focus.
Ludi mumbled under her breath. “Frag the jungle…”
Three days in the jungle and Bubba is on the bends. Not a real donut for miles, and his processed and bagged Donettes ran out on the first day. Duster tried calming him for the first half of the trip, but he later learned that the rest of the team had a better strategy: stay out of the way.
Besides the insects, spiders and snakes, most of the jungle inhabitants stayed away from the team. Large mammals have wandered close during the night, but usually yelling or a warning shot sent them on their way, though Ludi and Kliko both noticed they seemed to be venturing closer and closer each night, possibly testing the perimeter. However, these animals remained unseen, but were probably some large jungle cat of some sort.
08:24:17 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Deep jungle, somewhere along the Kourou river
While Sugar and Duster try to coax Bubba away from the sweet smelling sap of some jungle tree, Ludi and Kliko are loading the skiff into the water. The gear is all loaded, all they need is the big guy.
Beep-beep. Beep-beep. Buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Kliko is startled by signs of life in his cell phone that has been out of service for several days now. It continues doing a series of beeping and vibrating, then falls silent again.
"Well..." Ludi insists.
"I don't know, it still says 'No Signal'"
"Who was it?"
Kliko looks and does not see any missed calls, but that he has six voice mails and eleven text messages.
"Not sure, but I got some messages," Kliko tells her.
Ludi checks her phone that is also displaying "No Signal." There are no messages, but she didn't expect them. Her fixer knows she is on the job, and Zina knows not to contact her unless it is an emergency when she is on a business trip. As she is checking out her phone, Kliko has his up to his ear. He pulls it down, looks at it, hits a button, then starts to backtrack toward camp. He continues looking at his phone as he turns back and heads for the skiff, this time wondering around instead of making a straight line.
"What are you doing?"
"Huh? Oh. Trying to get a signal. Can't check my voice mails. However... I have some texts...'
TEXT MESSAGE RECEIVED [JAXX>>>KLIKO] >>> Called you twice. Call me back buddy.
TEXT MESSAGE RECEIVED [JAXX>>>KLIKO] >>> Where are you?
TEXT MESSAGE RECEIVED [JAXX>>>KLIKO] >>> Still alive?
TEXT MESSAGE RECEIVED [MRS. KLIKO>>>KLIKO] >>> Miss you honey! See you in a few days! Kids are being... tolerable.
TEXT MESSAGE RECEIVED [MRS. KLIKO>>>KLIKO] >>> Oh. Can you pick up milk on your way home too? Thanks! Love ya!
TEXT MESSAGE RECEIVED [JAXX>>>KLIKO] >>> Hello? Call me. ASAP. Got work.
TEXT MESSAGE RECEIVED [RELENTLESS>>>KLIKO] >>> Where is everybody?
TEXT MESSAGE RECEIVED [JAXX>>>KLIKO] >>> WORK?
TEXT MESSAGE RECEIVED [MRS. KLIKO>>>KLIKO] >>> Did you get my messages? Miss you! Don't forget the milk.
TEXT MESSAGE RECEIVED [ATT WIRELESS>>>KLIKO] >>> Roaming charges. Call 1-800-331-0500 or 611 from your wireless phone.
TEXT MESSAGE RECEIVED [JAXX>>>KLIKO] >>> ?
Ludi starts doing the same little dance Kliko had just finished, while he reads his messages. "Anything important?" she asks. Finally she gets a beep from her cell phone. Two new voice mails, two new texts. The signal is intermittent, so she has the same issue as Kliko did with trying to receive her voice mail.
TEXT MESSAGE RECEIVED [MIRON>>>LUDI] >>> Я предполагаю вы еще не вернулись мой призыв из-за плохой сигнал в горах. Ваш типа "пикап" с г-н Джонсон изменилось. Созвонитесь со мной немедленно.
TEXT MESSAGE RECEIVED [MIRON>>>LUDI] >>> типа пикап местонахождение изменилась. Призыв Джонсон LTG 3452684
Besides the insects, spiders and snakes, most of the jungle inhabitants stayed away from the team. Large mammals have wandered close during the night, but usually yelling or a warning shot sent them on their way, though Ludi and Kliko both noticed they seemed to be venturing closer and closer each night, possibly testing the perimeter. However, these animals remained unseen, but were probably some large jungle cat of some sort.
08:24:17 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Deep jungle, somewhere along the Kourou river
While Sugar and Duster try to coax Bubba away from the sweet smelling sap of some jungle tree, Ludi and Kliko are loading the skiff into the water. The gear is all loaded, all they need is the big guy.
Beep-beep. Beep-beep. Buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Kliko is startled by signs of life in his cell phone that has been out of service for several days now. It continues doing a series of beeping and vibrating, then falls silent again.
"Well..." Ludi insists.
"I don't know, it still says 'No Signal'"
"Who was it?"
Kliko looks and does not see any missed calls, but that he has six voice mails and eleven text messages.
"Not sure, but I got some messages," Kliko tells her.
Ludi checks her phone that is also displaying "No Signal." There are no messages, but she didn't expect them. Her fixer knows she is on the job, and Zina knows not to contact her unless it is an emergency when she is on a business trip. As she is checking out her phone, Kliko has his up to his ear. He pulls it down, looks at it, hits a button, then starts to backtrack toward camp. He continues looking at his phone as he turns back and heads for the skiff, this time wondering around instead of making a straight line.
"What are you doing?"
"Huh? Oh. Trying to get a signal. Can't check my voice mails. However... I have some texts...'
TEXT MESSAGE RECEIVED [JAXX>>>KLIKO] >>> Called you twice. Call me back buddy.
TEXT MESSAGE RECEIVED [JAXX>>>KLIKO] >>> Where are you?
TEXT MESSAGE RECEIVED [JAXX>>>KLIKO] >>> Still alive?
TEXT MESSAGE RECEIVED [MRS. KLIKO>>>KLIKO] >>> Miss you honey! See you in a few days! Kids are being... tolerable.
TEXT MESSAGE RECEIVED [MRS. KLIKO>>>KLIKO] >>> Oh. Can you pick up milk on your way home too? Thanks! Love ya!
TEXT MESSAGE RECEIVED [JAXX>>>KLIKO] >>> Hello? Call me. ASAP. Got work.
TEXT MESSAGE RECEIVED [RELENTLESS>>>KLIKO] >>> Where is everybody?
TEXT MESSAGE RECEIVED [JAXX>>>KLIKO] >>> WORK?
TEXT MESSAGE RECEIVED [MRS. KLIKO>>>KLIKO] >>> Did you get my messages? Miss you! Don't forget the milk.
TEXT MESSAGE RECEIVED [ATT WIRELESS>>>KLIKO] >>> Roaming charges. Call 1-800-331-0500 or 611 from your wireless phone.
TEXT MESSAGE RECEIVED [JAXX>>>KLIKO] >>> ?
Ludi starts doing the same little dance Kliko had just finished, while he reads his messages. "Anything important?" she asks. Finally she gets a beep from her cell phone. Two new voice mails, two new texts. The signal is intermittent, so she has the same issue as Kliko did with trying to receive her voice mail.
TEXT MESSAGE RECEIVED [MIRON>>>LUDI] >>> Я предполагаю вы еще не вернулись мой призыв из-за плохой сигнал в горах. Ваш типа "пикап" с г-н Джонсон изменилось. Созвонитесь со мной немедленно.
TEXT MESSAGE RECEIVED [MIRON>>>LUDI] >>> типа пикап местонахождение изменилась. Призыв Джонсон LTG 3452684
08:24:33 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Deep jungle, somewhere along the Kourou river
His wifes text messages got Kliko real horny. As much as he liked to deny it, long stays away from home aroused and tempted him upto the point that his wife forced him to abandon the longer term, but low-risk merc contracts... just to make sure he stayed faithful... or so she claimed... 'Guess thats what you get with those trid-shows on mercs'. Deleting his private messages, Kliko handed the phone to Ludi. "Looks like we got a new job on our hands once we get home... You got a cell-subscription for that satellite dish of yours?"
His wifes text messages got Kliko real horny. As much as he liked to deny it, long stays away from home aroused and tempted him upto the point that his wife forced him to abandon the longer term, but low-risk merc contracts... just to make sure he stayed faithful... or so she claimed... 'Guess thats what you get with those trid-shows on mercs'. Deleting his private messages, Kliko handed the phone to Ludi. "Looks like we got a new job on our hands once we get home... You got a cell-subscription for that satellite dish of yours?"
08:24:33 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Deep jungle, somewhere along the Kourou river
Ludmila read over the messages with a frown on her face. In and of itself, it wasn’t something particular unusual. It seemed like frowning was Ludi’s default facial expression. If she ever showed herself smart and lucky enough to go past her forties, odds were, she was going to get some mighty interesting wrinkles.
When Kliko handed his phone over the her, Ludi didn’t react. She just stood there, under the thick jungle canopy, looking down at her phone.
“What is it?”
“We have problem.” said Ludi, matter of factly.
She started walking around, peering up towards the sky and craning her neck left and right. When it became obvious she wasn’t going to add anything, Kliko decided to push the matter a bit further.
“What kind of problem?” asked the ork.
“You know good kind of problem?” replied Ludi.
Finding a spot where the ground seemed clear, and the jungle canopy thin and parse, Ludmila dropped to her knees and slid her backpack off her shoulders.
“Johnson got in touch with my contact. There is change of plan. That is problem.”
Turning her phone over, she opened the back, pulled the batteries out and started to fiddle around it’s internals with her multitool.
“Johnson wants to set up pickup.” She said, unpacking her small portable comm dish. “And that is problem.”
“That’s the nature of our business.”
She connected her phone to the dish.
“Does not mean I like it.”
Ludi started to dial.
“I will put him on speakers. Let me do talking. You just listen.”
Ludmila read over the messages with a frown on her face. In and of itself, it wasn’t something particular unusual. It seemed like frowning was Ludi’s default facial expression. If she ever showed herself smart and lucky enough to go past her forties, odds were, she was going to get some mighty interesting wrinkles.
When Kliko handed his phone over the her, Ludi didn’t react. She just stood there, under the thick jungle canopy, looking down at her phone.
“What is it?”
“We have problem.” said Ludi, matter of factly.
She started walking around, peering up towards the sky and craning her neck left and right. When it became obvious she wasn’t going to add anything, Kliko decided to push the matter a bit further.
“What kind of problem?” asked the ork.
“You know good kind of problem?” replied Ludi.
Finding a spot where the ground seemed clear, and the jungle canopy thin and parse, Ludmila dropped to her knees and slid her backpack off her shoulders.
“Johnson got in touch with my contact. There is change of plan. That is problem.”
Turning her phone over, she opened the back, pulled the batteries out and started to fiddle around it’s internals with her multitool.
“Johnson wants to set up pickup.” She said, unpacking her small portable comm dish. “And that is problem.”
“That’s the nature of our business.”
She connected her phone to the dish.
“Does not mean I like it.”
Ludi started to dial.
“I will put him on speakers. Let me do talking. You just listen.”
08:24:33 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Deep jungle, somewhere along the Kourou river
The line picks up halfway into the first ring.
"Hello. There has been a change of plans. Meet me tonight at midnight at the Sporting and Aero Club, and bring him with you. You will receive the rest of your fee; turn him over to me and your job will be complete. Any questions?"
The line picks up halfway into the first ring.
"Hello. There has been a change of plans. Meet me tonight at midnight at the Sporting and Aero Club, and bring him with you. You will receive the rest of your fee; turn him over to me and your job will be complete. Any questions?"
08:24:36 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Deep jungle, somewhere along the Kourou river
'Some kind of attitude, glad we'll be home soon.... wait... hold on... rest of our fee? All he has to do is release the funds with our fixer!'
Kliko raises an eyebrow and looks up at Ludi.
'Some kind of attitude, glad we'll be home soon.... wait... hold on... rest of our fee? All he has to do is release the funds with our fixer!'
Kliko raises an eyebrow and looks up at Ludi.
08:24:36 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Deep jungle, somewhere along the Kourou river
Just the flash in the back of Ludmila’s eyes was enough to tell Kliko what she thought about the situation: she didn’t like it one bit. Their original plan had them releasing Haussmann at a time and place of their choice, on their terms. Now, the tables had been turned on them.
Kliko already had a small note pad out and was jotting something down.
Ludi had no idea where the Sporting and Aero Club was, but there was no way in hell she was going to meet the Johnson, or anyone else for that matter, at some place she didn’t know. There was that and the fact she had no idea if they could actually make the meet in time. Her best guess was that it was somewhere close to Kourou… and odds were they were still wanted fugitives by Protheus security forces. There was no way she was going to take the team close to a big urban center.
Kliko tore the sheet from his pad and handed it to Ludi. He didn’t have to say anything… She knew what she had to do.
“First, you will give call to our mutual friend, and you will release payment in escrow. Second, we cannot meet you at Club. You will come and meet us at…”
She peered at the piece of paper.
“N 5° 1' 6", W 52° 41' 39".”
She quickly checked the time.
“Midnight. Tonight. Stand out in open.”
Just the flash in the back of Ludmila’s eyes was enough to tell Kliko what she thought about the situation: she didn’t like it one bit. Their original plan had them releasing Haussmann at a time and place of their choice, on their terms. Now, the tables had been turned on them.
Kliko already had a small note pad out and was jotting something down.
Ludi had no idea where the Sporting and Aero Club was, but there was no way in hell she was going to meet the Johnson, or anyone else for that matter, at some place she didn’t know. There was that and the fact she had no idea if they could actually make the meet in time. Her best guess was that it was somewhere close to Kourou… and odds were they were still wanted fugitives by Protheus security forces. There was no way she was going to take the team close to a big urban center.
Kliko tore the sheet from his pad and handed it to Ludi. He didn’t have to say anything… She knew what she had to do.
“First, you will give call to our mutual friend, and you will release payment in escrow. Second, we cannot meet you at Club. You will come and meet us at…”
She peered at the piece of paper.
“N 5° 1' 6", W 52° 41' 39".”
She quickly checked the time.
“Midnight. Tonight. Stand out in open.”
08:24:50 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Deep jungle, somewhere along the Kourou river
“N 5° 1' 6", W 52° 41' 39"?” Johnson's voice is a bit more harsh than it had been, but steady as he verifies the number.
There is a long pause before he continues, "Midnight. Fine. Make sure that Hausmann is unharmed and I will release the remainder of your funds."
“N 5° 1' 6", W 52° 41' 39"?” Johnson's voice is a bit more harsh than it had been, but steady as he verifies the number.
There is a long pause before he continues, "Midnight. Fine. Make sure that Hausmann is unharmed and I will release the remainder of your funds."
08:24:50 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Deep jungle, somewhere along the Kourou river
Without adding another word, Ludmila turned her phone off. The conversation had been short enough that anyone trying to triangulate their position probably didn't have time. But then again, you never really knew. Taking her boonie hat off, Ludi ran her sleeve over her face, trying to wipe some of sweat away from her eyes. If they moved fast, they would probably get there well before midnight. But that was a pretty big "if". It would happen only if everything from this very moment went as smooth as possible. The Russian woman didn't like the situation one bit. A change of plan from the Johnson's part meant that something somewhere along the run's foodchain had changed. Somewhere, the situation had taken a turn. What she didn't like was that she had no idea what that change was.
"Worse scenario" she said in her thick russian accent "we are walking into a Protheus ambush."
She looked up a Kliko who was still studying the map on his psec.
"We'll get plenty of cover and concealment, don't worry."
Ludi muttered something in her mother tongue, under her breath. "I will set up alternate extraction. Just in case."
"Alright. I'll get everyone ready to move."
Without adding another word, Ludmila turned her phone off. The conversation had been short enough that anyone trying to triangulate their position probably didn't have time. But then again, you never really knew. Taking her boonie hat off, Ludi ran her sleeve over her face, trying to wipe some of sweat away from her eyes. If they moved fast, they would probably get there well before midnight. But that was a pretty big "if". It would happen only if everything from this very moment went as smooth as possible. The Russian woman didn't like the situation one bit. A change of plan from the Johnson's part meant that something somewhere along the run's foodchain had changed. Somewhere, the situation had taken a turn. What she didn't like was that she had no idea what that change was.
"Worse scenario" she said in her thick russian accent "we are walking into a Protheus ambush."
She looked up a Kliko who was still studying the map on his psec.
"We'll get plenty of cover and concealment, don't worry."
Ludi muttered something in her mother tongue, under her breath. "I will set up alternate extraction. Just in case."
"Alright. I'll get everyone ready to move."
08:24:34 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Deep jungle, somewhere along the Kourou river
The schematic map of French Guyana popped up on Kliko's image link. Looking for roads close to the inland waterways he zoomed in on some place named Saramaka. Some place, a shit hovel, a luxureous resort, he couldn't tell from the huts displayed on his mapsoft, it didn't matter either. All he cared for was the landing 1 click southwest of Saramaka and they could be there somewhere within the next 12 hours. 'As good a place as any.' He dotted the coordinates down on a notepad for Ludi to read.
08:24:53 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Deep jungle, somewhere along the Kourou river
"You have ten minutes, then we'll be out of here. Just make sure we're able to bring some of this kit back home. We spent plenty of good nuyen on it, waste to leave it behind... Also try and see if you can get some sattelite imagery on those coordinates."
"Team! rally up, we got contact with HQ. Appears some spook wants to have a talk with our Rookie" indicating Hausmann "here. We'll be moving out in ten."
09:38:06 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Somewhere on the Kourou river
'Hell and Heaven come together!' Kliko's thoughts spiralled slowly from the jungles dual nature to the job at hand. Their team packed quite the firepower with the addition of the heavy machine gun they scrounged from Proteus and Bubba looked comfortable enough handling it. 'Good thing if he could blow of some steam... this donut affection of him has gone way out of my comfort zone.'
They were all in reasonable good shape after some days down in the deep jungle. No, Kliko didn't share Ludi's pessimism, not meaning he wouldn't be prepared for feces hitting fast-rotating objects. 'Tis our business and we're good too.' Various scenarios moved through Kliko's mind, in the end deciding on a similar setup compared to the initial meet. 'Sugar moves 500-700 m up the road, covering the main approach. Duster remains with the skiff covering the creek. Ludi faces the J. Bubba provides meet security with the HMG and me? I babysit Hausmann and remain under cover and out of earshot until Ludi signals Hausmann in.'
The schematic map of French Guyana popped up on Kliko's image link. Looking for roads close to the inland waterways he zoomed in on some place named Saramaka. Some place, a shit hovel, a luxureous resort, he couldn't tell from the huts displayed on his mapsoft, it didn't matter either. All he cared for was the landing 1 click southwest of Saramaka and they could be there somewhere within the next 12 hours. 'As good a place as any.' He dotted the coordinates down on a notepad for Ludi to read.
08:24:53 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Deep jungle, somewhere along the Kourou river
"You have ten minutes, then we'll be out of here. Just make sure we're able to bring some of this kit back home. We spent plenty of good nuyen on it, waste to leave it behind... Also try and see if you can get some sattelite imagery on those coordinates."
"Team! rally up, we got contact with HQ. Appears some spook wants to have a talk with our Rookie" indicating Hausmann "here. We'll be moving out in ten."
09:38:06 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Somewhere on the Kourou river
'Hell and Heaven come together!' Kliko's thoughts spiralled slowly from the jungles dual nature to the job at hand. Their team packed quite the firepower with the addition of the heavy machine gun they scrounged from Proteus and Bubba looked comfortable enough handling it. 'Good thing if he could blow of some steam... this donut affection of him has gone way out of my comfort zone.'
They were all in reasonable good shape after some days down in the deep jungle. No, Kliko didn't share Ludi's pessimism, not meaning he wouldn't be prepared for feces hitting fast-rotating objects. 'Tis our business and we're good too.' Various scenarios moved through Kliko's mind, in the end deciding on a similar setup compared to the initial meet. 'Sugar moves 500-700 m up the road, covering the main approach. Duster remains with the skiff covering the creek. Ludi faces the J. Bubba provides meet security with the HMG and me? I babysit Hausmann and remain under cover and out of earshot until Ludi signals Hausmann in.'
12:38:22 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Kourou River
The team coasts down the Kourou River at a moderate pace, blending in with the local fishermen and other river traffic, that sporadically dot the waterway. Not only does it draw less attention, but it also conserves fuel in the event they need to make an extended run tonight.
19:38:22 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Kourou River, river bank near Saramaka
Kliko slides the skiff along an old dilapidated dock protruding into the river near the trail leading to the meet site. Sugar steps out, and starts making his way up the dock toward the beach. Fixing his gear, then checking his equipment one more time, Sugar then starts his recon patrol up the trail toward the target, about a kilometer away.
The skiff continues past the dock, finding a nice spot to rest near the treeline at the end of the sandy beach. Duster drops the anchor and ties the boat so it doesn't drift too far from the trees. Ludi, Bubba, Kliko and Hausmann gear up and disembark. They wade through the foot of water to the beach, while Duster hangs the camo net over the boat.
"We still got about an hour and half of daylight," Kliko states, looking at the sun trying to pierce through the trees.
"Ya, it shouldn't take us long to reach our destination," Ludi agrees. "We should have a good look at the layout before Mr. Smith arrives."
"Does me bring da big guns?" Bubba asks, stroking the newly acquired machine gun.
The team coasts down the Kourou River at a moderate pace, blending in with the local fishermen and other river traffic, that sporadically dot the waterway. Not only does it draw less attention, but it also conserves fuel in the event they need to make an extended run tonight.
19:38:22 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Kourou River, river bank near Saramaka
Kliko slides the skiff along an old dilapidated dock protruding into the river near the trail leading to the meet site. Sugar steps out, and starts making his way up the dock toward the beach. Fixing his gear, then checking his equipment one more time, Sugar then starts his recon patrol up the trail toward the target, about a kilometer away.
The skiff continues past the dock, finding a nice spot to rest near the treeline at the end of the sandy beach. Duster drops the anchor and ties the boat so it doesn't drift too far from the trees. Ludi, Bubba, Kliko and Hausmann gear up and disembark. They wade through the foot of water to the beach, while Duster hangs the camo net over the boat.
"We still got about an hour and half of daylight," Kliko states, looking at the sun trying to pierce through the trees.
"Ya, it shouldn't take us long to reach our destination," Ludi agrees. "We should have a good look at the layout before Mr. Smith arrives."
"Does me bring da big guns?" Bubba asks, stroking the newly acquired machine gun.
20:09:55 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Kourou River, river bank near Saramaka
“Da, you’re right, you take a look with our Honey here." indicating Sugar "and check the place out. I run a weapons-check with these two here.” They hopped off the skiff and dissapeared in the jungle down the track.
“You know what time it is Bubba? That’s right, its weapons-check time! Rookie, Big Boy, get your kit here, clean it up and let me have a look. Big Boy, you bring that machinegun with you. If its a setup and things turn sour, just suppress the area, that scavenged ammo has already been paid for. Rookie and me will pick targets with our Kalshnikovs…” Grinning sheepishly at the prospect of wreaking havoc with the HMG, Bubba set out to dissasemble, clean up and assemble the Stoner-Ares M107.
Also sheepishly, but a lot more clueless Hausmann looked at the Kalashnikov in front of him… “Here, let me help you out Rookie” in a joint effort they field stripped Hausmanns assault rifle ‘He best not see me removing his firing pin…’ as Kliko hid the tiny apparatus in the palm of his hand. “There you go.” Jacking in the magazine and racking the gun’s slide. “Ready for some rock and roll!” Himself he switched his AK's foregrip for a bipod and found himself installing the laser sight and sound suppressor for the first time since they entered the deep jungle proper.
“Da, you’re right, you take a look with our Honey here." indicating Sugar "and check the place out. I run a weapons-check with these two here.” They hopped off the skiff and dissapeared in the jungle down the track.
“You know what time it is Bubba? That’s right, its weapons-check time! Rookie, Big Boy, get your kit here, clean it up and let me have a look. Big Boy, you bring that machinegun with you. If its a setup and things turn sour, just suppress the area, that scavenged ammo has already been paid for. Rookie and me will pick targets with our Kalshnikovs…” Grinning sheepishly at the prospect of wreaking havoc with the HMG, Bubba set out to dissasemble, clean up and assemble the Stoner-Ares M107.
Also sheepishly, but a lot more clueless Hausmann looked at the Kalashnikov in front of him… “Here, let me help you out Rookie” in a joint effort they field stripped Hausmanns assault rifle ‘He best not see me removing his firing pin…’ as Kliko hid the tiny apparatus in the palm of his hand. “There you go.” Jacking in the magazine and racking the gun’s slide. “Ready for some rock and roll!” Himself he switched his AK's foregrip for a bipod and found himself installing the laser sight and sound suppressor for the first time since they entered the deep jungle proper.
20:15:45 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Kourou River, river bank near Saramaka
The beach is small and quickly funnels down into a sandy trail, that gradually turns into a hard dirt and rock path. It is just large enough for Kliko and the Rookie to walk side by side. The thick of the trees almost completely engulfs them the further they travel inland. Though, it is nothing like the jungle they spent the last few nights in.
Sugar's voice comes across the radio, "I have reached the clearing. There are a couple shacks across the road. It looks like a market, and maybe a couple homes. I'm gonna make my way around to the other side, staying about 10 meters off the trail."
The beach is small and quickly funnels down into a sandy trail, that gradually turns into a hard dirt and rock path. It is just large enough for Kliko and the Rookie to walk side by side. The thick of the trees almost completely engulfs them the further they travel inland. Though, it is nothing like the jungle they spent the last few nights in.
Sugar's voice comes across the radio, "I have reached the clearing. There are a couple shacks across the road. It looks like a market, and maybe a couple homes. I'm gonna make my way around to the other side, staying about 10 meters off the trail."
20:15:48 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Kourou River, river bank near Saramaka
"Copy that, please confirm markets or homes. Don't want the locals get caught in our crossfire, then proceed."
'Child's brains make poor plaster, aye.'
"Copy that, please confirm markets or homes. Don't want the locals get caught in our crossfire, then proceed."
'Child's brains make poor plaster, aye.'
20:16:01 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Kourou River, river bank near Saramaka
"Both. The field looks clear. The other side of the road there is a large market area. To either side, possibly behind it also, there are some shacks that look to be the homes of the locals. I am moving around -" There is a short pause, then, "Hold on. I got movement."
"Both. The field looks clear. The other side of the road there is a large market area. To either side, possibly behind it also, there are some shacks that look to be the homes of the locals. I am moving around -" There is a short pause, then, "Hold on. I got movement."
20:16:04 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Kourou River, river bank near Saramaka
"Copy that... be safe chummer."
"Copy that... be safe chummer."
20:16:16 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Kourou River, river bank near Saramaka
There is a long ten second delay before Sugar responds, "All clear. Just two kids playing soccer with a goat's stomach. I am on the move."
There is a long ten second delay before Sugar responds, "All clear. Just two kids playing soccer with a goat's stomach. I am on the move."
20:16:19 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Kourou River, river bank near Saramaka
"Copy that, proceed."
'You fraggin genius, can you spell C-O-L-L-A-T-E-R-A-L D-A-M-A-G-E! You better think of something to unfrag the situation chummer.'
"Copy that, proceed."
'You fraggin genius, can you spell C-O-L-L-A-T-E-R-A-L D-A-M-A-G-E! You better think of something to unfrag the situation chummer.'
20:16:22 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Kourou River, river bank near Saramaka
"I am making my way around the clearing."
"I am making my way around the clearing."
20:16:25 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Kourou River, river bank near Saramaka
"Copy that Sierra, report back in once you find something of interest...
...Lets cut our radio-exposure some."
'Secured comms or not, I ain't taking chances'
"Copy that Sierra, report back in once you find something of interest...
...Lets cut our radio-exposure some."
'Secured comms or not, I ain't taking chances'
20:33:25 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Kourou River, river bank near Saramaka
About another 15 minutes up the road and the team is approaching the clearing. To the right there is a score of old battered wood buildings. Kliko has constructed more sturdy and appealing playhouses for his kids in the backyard. However, the smaller buildings all have glass windows, metal screen doors, and electricity, though there probably is only one room, two at most, inside. It is also doubtful that there is running water, let alone a much needed air conditioning unit.
The small homes are scattered to the left, right and behind the large open building sitting directly across from the clearing. It has a three foot high half wall that holds wooden boxes tilted 30 degrees downward, with the opening facing out. Wooden pillars hold a roof that extends about six feet past the outer edges of the building itself. Old wooden signs with french writing and numbers hang all over the boxes, and one large one hangs from the roof.
Behind the houses a few old pickup trucks sit, in little better condition than the buildings.
About another 15 minutes up the road and the team is approaching the clearing. To the right there is a score of old battered wood buildings. Kliko has constructed more sturdy and appealing playhouses for his kids in the backyard. However, the smaller buildings all have glass windows, metal screen doors, and electricity, though there probably is only one room, two at most, inside. It is also doubtful that there is running water, let alone a much needed air conditioning unit.
The small homes are scattered to the left, right and behind the large open building sitting directly across from the clearing. It has a three foot high half wall that holds wooden boxes tilted 30 degrees downward, with the opening facing out. Wooden pillars hold a roof that extends about six feet past the outer edges of the building itself. Old wooden signs with french writing and numbers hang all over the boxes, and one large one hangs from the roof.
Behind the houses a few old pickup trucks sit, in little better condition than the buildings.
20:48:41 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Kourou River, river bank near Saramaka
'Relax, watch, wait and see chummer.' Kliko left Hausmann with Bubba some 50m back to take a closer look on what appeared to be some kind of backwater market place. Sure enough the giant had mad sneaking skills but among Hausmanns many qualities as somekind of major league astro scientist, sneaking about wasn't one of them and no chipped personality could fix that for them.
Kliko set about to whip up a workable security plan for the upcoming meeting. Their was plenty of cover alright, the problem being the people actually living there. Carefully noting the shacks with lights burning, he switched several times between vision mods to distinguish between the inhabited huts and abandoned hovels. He watched children report back home to their mothers, men playing dominos in the community space beneath the roofed market and young girls hanging around, seeking favors of elderly men. 'what time will these people retire back home?' The kind of information you didn't find in your local tourist soft....
"Kilo reporting in... I'm taking a second look around the market place..."
'Relax, watch, wait and see chummer.' Kliko left Hausmann with Bubba some 50m back to take a closer look on what appeared to be some kind of backwater market place. Sure enough the giant had mad sneaking skills but among Hausmanns many qualities as somekind of major league astro scientist, sneaking about wasn't one of them and no chipped personality could fix that for them.
Kliko set about to whip up a workable security plan for the upcoming meeting. Their was plenty of cover alright, the problem being the people actually living there. Carefully noting the shacks with lights burning, he switched several times between vision mods to distinguish between the inhabited huts and abandoned hovels. He watched children report back home to their mothers, men playing dominos in the community space beneath the roofed market and young girls hanging around, seeking favors of elderly men. 'what time will these people retire back home?' The kind of information you didn't find in your local tourist soft....
"Kilo reporting in... I'm taking a second look around the market place..."
21:15:00 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Kourou River, river bank near Saramaka
After scouting the treeline around the clearing, Sugar continues up the road. With the area clear Bubba moves around, mad sneakily, behind the houses until he is in position, northwest of the small village. Kliko and Hausmann set up just southwest of the city, with a partial view of the road, and a clear view of the field. Ludi awaits just outside of the clearing, opposite of Kliko, awaiting Mr. Smith.
"In position," Sugar reports. He is 500 meters ahead of Bubba, on the west side of the road.
"Me's ready!" Bubba transmits, a bit less covertly.
With everyone in place, Ludi should be well covered. As Smith approaches, he will be covered with intersecting fire from Sugar and Bubba. Once at the meet, he will be covered with intersecting lines of fire from Bubba and Kliko. Now they play the waiting game.
After scouting the treeline around the clearing, Sugar continues up the road. With the area clear Bubba moves around, mad sneakily, behind the houses until he is in position, northwest of the small village. Kliko and Hausmann set up just southwest of the city, with a partial view of the road, and a clear view of the field. Ludi awaits just outside of the clearing, opposite of Kliko, awaiting Mr. Smith.
"In position," Sugar reports. He is 500 meters ahead of Bubba, on the west side of the road.
"Me's ready!" Bubba transmits, a bit less covertly.
With everyone in place, Ludi should be well covered. As Smith approaches, he will be covered with intersecting fire from Sugar and Bubba. Once at the meet, he will be covered with intersecting lines of fire from Bubba and Kliko. Now they play the waiting game.
22:51:00 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Saramaka
Hausmann is getting restless waiting in the bush, but luckily Kliko is there to keep him from getting too jumpy. However, no one has eyes on Bubba, and who knows what he is up to. Ludi sits quietly across the road, awaiting her contact as she stands quietly in the darkness, well hidden from any mundane sources.
"Got lights down the road guys. Looks like a small passenger van. Two guys are getting out and making their way up the road." Sugar reports on the activity north of his area.
Hausmann is getting restless waiting in the bush, but luckily Kliko is there to keep him from getting too jumpy. However, no one has eyes on Bubba, and who knows what he is up to. Ludi sits quietly across the road, awaiting her contact as she stands quietly in the darkness, well hidden from any mundane sources.
"Got lights down the road guys. Looks like a small passenger van. Two guys are getting out and making their way up the road." Sugar reports on the activity north of his area.
'No wonder he's getting restless' Kliko felt the first leeches slithering up his camo coverall an hour ago. By now little streams of blood ran down his legs and trousers due to the leeches' anticoagulants. It was not the leeches that concerned him though, but the rythmic dance of a centripede trodding up his trousers... a centripede, or army of ants determining whether he made a good evening meal... 'nah... they'll pick Hausmann over me any day'. Negating the itches was rapidly becoming an increasing challenge 'should have duct taped our trousers... should have, would have...' it was not as if this was the first time he bled all over the jungle floor, yet he preferred the discomfort from a leech, compared to the bite of a bullet. Hausmann on the other end...
22:51:06 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Saramaka
"Copy that.." 'Looks like we're not the only ones turning up early today.' "... Smith one of them?"
22:51:06 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Saramaka
"Copy that.." 'Looks like we're not the only ones turning up early today.' "... Smith one of them?"
22:51:11 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Saramaka
"No. Two razor guys it looks like. The van is continuing up the road toward you guys."
"No. Two razor guys it looks like. The van is continuing up the road toward you guys."
22:51:16 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Saramaka
"Copy that, guess Smith brought along some protection." 'would RG lease out that BattleTactm units of his?'
"Copy that, guess Smith brought along some protection." 'would RG lease out that BattleTactm units of his?'
22:51:16 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Saramaka
Shortly after, Bubba spots the headlights of the van coming up the road.
"Here dey comes, Klikos!"
It pulls into the field at the first chance and circles so that it is facing so it can return the way it came. The lights go dark, but the engine still sits idling. The driver door opens and Ludi spots Smith getting out of the vehicle. He walks to the back of the vehicle and scans the field, the market then the field again.
Shortly after, Bubba spots the headlights of the van coming up the road.
"Here dey comes, Klikos!"
It pulls into the field at the first chance and circles so that it is facing so it can return the way it came. The lights go dark, but the engine still sits idling. The driver door opens and Ludi spots Smith getting out of the vehicle. He walks to the back of the vehicle and scans the field, the market then the field again.
22:51:16 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Saramaka
As the van pulled in, Ludi felt something of akin to a wave of relief wash over her. Not relief in the fact that Smith was finally here. Relief in the fact she could finally move around and get some bloodflow going back on. Not having smoked a cigarette in over a week, her fuse had shortened quite a bit. The boys had all noticed it pretty fast, and left her generally alone. She couldn't wait to get out of the jungle, and it was damn obvious.
Slinging her carbine across her chest, she tugged her olive green baseball cap snug on her head. The shadow it through across her face reassured her somehow… and it wasn't like she really needed any light to see.
Throwing a quick look around, the young woman started to cross the open field. She hoped to God Smith was going to deliver some seriously explanations. The change of plan hadn't helped her mood… not by one bit.
"Show time, boys."
As the van pulled in, Ludi felt something of akin to a wave of relief wash over her. Not relief in the fact that Smith was finally here. Relief in the fact she could finally move around and get some bloodflow going back on. Not having smoked a cigarette in over a week, her fuse had shortened quite a bit. The boys had all noticed it pretty fast, and left her generally alone. She couldn't wait to get out of the jungle, and it was damn obvious.
Slinging her carbine across her chest, she tugged her olive green baseball cap snug on her head. The shadow it through across her face reassured her somehow… and it wasn't like she really needed any light to see.
Throwing a quick look around, the young woman started to cross the open field. She hoped to God Smith was going to deliver some seriously explanations. The change of plan hadn't helped her mood… not by one bit.
"Show time, boys."
22:51:25 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Saramaka
Smith walked toward the open field, looking calm and confident holding a small satchel in his right hand. He walked toward the middle of the clearing, scanning the treeline and the village as he did so. He looked in Ludi's direction, but did not make eye contact, or give away any indication he had spotted her position.
As he arrived at the midst of the clearing, he slowed down, made a slow three sixty turn as he scanned the terrain. He stopped. Standing still, in the open, a perfect target for any double cross the runners might have in store.
Smith walked toward the open field, looking calm and confident holding a small satchel in his right hand. He walked toward the middle of the clearing, scanning the treeline and the village as he did so. He looked in Ludi's direction, but did not make eye contact, or give away any indication he had spotted her position.
As he arrived at the midst of the clearing, he slowed down, made a slow three sixty turn as he scanned the terrain. He stopped. Standing still, in the open, a perfect target for any double cross the runners might have in store.
22:51:28 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Saramaka
"Rock and roll Lima...
...Sierra, you keep eyes on those razor boys."
'Come on honey, get us our nuyen.'
"Rock and roll Lima...
...Sierra, you keep eyes on those razor boys."
'Come on honey, get us our nuyen.'
22:51:31 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Saramaka
"I still got them in my sights," Sugar replies.
"I still got them in my sights," Sugar replies.
22:51:34 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Saramaka
"Copy that, let us know when they have eyes on the meet-site."
'Nuyen, nuyen, my precious nuyen, you're out there somewhere. Come to me baby, you know you want to...'
"Copy that, let us know when they have eyes on the meet-site."
'Nuyen, nuyen, my precious nuyen, you're out there somewhere. Come to me baby, you know you want to...'
22:51:34 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Saramaka
Even under her boots, Ludmila could feel the moisture in the ground. Every single step she took made an almost swamp like sound. She nevertheless tried to stay as calm and casual as she could. Her gloved hand still rested on the AK, although she made a clear point of keeping it point well away from Smith.
She walked slowly through the clearing, making sure Smith could see her well and plainly. The man had been pretty jumpy back in California.
There was no telling how nervous he was now.
Ludi stopped a few feet away from him.
"Good evening" she said simply
Even under her boots, Ludmila could feel the moisture in the ground. Every single step she took made an almost swamp like sound. She nevertheless tried to stay as calm and casual as she could. Her gloved hand still rested on the AK, although she made a clear point of keeping it point well away from Smith.
She walked slowly through the clearing, making sure Smith could see her well and plainly. The man had been pretty jumpy back in California.
There was no telling how nervous he was now.
Ludi stopped a few feet away from him.
"Good evening" she said simply
22:51:54 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Saramaka
"Good evening," Smith replies with an unnervingly confident smile, keeping about ten meters between them. He eyes the assault rifle, then returns his gaze to meet Ludi's eyes, his demeanor unchanging.
"Good evening," Smith replies with an unnervingly confident smile, keeping about ten meters between them. He eyes the assault rifle, then returns his gaze to meet Ludi's eyes, his demeanor unchanging.
22:51:54 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Saramaka
Ludi felt like frowning but decided against it. Better to get things done as fast as possible.
"Have you released funds?"
Ludi felt like frowning but decided against it. Better to get things done as fast as possible.
"Have you released funds?"
22:51:59 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Saramaka
Mr. Smith pauses, then replies. "Uh, yes. The funds are released." He looks down at the small satchel in his right hand, then looks back at Ludi. "In here is a few credsticks that should make up for any inconveniences and cover any expenses you have incurred."
Ludi starts to think that this is the best negotiations she has ever been on, and that starts to worry her. She noticed that Mr. Smith is a bit more confident than in their first meet, and the fact that he called himself Mr. Johnson at one point, and then he also seems a bit taller...
Then it becomes so clear. She spots the man behind the mask. His illusion falls, and Ludi can now see the tall slender white man, with long stringy blond hair. His eyes are deep and steely blue.
Mr. Smith pauses, then replies. "Uh, yes. The funds are released." He looks down at the small satchel in his right hand, then looks back at Ludi. "In here is a few credsticks that should make up for any inconveniences and cover any expenses you have incurred."
Ludi starts to think that this is the best negotiations she has ever been on, and that starts to worry her. She noticed that Mr. Smith is a bit more confident than in their first meet, and the fact that he called himself Mr. Johnson at one point, and then he also seems a bit taller...
Then it becomes so clear. She spots the man behind the mask. His illusion falls, and Ludi can now see the tall slender white man, with long stringy blond hair. His eyes are deep and steely blue.
22:51:59 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Saramaka
Ludi felt her pulse quicken. She felt her palms get sweaty. She felt her throat get dry. Every single cell of her being was screaming her to turn tail. To run. To get the frag away. But she did nothing of the sort. On the outside, the mask of composure held. Her eyes slid off the man's face as if he wasn't even there. As if everything was normal. She kept her breathing even, thinking of her teammates just outside of the clearing. Her teammates with big fragging guns.
At this very moment in time, Ludi had no idea what was going to happen. Each breath might be her last. She know only one thing for certain: this was not the man who had hired them.
For a moment, she considered just taking the money, giving him Haussman and leaving. After all, as far as she was concerned, she was the only one who knew this wasn't their Mister Smith. But then again, in the shadows, you lived by your rep. This... this would be extremely bad form for them.
She made no move towards the satchel.
"I am going to reach inside, to take cellphone. I will make call to my friend."
Slowly, very slowly, she reached inside her opened tac vest, taking her cellphone out.
If this was a setup, all she hoped was that Miron wasn't in on it.
She dialed.
Ludi felt her pulse quicken. She felt her palms get sweaty. She felt her throat get dry. Every single cell of her being was screaming her to turn tail. To run. To get the frag away. But she did nothing of the sort. On the outside, the mask of composure held. Her eyes slid off the man's face as if he wasn't even there. As if everything was normal. She kept her breathing even, thinking of her teammates just outside of the clearing. Her teammates with big fragging guns.
At this very moment in time, Ludi had no idea what was going to happen. Each breath might be her last. She know only one thing for certain: this was not the man who had hired them.
For a moment, she considered just taking the money, giving him Haussman and leaving. After all, as far as she was concerned, she was the only one who knew this wasn't their Mister Smith. But then again, in the shadows, you lived by your rep. This... this would be extremely bad form for them.
She made no move towards the satchel.
"I am going to reach inside, to take cellphone. I will make call to my friend."
Slowly, very slowly, she reached inside her opened tac vest, taking her cellphone out.
If this was a setup, all she hoped was that Miron wasn't in on it.
She dialed.
22:52:09 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Saramaka
"Smith" nods as Ludi takes out her cell phone, slowly. It took a while to get a network signal, but there it was. One bar. Ludi keeps her eye on "Mr. Smith" as she dialed Miron.
"Hello? Hello?"
"Miron, it's Ludi. Was the transfer completed?"
"Yes. Got Friday."
The masked man a few meters away watches her, seeming to become impatient. His alligator smile is now a straight hard line.
"Is everything okay? If you release Herr Hausmann to me, I will be happy to pass the rest of your payment to you."
"Hey K-Man, I am moving across the field to keep eyes on the two razors."
"Me still sees dem!"
"Smith" nods as Ludi takes out her cell phone, slowly. It took a while to get a network signal, but there it was. One bar. Ludi keeps her eye on "Mr. Smith" as she dialed Miron.
"Hello? Hello?"
"Miron, it's Ludi. Was the transfer completed?"
"Yes. Got Friday."
The masked man a few meters away watches her, seeming to become impatient. His alligator smile is now a straight hard line.
"Is everything okay? If you release Herr Hausmann to me, I will be happy to pass the rest of your payment to you."
"Hey K-Man, I am moving across the field to keep eyes on the two razors."
"Me still sees dem!"
22:52:09 Local Time Monday, 23 January 2062 - Saramaka
“Thank you my friend. I'll see you when I get back home.”Ludi hung up and slid the phone back inside her vest. At least, now, she knew they had been paid, and that this wasn't entirely a trap. Nevertheless, she still had too many doubts. Who were these people? Part of those who had hired them? Someone else entirely? Another group who wanted Haussmann? Proteus? With each passing moment, it became harder and harder for Ludi not to frown. Every single inch of face wanted to.
She had no real way to talking it out with her teamates. There was no time. She had been put in charge of dealing with Smith, Johnson, whoever he was... and so, at the end of the day, it was her call to make. Ludi knew she couldn't outright talk to the rest of the team, but she knew very well she could pass a message.
“My friend has confirmed transfer. This is good.”
She took out a small sealed plastic bag... containing a half empty pack of cigarettes. Back in San Francisco, her original “danger” signal had been to light a smoke. All she hoped was that the boys would understand something was afoot. She stuck a cigarette in her mouth, lighting it with clear delight.
With a mere thought, she started broadcasting everything she heard over on the team's radio frequency. She couldn't speak openly to the boys, but at least, they would listen in.
“I have question for you: where is Smith?”
She offered the pack to the man.
“Thank you my friend. I'll see you when I get back home.”Ludi hung up and slid the phone back inside her vest. At least, now, she knew they had been paid, and that this wasn't entirely a trap. Nevertheless, she still had too many doubts. Who were these people? Part of those who had hired them? Someone else entirely? Another group who wanted Haussmann? Proteus? With each passing moment, it became harder and harder for Ludi not to frown. Every single inch of face wanted to.
She had no real way to talking it out with her teamates. There was no time. She had been put in charge of dealing with Smith, Johnson, whoever he was... and so, at the end of the day, it was her call to make. Ludi knew she couldn't outright talk to the rest of the team, but she knew very well she could pass a message.
“My friend has confirmed transfer. This is good.”
She took out a small sealed plastic bag... containing a half empty pack of cigarettes. Back in San Francisco, her original “danger” signal had been to light a smoke. All she hoped was that the boys would understand something was afoot. She stuck a cigarette in her mouth, lighting it with clear delight.
With a mere thought, she started broadcasting everything she heard over on the team's radio frequency. She couldn't speak openly to the boys, but at least, they would listen in.
“I have question for you: where is Smith?”
She offered the pack to the man.
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