The last mission hadn't gone all that well. Jack had been made by the opposition almost from the moment he'd boarded the train and was forced to play defence the whole time. Without his computer skills the others had had a hard time finding the package, although they did identify several other merc teams on board the train.
The mission was a bust and the team came away empty handed, although still unknown to the authorities. That was more than could be said for several of the other passengers who now lay in the morgue in Venice, perforated by numerous bullets from unknown opposition.

Three days later and half a dozen Lindgren "contractors" sat around a table in an Antwerp bar, wondering if their failure would result in being overlooked for additional jobs...

Karl was nursing his drink, somewhat depressed but not too surprised at the failure. That whole cloak and dagger thing wasn't his, well, thing. There'd been nobody to shoot, nothing to blow up, just a lot of questions to ask in the hope somebody might slip up and actually admit they knew something.
"Think I might sign up on a trawler," he declared after a long silence.
"Money's good I hear."
"You're lucky you missed the train," he nodded at Arlotti and Davis. "You could be lookin' for work too if you'd made it."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:45, Mon 15 Feb 2016.

Taking a seat and ordering a beer.

Could be, or we might have caught something that got missed. Extra eyes you know.

"Yeah, maybe..."
"What do you think Melissa? Still got a job?"

Jack looked up from reading an email on his laptop and waited to hear what Melissa had to say.

Those who had known him for a while could recognize his "Ive got something important to say" expression.

"Well...", Melissa replied, "I don't know about you, but I've got an open offer with an online news service as a weather presenter... although I doubt they'd want any of you lot".

She tried to smile, but the mission had been just as unpleasant for her as well. The incident was still making the news three days later as the Italian police looked into the whole thing. For her part, she'd ended up in a punch up in a toilet with one of the porters, resulting in her clothes being covered in blood before she'd made her escape from the train.

"As for other jobs with Lindgren, the higher ups are checking how exposed we were as operators in that debacle. We should know soon"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:52, Tue 16 Feb 2016.

Antonio shrugged as he took a sip of beer, "hey man, you could always do what I did, drive a truck. Pay's good and you're not stuck at a cubicle. I've still got an in if this thing doesn't work out."

Taking a drink I wonder if D.O.E. is hiring?

"What about you Jack? What do you think?"

"I think it's a shame that all of y'all are getting out of the military contractor business because I just got an email about a job and there's nothing in it about needing a weather girl or a fisherman."

Jack smiled and let his southern accent go full blast.

"Anybody have an issue traveling in the US?"

"Yeah, I do," Karl grimaced.
"It's full of Americans..."
He shot a grin at Michael and Melissa, the only other non-Americans sitting at the table.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:08, Wed 17 Feb 2016.

Hmmmmm........................traveling, no...........

In reply to Karl Braende (msg # 11):

"I heard that" Patrick smiles " and ain't it the truth!
Looking over at Jack and pointing over at his bug out bag.
"do I get ta use any of my gear on this one or do I try to learn a bunch of new skills again?"

"So what's the job then?"

"I expect this one will call for the skills you already have. As far as gear goes it's way harder to get weapons into the US than it was to get them on the train but it should be a piece of cake to get what we need once we're there."

"Hell my uncle Buddy could arm a squad at least without having to go to the basement."



"Not a ton of info in the email. Looks to be an extraction of a kidnap victim most likely. A friend of mine asked me to show up and bring friends."

"The way I see it we can run it by higher or if we're on the shit list we can juts go do the job on our own."

Antonio shrugs, "Hey, I'm always up for a little extra cash, and I haven't been home in a while.  I'm in."

"What do you think Melissa? Tell the boss, or go it alone?"

"Could work, Jack.  We need more info before we commit to this though.", Micheal responded. "Maybe I can go see my parents afterwards. It's not too far after you get cross the pond."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:00, Fri 19 Feb 2016.

"Really best we tell the boss", Melissa said, "You never know when they're going to come up with something else. He's ok with moonlighting, provided it doesn't hurt the company... but he much more prefers Castle... Sorry, that's an awful joke. Can I suggest we go somewhere a bit more private to discuss this? Pubs aren't always the most secure places".

She started to reach for her handbag.

"Yeah, why not?"
He downed the last of his drink an made ready to leave.
"Might as well head to the office, kill two birds hey?"
"Sam's probably there doing paperwork anyway."

In reply to Karl Braende (msg # 20):

Patrick downed his drink and picked up his bag, it seemed like a part of him now after all these years, of course what was in the bag was much c=different depending on where and when he grabbed it.
"One of these days I'm going to forget just what I left in and what I took out, could get me in a  world of hurt I guess."
Looking over at the team and heading for the door.
" I don't think I will have any trouble getting what I need in the States just need ta know what the job ....well what my part of the job is supposed ta be."

Jack closed his laptop and slid it into it's case which was, in effect, his "go bag".

He adjusted his ever present baseball cap and bounced to his feet ready to go.

Looking at whats left of his beer.

Here's a sill question no ones bothered with yet. The USA is kinda big. Not Russia big but big. We got a general where yet?

"Lets talk about that in the office. It's only a few minutes walk away."

The "Office" was a fairly nondescript building that looked like many others in the area. There was an underground car park and loading dock with secure lift upstairs, a ground level reception area, waiting room and meeting space, and that was about as much as most visitors ever saw.
Employees knew a bit more - the various private offices, computer mainframe, all important lunch room, and well stocked armoury. Most had never seen the inside of the armoury, but the handful who'd peeked inside had almost wet their pants with joy.

Michael left a 5 euro note on the table and took one last drink of his Grolsch.  He followed the group out of the bar and down the street.

Settling his tab Endo follows the others back to the "Office".

Sure enough, Sam was toiling away on paperwork with the group let themselves in.
"What are you lot doing here so late? There a job I don't know about?"

"Maybe."

Jack set his laptop case on the nearest flat spot but did not open it.

"I got an email from a contact, long time contact going back to my days in the Corps, asking me if I was interested in helping him out with a situation in the States."

"I brought it up to the guys and we decided to see if Lindgren Security was officially interested."

"Just to be completely up front, I'll be checking into this regardless. Even discounting the friendship this contact is an information broker AND an arms dealer. Bad juju to turn my back on a guy like that."

"Still I'd rather do it with a crew behind me and your support."

He paused for a second.

"So are you officially interested?"

"Is that all you've got?"
"Where exactly is the job, who's the target, what's the pay, and how do we find out more?
The presentation so far was a bit sketchy for details.

"Surprised to see you working so late, Sam. Thought you were going to see that new Marvel film..." Melissa said as she arrived, then smiled at Sam.

She then found an empty chair and sat down, waiting for instructions.

Jack registered Karl's question but was obviously waiting for Sam to reply.

In reply to Jack Random (msg # 31):

Patrick let go with a small laugh and Looked at Jack while he spoke to Karl
" OK, Jack gets his answer afore you get yers Karl."

Even though the very same questions were running rampant through his mind as well he would be damned if he was going to beg the question one more time.

Slowing the thinking down he took another peek at Jack and then dropped the bag down and his butt into a chair at about the same speed.

" you know folks we really don't need ta be in too big a hurry."
Of course that was at odds with the way Patrick did things, he liked all the info now and all the time to go over plans and pick other peoples minds to death before he went into harms way.
The problem was, he was just learning, Jack did things his way not the way others told him too or how they thought they wanted him to do what ever it was needed doing.
He smiled one more time and a much bigger one and added the thought ..Just about the same as every other member of this group including me.

"Yeah, well the annual audit is just around the corner, so..."
Strangely she sounded almost excited by the prospect of somebody rummaging through the company books.
"Anyway, what've you got cooking up? Should I call the boss in, or is it a bit early yet?"

Not the direct 'we're interested' he was hoping for but there really wasn't that much op to be sweating op-sec just yet.

Jack produced his phone, pulled up the email, and handed it to Sam.



"Bill is Bill Crittenden. He's been working as a fixer and military surplus dealer since the Vietnam era. I've known him since I was in the Marine Corps."

"The meet is in Macon GA."

"Seems likely this ends in an extraction."

"Macon G-A?" Melissa asked, "Where's that... oh, it's Georgia, silly me. Going to be quite hot this time of year, I think. So dress appropriately, I would say. Oh and pack mozzie repellent, because we don't want to be bitten by them even if they ain't got malaria".

She walked over and picked up a hardcover atlas, flicking it open to find the south-eastern US.

"I went to Universal Studios Orlando as part of my honeymoon, you know. Great fun, apart from when hubby tipped a bucket of plastic spiders over me in the shower... I hate spiders. Mind you, I got him back for it later with a very large amount of chilli in his soup".
This message was last edited by the player at 22:27, Sun 21 Feb 2016.

"Sounds like the job probably isn't in Macon, may not even be in the US."
"Have you sent him a reply yet? Maybe ask who the target is and get a bit more background info before we fly across the Atlantic."

In reply to Karl Braende (msg # 36):

Looking almost happy for just a second Patrick spoke up.
" I'm in, know the name by rep but not the hero." he looked at Jack then at Karl.
" Jack you going to be our lead man on gear procurement or do I have time to get to Colorado and back with any goodies I ..er we may need?"

Finding a seat Eric pulls out his lap-top. He opens two windows, his email and a flight booking site.

Looks over to Sam to see what she's going to say.

Arms dealer might be able to set us up with goodies. Question remains a company job or freelance.

Jack nodded his thanks when Pat spoke up that he was in.

"Depends on how this meeting goes and, like Eric said, if we're doing this op freelance or not."

"Palmer, you in?"
He and Arlotti had been strangely quiet since they'd arrived at the office. A little input from their medic and muscle man would be useful.
"What do you bring to the table anyway Arlotti?"
Jack was their resident spook, Karl demolitions, Melissa apparently some decent technical and business skills, and Patrick was a crack shot and along with Davis, general all-rounder.

"Yeah, Karl. I'm in, mate.  Jack has been a little short on details so far.  I'm just waiting to see how this plays out. That's all.", Michael answered.

Antonio smiled at the pointed question, he'd expected it of course, as he was one of the new guys.  "Heavy weapons are my specialty.  Also, I can drive just about anything with wheels or tracks, at least well enough to get it from point A to point B.  And I can fix 'em when they break."

"Right then. You need me to book plane tickets for you?"
"I'll call the boss too and give him a quick run down. Expect he'll be ok with you lot heading over there if you cut Lindgren in for ten percent."

Looking over at Jack.

Thaat settles it then unless its something I can't live with myself over. In that case I stay here. If the powers that be are handling airfare you want me to look at beaters in the area or do we go rentals.

"Beaters?" Melissa asked, looking confused at the Americanism, "Also, we're going to need arrange accommodation. Can we please spring for a decent motel this time, Sam? I managed to get head lice from the last place we stayed at over the pond, then I managed to give it to my husband... seriously, I've not had nits since school".

"Something five star good enough? Want me to book a limo for you too?"
"Remember though, you're paying your own way on this one, unless the boss says otherwise."

Smiling at the question about "beaters".

A cheap used car, not to beat up and easy to blend in. A throw away without a paper trail.

"Yes to the plane tickets. Ten percent is no problem."

Jack had his laptop open.

"The Comfort in on Arkwright Rd. should do and there are about a hundred car dealerships and rental places on that road. Hell we can buy one out of someones yard if we need to but at least to start we aren't worried about paper trails."

"No shortage of dive bars and places to hold a covert meet in that area."

He closed his laptop again.

"No weapons on the this trip. US customs and TSA are a lot tighter than what we've dealt with over here. We may be able to beat them but it's not worth the risk."

"We can pick up sidearms from pawn shops until we get an idea what we will need for the op. You Europeans are going to be amazed at what they will have on the rack next to the fish bait."

"If all of you are ready we can leave as soon as we can get the tickets and pack our stuff."

"Sounds good to me", Melissa said with a grin, "I'd have to look up the hotel though. Also, if we're going into dive bars and such, you might want me undercover as one of your girlfriends, because there's no way a posh British girl like me would be seen dead in one of those. Mind you, my Southern accent is awful".

"You'd be surprised. A little work and Brits and Aussies usually do better with the accent than other American's do."

In reply to Jack Random (msg # 50):

Patrick just smiled. " I think my 'merican is more likely to get some one staing then your Brit."
He looked at the group and thought we are going to stand out like a sore thumb to any one of several right wing types.
We've got the three k's looking out for the feds, hell we have at least half a dozen right wing groups looken behind them and every window for Feds.

Then the Feds looking at them and half the Police forces in the country.

We are either going to be pointed out by them or the lefties thinking we are one of the rights. Man oh man  this is a laugh and I thought the last gig was hard to blind.
hmmmm some one just give me a nice open low intensity WAR!

" Well MATES let us not tarry shall we?"

It didn't take Sam long to book the seven tickets for the following day, departing at around 1pm Amsterdam time and arriving in Atlanta almost 10 hours later at 5pm local. A good thing they weren't headed much further west - the jet lag was going to be bad enough as it was.

"You'd all better head home for some rest and pack your bags. Meet back here at, say, 10am for a quick chat with Mr Lindgren."
"See you then."

The next day dawned, or would have if it wasn't pelting down with torrential rain. The team arrives a few minutes early (as most ex-military men tend to do) and settle in with a half decent coffee.

"God morgon," Oscar Lindgren, CEO of Lindgren Security stated with an air of self confidence as he entered the meeting room.
"I hear you have yourselves a potential job in the US?"

"Good, good. Best if you leave Europe for a while after the train issue. Now I'm sure Sam spoke to you briefly last night about what we expect? Ten percent of gross earnings, regular updates of your movements and, once you've been probably briefed, a full report of the job."

"In return we will be ready to provide limited backup should the job require it, although that will likely be limited to the supply of information and possibly additional manpower if needed."

He didn't need to tell anyone that getting weapons and specialist equipment across the Atlantic at short notice just wouldn't be possible.

"So, you'd better get yourselves off to the airport now. Good luck and come home safe. "

Hours later the team arrives at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Two hours later and you've finally all cleared security and are gathered near the taxi stand discussing what to do next and feeling very fatigued - your bodies think it's 0100 hours!
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:26, Sun 28 Feb 2016.

Looking at the others.

Rental Car, Van actually, to get to the hotel and look at what we need from there?

"Sounds good. Taxi's don't like to make unscheduled stops and we'll have a couple. There's an Enterprise kiosk about 100 meters down this sidewalk. You pick the vehicle and I'll pay for it."

"Everybody else try not to look too much like terrorists."

In Georgia it was far more likely for an obvious vet to be treated like a minor celebrity than with suspicion but Jack did like his jokes.

On the way to the van rental Jack emailed Bill with the message, 'In Atl. Be in Mac by 8pm. Mobile #000 555 7232.'

It was fair to say that Melissa Messervy didn't look like a terrorist, unless Michael Bay was making a movie about terrorists. She was dressed in a pair of khaki shorts and a black T-shirt with the logo 'Come to the Nerd Side. We have Pi'. A pair of black sandals completed the outfit and she had a handbag as well as her suitacse.

"I don't look like a terrorist..." she said, trying to keep her eyes open, "I'm too tired to be a terrorist. Did you ever see bin Laden or Carlos the Jackal sleep?"

Heads down to Enterprise to check on a Van big enough for them and the bags they had with them.

In reply to Jack Random (msg # 56):

Patrick, feeling the hour like he had never before, grimaced as he picked up his bag.
"Maybe I have ta get a bit of rest? Or maybe a drink? Or maybe just knock the hell outa someone but I gota do something."
turning to the rest He smiled
"you'd think I've been at this long enough ta get the freaken hurry up and wait thing sorted out." The smile disappeared.
" I ain't!"

"I'll buy you a beer when we get to the hotel.   Just relax a bit.", Michael said.

Smiling at the conversation.

Let be sure we stop for beer here in the City. We're in the American south, further from Atlanta we get more likely the only choices are american piss water.

"We're already on the south side of the city and there's no shortage of foreign alcohol in Macon."

Once the vehicle was chosen Jack paid for it with his credit card and accepted the keys.

"Let's get the others and get on the road."

"Sure this is the right time to get on the road? We're all pretty fatigued and I know I've been awake for nearly twenty hours already."

"Yes. Best to get to the hotel and sleep while It's night here. I'll drive. ATL traffic can be bad but I doubt we need a professional wheelman just yet."

Jack threw his bag in the back, got in the driver's seat, and waited for everyone to get in the van before heading for I-75 south.

"It's an hour drive plus a couple of stops to Macon. That's time for a power nap. And for next time maybe catch a nap on the eight hour flight in."

"What, and miss out on The Expendables marathon? All five back to back?"

In reply to Karl Braende (msg # 65):

"They lost me when they had Brad Pitt in the 5th one. That guy's no action hero!"

In reply to Jack Random (msg # 66):

Patrick's temper was about to flame. Then he thought ah hell I am just gonna get in the back and drop the bag on my feet and close my eyes and
He woke at the next stop.

Melissa clambered into the van and then closed her eyes for a snooze. Or at least tried to.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:15, Wed 02 Mar 2016.

Give me a 20 min power nap and if you need one I can take us the rest of the way.

Climbing in and making himself as comfortable as possible.

Several hours later everyone's finally piled into their hotel beds, utterly exhausted. At least Jack had the presence of mind to give you another 23 hours until the contact could expect you. Twenty three more hours for the trail to grow cold, but at least you'll be well rested...
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:58, Thu 03 Mar 2016.

Too tired the night before Endo is up at the crack of dawn and putting on running gear. Excuse is a morning run but he wants to get a feel for a 2 mile radius around the hotel they may just use for the day, but may be longer. Places to eat, stores that might have things they need, anything out of place.

Jack is up early too in the hotel gym. Far from old he had nevertheless reached an age where physical fitness required daily work.

Toiling away on the eliptical machine he had his tablet clipped in front of him and linked to his nearby laptop.

While others were engaging in their morning workout routine, Antonio was doing the same...in the restaurant.  He was tearing through a stack of pancakes smothered in maple syrup and a side of crispy bacon as he scanned the local newspaper.

Melissa decided to head for the indoor pool and have a swim before breakfast to clear the cobwebs with chlorine. As she swam, she thought about the mission ahead of them and what difficulties they were likely to face. Also, what gear she'd buy when they needed to.

Once that was done, she made her way to the restaurant to see Antonio reading the paper. She took some pancakes and maple syrup, sitting down next to him. She was dressed in a light blue dress, her hair still frizzy from the swim and shower after.

"Anything interesting in the paper?" she asked.

Michael decided to pass on PT and grab an extra hour of sleep. Besides, it might attract attention if a bunch of strangers started running every morning.

He showered, dressed and joined the others for breakfast. Some fried eggs, ham and a cup of coffee would start the day of right.

"Morning.  How are things?", Michael asked as he sat down.  He tried to suppress his Canadian accent a bit when he spoke.

In reply to Jack Random (msg # 72):

Patrick walked down to what passed for a gym and was a bit surprised to see Jack already hard at it.
He managed a mild " good mornen" and started a stretch routine.
He had never been one for a lot of conversation when he worked out and hoped Jack was the same, he also hoped no one else would be coming in and make this team work out.
Getting the legs and back lose he got on a bike and started the miles he need to get in. After a few he had the same old thought >>I have got to retire<<
Next thought>> I do not have enough money<< Third thought >> I have got to work out more<<
Fourth >> now way in hell<<

Antonio shrugged in response to Mellisa's question and took a sip of coffee, "nothing but the usual."

He nodded to Michael when he joined them.  "Just trying to fight off the jetlag with some artery clogging goodness."

Karl slept in late. It was past 0500 local when he finally got up, still feeling like refried shit.
"Don't usually cross too many timezones," he stated at breakfast, having already run several miles and put in a hour in the gym.
"Europe and Africa. That's were I usually work."
"Jack finished polering sin knotten in shower yet?"

Jack either tracked everyone down just after 0900 or sent them a text to draw them together.

"On the way to meet Bill at his business. We may as well take everyone. This crew won't cause any raised eyebrows at a military surplus shop."

"Unless someone just doesn't want to go?"

In reply to Jack Random (msg # 79):

Patrick had finished his workout and showered and got his feed bag done when the word from Jack came over.
"would this be a place we can get what we need with out a waiting period." the look on Jacks face answered that a lot faster then any words could.
"I'm thiken we are gonna be briefed and plan and start loading up all at the same time and mostly at the same place. Hell let's go."

"Hey, Jack. Does your friend's place have that secret room? Like that Commando movie?", Palmer asked, half joking?

Surplus City is all that you expect and more. The Macon store also serves as the headquarters of the 15 store chain which stretches across the southern states from Texas to North Carolina.
Isles of shelving, well stocked with camping, hunting and various outdoor sports supplies hide the more interesting ex-military gear towards the back. Almost any type of boots, uniforms, web gear, etc is crammed in, while along one wall are racks and racks of hunting rifles and shotguns. A small but respectable selection of pistols and "home defence" type longarms are on display in locked glass cabinets, and a reinforced door at the back of the shop obviously leads off to the offices and store rooms. Confederate flags and civil war memorabilia are on prominent display everywhere there's a gap in the stock.
Three staff man the shop, one younger man in camouflage pants behind the front counter, and two older, much more grizzled men roaming the shop dealing with customers.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:30, Tue 08 Mar 2016.

In reply to Michael Palmer (msg # 81):

"You don't have to keep that kind of room secret in Georgia Mike."

Jack approaches the young man at the counter.

"Good mornin'. Is Bill in?"

"If he is let him know Jack Random is here to see him."

"Yeah, sure. He's out the back. Wasn't expect you lot until tonight though."
He picked up the phone and dialled an extension.
"Sir, Random's here with friends.....Ok, I'll send them through."

"Just head down the back and he'll let you in."

"Thanks."

Jack took a moment to get everyone's attention, certain that some if not all of them had been distracted by the weapons and gear on display, and then headed in the direction indicated.

Melissa followed Jack to the back. She had a secret room in her Sussex house, but that wasn't for weapons, but instead for her model railway, which she didn't want her nephews to discover and wreck. She'd spent a lot of time recreating Brighton station in the 1970s after all...

An older man looking like he's walked straight out of a civil war southern command tent greets the group at the door and brings you through to the "inner sanctum".
"Bit earlier than expected. Good, good. Times of the essence."
"I'm Bill," he introduces himself, shaking each of your hands in turn.
"Jack may have told you a bit about me, and it's all true," he smiles, leading you past heavily reinforced doors and into his office.
Civil war memorabilia lines the walls and shelves, a computer sits to one side of his desk and a number of filing cabinets take up space along one side of the room. A world map with coloured pins stuck in it is behind his desk, and several chairs and a three seat lounge take up floor space.

"So, shall we get right to it?"

"My connections have provided me with a little information regarding the kidnapping of a prominent musician a few days ago - you may have heard about it?"

"Fiora Cutler, lead singer and composer for the German band Nachtuhu was snatched on Saturday night following a sell-out concert up in Boston. Five roughs with uzis broke into their hotel hotel as the band returned from the show. Four security men, six hotel employees, an off-duty police officer and two friends of the group were killed. Cutler's husband, guitarist Richard Kalmer, and five others were injured."

"The Boston police have exhausted all leads, and even the FBI is baffled, since no ransom has called for. So far, the only clues in the case are the eyewitness reports of black-clad roughs bursting into the hotel hallway, the use of 9mm ammunition, a blown·in service door, and the bodies of hotel employees in the main service stairwell. The police officer was killed when the kidnappers made their getaway in a stolen van, which later turned up abandoned in Lawrence, Massachusetts, with no prints and no further leads. The attack has been estimated to have taken just three minutes, with the main hallway assault taking just over 55 seconds. The FBI is looking into left-wing hate groups as possible culprits due to Cutler's right wing leanings, but no luck so far."

"Along with several very famous rock musicians from all over the place, the bands manager, Roosevelt Scott, is offering a substantial reward to rescue Cutler. You in?"
This message was last updated by the player at 12:49, Wed 09 Mar 2016.

Leaning back, watching the others.

"So it's a semi-pro to pro crew that's extremely trigger happy with definitely pro level demo skills."

To Jack's professional mind that was a lot of unnecessary shooting.

"I'll take the job on spec, no way you would call chump change "substantial", but my coworkers will probably want to hear at least an estimate of the payoff before they commit."

"Once that's decided we will likely need to gear up from your cache. We just got in country and we're a bit under armed for taking on guys this ready to shoot it out in public."

"So I'm guessing north of $160k? How far north?"

In reply to Jack Random (msg # 89):

"I'm a bit worried about the why." Patrick shook his head and looked around then back at the vet. "
" snatch equals  money. The shooting equals anger or zealot." he paused " or crazy"
Patrick paused briefly again.
" I'm just thinking out loud but who uses uzis now? and why does homeland not know anything? and why kill unarmed folks ?"
He looked at Eric and smiled .
" ok thinking done where is the gear?"

"Indeed, the shooting definitely speaks of someone who doesn't believe that they're going to get caught or they really don't care", Melissa added, "They took out 13 people in a kidnapping of a rock star. That's life without parole or possibly the needle if they take it federal... So we're looking at serious mercs or terrorists".

"I'm not sure that any of them were any kind of serious soldier. Not with a bloodbath like that."Michael disagreed.

"Patrick is on point here. More like a bunch of undisciplined animals let off their chain with only one objective.  They were most likely told where to go, how to get in, the room where the girl was staying and not to come home empty-handed."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:45, Fri 11 Mar 2016.

"Might be a little early to talk gear I'm thinking. We need more info before we know what we need."
"Anyway, if the money's right, I'm in. I'm a bit of a fan of Nachtuhu actually. Hell, I'm in even if it's just my costs being covered, this can no stand!"

Chuckles at the comments going back then adds his own.

Uzi's are old school yes, but they were easy to get once and easy to modify then. Just the whole setup maybe she has a drug kingpin fan.............

In reply to Eric N Davis (msg # 94):

Patrick looks a little uncomfortable then speaks up.

" I would like a couple of things while we are here. An under shirt vest and plate, a Colt commander and two extra mags a box of silver tips a good shoulder holster for it and a concealed carry permit that gets me by any inspection.
I've got the permit but it is for home and I am not sure it is any good here."
he stood up and stretched a bit before going on.
" The blades should be no problem, a Gerber six inch and a three inch folder."
the others were looking at him a bit strange. " hey, it's what I carry at home all the time."

In reply to Patrick Donnelly (msg # 95):

"If you think you can get it out of the country..."
"The money is good, twenty thousand each with five up front, provided she's returned safe and sound within four days. Take five k off for each day after that."
Seven days to complete should be more than enough, provided she hadn't been whisked off to central Africa or some Himalayan mountain top.

He handed out some paperwork indicating you should read and sign. All standard stuff really, methods of payment, waivers and the like. The $5k advance would be in your accounts by the following morning.

"Now that's out of the way I'll give you the intel I've gathered."
He hands around photocopies a fax sent to a Mr George McClan in Havana, Cuba. The fax reads as follows:

J.S. Smith of Portland requires a 1 Mil Bag, no comebacks, for client. Details provided by Confcall: @)&(!%)(@&.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 04:21, Sun 30 Oct 2016.

Melissa looked over the paperwork and then signed it.

"I'm going to need some tactical clothing suitable for well, a girl".

She looked at the fax.

"Havana, eh?" she said, "Apart from sounding like a guy who does infomercials, do you know who George McClan is? I don't think I do"

Jack reads the paperwork and if there is nothing objectionable in it he proceeds to sign it.

"Will you be able to arrange for us to arm up once we arrive?"

"We'll want intel on George McClan and J.S. Smith."

Antonio signed the paperwork once he'd seen a couple of others do so and leaned back into the sofa, only halfway paying attention.  Planning and intel were not really his specialty, he just needed someone to point him in a direction and tell him when to shoot.

In reply to Jack Random (msg # 98):

hell it seems I am always along just for the ride" but we goen to cuba or Oregon?"
he was a little confused over the getten it out of the country stuff.
"Er.. I may not be all to welcome in the Havana place."

Looks over the papers before sighing.

To Jack who seems to have lead. What I'll need to "acquire" depends on what you need me to be ready for.

"We'll work out a list."

"No, sorry. Haven't got any direct connections in Cuba. Nothing much up north either."

"George McClan is a thoroughly despicable operator with a whole stable of gun thugs in his employ. Gives the rest of us well meaning men a bad name."
"Got nothin' on Smith besides what you see in that fax."
Not surprising really given the number of "Smiths" in the Portland region - and they may well have been using an assumed name anyway.

In reply to Bill Crittenden (msg # 103):

Patrick sits bac down and rubs his legs.
" tell ye what my good friends, I say we arm up now which ever way we go. I don't think we will enter the island kingdome by the front door any which way and if we are grabbed it won't matter a lot one way or the other. Now if were ta be going stateside somewhere, well I say we go by charter flight or what ever."
He nodded towards some of the weapons hanging and thought about a second ( his normal interlude).
" I really would like to get at least two weapons asap 'cause I like to Zero and work on the comfert level."
he smiled Not that I need to ye understand.laughing

Karl was surprised.
"You want to smuggle weapons into Cuba? Didn't you Americans try that before in the 60's?
From what little he could recall from school all those years ago, that hadn't ended well.

Naw..............................in the 60's we tried to smuggle an army into Cuba. Russia was smuggling weapons.............. Eric says with a grin.

"The Company smuggled weapons in there all the time but we definitely don't want to do that."

Jack scratched under his ballcap.

"We need to make some calls and do some research and see what we can find out. Probably not in Bill's space though."

In reply to Eric N Davis (msg # 106):

Melissa decided to disagree and add her own comment.

"Funny, that's not how I remember the Cuban Missile Crisis from school. The Russians weren't actually smuggling... anyway, you might want me to assist in research or calls, people are quite willing to open up to a dumb sounding lady or a Brit. They find the accent really sexy for some reason..."

"Right. Paperwork's all done, and you've given us all the intel you've got already Mr Crittenden? Lets head back to the hotel and collect our stuff. We can plan in the van."
With that Karl stood and shook their employers hand and took his leave, briefly eyeing some of the merchandise on the way out to their hired vehicle.

We seem to be assuming she's in Cuba, she might be in Portland or somewhere in between. Looks like someone wants to get paid. Any Fax numbers connected to the message?

(edited to change "and Fax # to any Fax #)
This message was last edited by the player at 03:02, Sun 20 Mar 2016.

Michael slid his signed paperwork across the table.

"Probably right, Eric. Too soon to tell. Don't imagine Jack can do much digging for evidence here though. I suppose we should get going, eh? "

"Yeah the hotel should work for that. May as well head back there."

"If anybody feels naked without a gun this is probably the place to pick it up. Just don't buy anything you aren't willing to part with if we have to leave the country."

"Can I suggest we pick up some 'dual use' items while we're here?" Melissa suggested, "Backpacks, carrying rigs and cooking-related things? That way we can claim we're going hiking if we go to Cuba".

She listened to Jack's comment.

"I know at least one guy who takes his gun in the shower with him. Just saying".

In reply to Melissa Messervy (msg # 113):

"What a kook! Sane person buys a shower gun...", quips Jack as he goes out to look around for a minute.

He was looking specifically for a Charter Arms Bulldog. A great, lightweight, concealable 5 shot revolver chambered in the seriously underrated .44 S&W special round.

Looking at the knife counter.

Got a Gerber Mark II? If not a K-Bar will do. Also do you have any RIP 9mm ammo from G2? In an case I'll take an M9 Baretta.

"Yes, yes, yes, and that'll be a thirty day waiting period once you've provided us with all the necessary paperwork."

Looks over at Jack.

In reply to Jack Random (msg # 114):

"Sorry, we're all out of them, but we do have a few thirty eights you might be interested in?"

To Jack.

Might as well get things in one place.

To the Assistant.

I will take the Gerber if you have one.

Melissa went to look at the carrying rigs, backpacks and useful camping items. You could do a lot of things with a Swiss Army knife.

Basic equipment and knives were easily bought (base book prices), but firearms over the counter where another matter entirely. Since Obama brought in the changes to gun ownership laws as his parting "gift" to the nation, it had become increasingly difficult to quickly and more to the point, legally acquire any decent weaponry. Ammunition had also become quite scarce as those who already had guns stocked up and hoarded what they had.

It's not long though before everyones back in the van and headed for the motel to plan the next move. Will it be a trip to Cuba, head up to Boston to scope out the scene of the crime, or take a wild punt and try tracking down Mister, or is it Missus Smith way over in Portland?

Upon your return to the hotel Patrick finds a message waiting for him. Apparently his father has taken ill and been hospitalised. As of the time the message was sent to the offices at Lindgren (Sam forwarded it for Patrick), it was 50/50 whether or not he'd recover.

"I think Portland's too weak a lead to follow just yet. Not sure Boston is much better either. We'd probably get less than the police already have."
"Does anyone know anyone there that might have access to the forensics?"

Looks...................hard to define.
(We are assuming back at the hotel now right? Sorry on the delay, wanted to check a couple things.)

If Cuba is our best lead it does present difficulty's. To start with getting in.

Looking around the room.

Speaking for myself my passport is US, direct flights are scarce and Tourist Visa's are not availible.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:46, Mon 28 Mar 2016.

"Oh come on, don't everyone speak at once!"
"Does anyone know anybody who can help get us into Cuba?"

Going thoughtful.

If we had a reason for US citizens go to Cuba they can but are watched so Travel docs from a different country are better. One not out and out unfriendly. Hows Cuba's relations with Canada or..............South Africa? Flight, I'd say go through Mexico City or Caracas..... I may have a guy for Doc's, not sure how good, never tried before.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:25, Fri 01 Apr 2016.

In reply to Karl Braende (msg # 126):

"Well", Melissa said, taking a swig from a bottle of beer she'd bought at the bar, "I know someone myself. CIA guy in fact based in Miami; or rather girl. Goes by the name of... don't laugh... Bridget Jones. I can give her a ring and she can get some high quality fakes over to us, although it will cost.

CIA will want these terrorists dealt with as much as anyone".

"Yes, make it happen," Karl responded to both Eric and Melissa.
"So nobody knows anyone up in Boston or in the FBI then?"
Disappointing, but given most of them had military rather than law enforcement backgrounds, it wasn't that much of a surprise.

Between Melissa and Jack, the necessary arrangements were soon in place for a potential visit to Cuba. No weapons would be allowed, and it'd be on a commercial flight, but the whole team could travel on relatively short notice any time in the next ten days.
Karl trawled through his memory and came up with somebody in the FBI he'd encountered years before - a few phone calls later and he had a promise from them to see if there was anything useful in the case file. It would be a day or two before they got back to him though.
Everyone else's contacts proved of little help in either organising access to Cuba or gathering useful intel. Weapons, explosives, military vehicles and the like were in abundance - shame that's not what was needed at the moment.

"Right, Cuba here we come?"
Karl didn't expect to hear back from his contact before tomorrow, and he thought it best to have as much information as possible before heading up to Boston. Perhaps somebody else had a better idea though.

Go check the Cuba lead while your waiting to hear? I'm game.

In reply to Eric N Davis (msg # 132):

"No objections on my part", Melissa replied, "How do we intend to work that?"

"Jump on a plane and fly?"
"You got anything to add Michael? How about you Antonio?"
"Will you be coming with us Patrick, or do you need to go see how your father is doing?" Family came first in Karl's opinion, but if a simple phone call was enough then Patrick's presence in Cuba would be very welcome.

NPC'd

"I Think I'll just head directly to Boston and start digging around there. My face is, ah, "known" in Cuba to people we don't want to have to talk to at the moment."

In reply to Karl Braende (msg # 134):

"The whole thing is thin as hell.  We have 2 names and 2 places. I suppose we can go down to Cuba. It's as good of a lead as Portland.

I have to tell you, Karl. We're soldiers, not detectives. Without an objective and a location, it's going to be rough.", Michael replied.

"I agree", Melissa replied, "Let's head down to Cuba and follow that lead. We can easily make our way back to the US if something crops up there. What's our plan when we get there?"

Well, we need to find out what George McClan has to do with all of this. And like Michael says we are not detectives. Any suggestions Melissa?

"He's a merc agent isn't he? I say we act like mercs looking for work and see where that takes us."

In reply to Karl Braende (msg # 139):

"In which case, you'd probably be best to use me as the approach", Melissa said, "I've done a good deal of this sort of thing for Lindgren. In fact, he may well have heard of me touting for work in the past. That said, I'll need to buy a new suit; if I come in dressed like I'm auditioning for a TV show, it doesn't look professional".

Several hours later and everyone was at the airport, Melissa with a new set of clothing in her bag and a credit card which had been beaten into submission.

Antonio had elected to go with Jack directly to Boston to start digging around there and speak with the survivors while the rest would be shortly boarding their flight to Havana.

Packs his bag and gets ready to go.

As she was waiting in the airport, Melissa read through a paperback novel she'd bought in which a blonde CIA agent with Asperger's tried to stop a terrorist attack. In between reading, she thought about she would make her approach in Cuba; needing to combine charm with professionalism. Never an easy task, even with her husband.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:21, Tue 19 Apr 2016.