Missions of the Retrieval Team - Kilts in a Cage

[starbkjrus]

In our army(not sure about any other army)we had a saying that was very profound."NEVER VOLUNTEER".

We have the same saying at my company!

[davedove]

Scene 15

Fenced Compound in the Yucatan Wilderness

We had ridden for about two hours, meaning with our slow speed over the primitive roads, we were between twenty and thirty miles off the highway.

Our convoy entered a fenced yard, guarded by more soldiers. Several buildings that looked like barracks were inside the compound.

“Get off bus! No talk!” the Sergeant ordered.

We all filed off the bus. The other busses were unloading as well. Other armed guards herded us into a single group in the middle of the yard. Families and couples clung to each other, not knowing what was going to happen. Ms. Stork kept close to me as well.

When the busses were empty, the Lieutenant we had seen before addressed our group. “Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Lieutenant Secuaz. You may be wondering why we have brought you here. Well, we have need for workers in our mill and you have all just volunteered.”

An angry murmur spread through the crowd.

“Quiet!” commanded the Lieutenant, his face red with anger. The soldiers pressed in closer to our group, threatening us with their rifles. Everyone quieted quickly.

“That is better,” the Lieutenant continued, his expression calming. “I must inform you that you really have no choice in this matter. You will work for us.”

The Lieutenant then smiled a bit. “Do not worry though,” he said, “we always take care of our workers. You will be given the standard workers ration of two small meals a day and a bunk to get your four hours of sleep each night. You see, we can be most generous.”

I could tell by the expressions on the faces of those around me that they thought the Lieutenant’s offer was anything but generous. Unfortunately, we couldn’t do anything about it while surrounded by armed guards.

“You will not be put to work today though,” the Lieutenant continued. “First you will be put into your barracks so you may get a good night’s sleep. Believe me, you will need it. Please cooperate with the guards as you are assigned to the barracks. Quite frankly, if you do not, you will be shot.”

An evil smile crossed the Lieutenant’s face. “Oh, and gentlemen, I am afraid we must separate you from your women and children. We find it makes the workers easier to handle.”

He turned away from us and barked a command in Spanish, “Get them into the barracks!”

As the men were reluctantly parting with their families, I turned and gave Ms. Stork a hug. “Form a flock,” I whispered in her ear. She looked up at me and nodded.

‘Form a flock’ is a command my team uses if we are ever separated. I had just instructed her to form her own team from among those around her.

Just then a commotion caught my attention. The guards were pulling a man away from a woman. It was James MacMillan and his wife.

“You animals!” James yelled, as the guards overpowered him and forced him to the ground.

Lieutenant Secuaz quickly walked over to them drawing his pistol. “I warned you!” he yelled. “Now, let this man be your first example.”

I quickly moved to put myself between James and the Lieutenant. “No, please, don’t shoot him,” I pleaded. “He was only trying to protect his wife.”

“Very well,” said the Lieutenant. He swung the pistol and pointed it at my forehead. “Perhaps you would rather be the example. My order was not obeyed, so someone must pay the price.”

Two guards grabbed me and the Lieutenant placed the barrel of his pistol against my head.

“What about it?” he asked. “Should I make you the example?”

“Wait!” I heard a man’s voice from across the yard command. “Do not shoot him, Lieutenant. I think we can find something better to do with him.”

The guards parted to let the man pass. As he approached me he spoke, “Well, Mr. Dove, allow me to welcome you to my compound.”

This man recognized me, and as I took in his well-decorated uniform I recognized him as well.

The man who had just stopped my execution was General I. Juan B. Ricos, major stockholder of Globo-Fashion.

[Standard]

In our army(not sure about any other army)we had a saying that was very profound."NEVER VOLUNTEER".

Never be first; Never be last; Never Volunteer.

[sharpdressedscot]

Never be first; Never be last; Never Volunteer.

yeah, suuuure....

[Jock Scot]

Has anybody any idea what this General Ricos fellow is getting up to these days?

[Ancienne Alliance]

Has anybody any idea what this General Ricos fellow is getting up to these days?

I fear he will ask us to put down our kilts, burn them in front of us and force us to put on bright orange overalls.

[Jock Scot]

I fear he will ask us to put down our kilts, burn them in front of us and force us to put on bright orange overalls.

The cad!

[Livingston]

I fear he will ask us to put down our kilts, burn them in front of us and force us to put on bright orange overalls.

The cad!

Dave, I still have that special locater transmitter in my shoe that alerts my friends at USASOC. Should I activate it?

[Coemgen]

Dave, I still have that special locater transmitter in my shoe that alerts my friends at USASOC. Should I activate it?

I have… um… a pith helmet? Aloha shirts? Ok, I got nothing - but I do haver courage!

[Jock Scot]

Dave, I still have that special locater transmitter in my shoe that alerts my friends at USASOC. Should I activate it?

May I enquire, does one get into serious bother if one uses their initiative in your outfit?