Missions of the Retrieval Team - A Kilt By Any Other Name

[davedove]

Scene 32

Secret Headquarters of the KLF

The teams all examined the different routes that the inside source had provided.

“The trick,” I explained, “Is to find where on the route is the most remote and least likely to have policemen posted nearby. We want to have the least resistance possible for our escape attempt.”

“For Route A,” Ms. Raven stated, “the bus and its escorts will pass through this valley here.” She pointed to the map. “If you’ll notice this small strip here, there are no side roads. The nearest intersections, where the police assistance is likely to be located, are at least twenty miles away. Even if the escorts get off a radio call, it will still take time for assistance to arrive.”

“But we will still need to get away,” I said. “A lack of side roads means fewer escape routes.”

“True,” she said. “That’s just a good location. There aren’t any perfect ones.”

“Fair enough, what about the other routes?”

“For Route B,” Mike responded, pointing to the map, “We will have to hit the bus somewhere in this area. Anywhere else is too heavily populated.”

“Okay, how about Route C?” I asked.

“Route C passes through this area,” answered Greg, circling an area with his finger. “There are several small towns in the area, but none with a population of over three hundred, so it’s not heavily settled. Plus, there are a number of small, country roads that run through it, so we have lots of options for escape.”

“Great, now where do we set our staging area?” I asked.

Julie looked at the map and pointed. “Here,” she said. “It is about equally distant to all the assault areas with reasonable roads. If we wait there, we can react to the instructions from Ms. Raven the quickest.”

“Good,” I said. “We have our assault areas. Ms. Raven, your team will stake out the prison with the directional unit. As soon as you determine which bus he is on, watch that bus until you can determine its route and let us know. The routes separate within a mile of the prison, so you should have that information quickly. Follow the bus and its escorts at a reasonable distance and be ready to serve as backup.” I looked around at the assembled group. “Any questions?”

No one spoke up.

“Good,” I said. “Everyone get your gear together and try to get a little rest. We leave as soon as it gets dark.”

[davedove]

Scene 33

Secret Headquarters of the KLF

I found Ms. Hawk and Ms. Raven in the KLF’s armory.

“They’re terribly short of arms and ammunition,” Ms. Hawk told me.

I nodded. “I’m afraid they may be fighting a losing battle,” I answered. “They probably have to steal most of their equipment. Since they are all wanted by the law, they can’t very well walk into the local discount store and pick up what they need.”

“What do you think they’re doing to David?” asked Ms. Raven.

“I don’t know, but it won’t be pleasant for him,” I told her. “The local sheriff only slapped me around a little, but he didn’t seem to have any inhibitions about doing that. I can only imagine what sorts of things this world’s FBI can do to someone who’s locked up in a high security prison.”

“I know of a lot of harsher methods they could use,” said Ms. Hawk. “David may resist for a little while, but he will soon tell them anything they want to hear.”

“Which is why we’ve got to get him now,” I said. “This will be our best chance to rescue him so we can get him home. So what kind of choices do we have here?” I asked.

“They have a large number of handguns, but they use a variety of calibers, what you would expect when they don’t have a regular source,” Ms. Hawk answered. “Additionally, several submachine guns and a few assault rifles. They do have enough ammo on hand for each of us to carry a full load.”

“Okay, grab what you want,” I told them. “Then go get some rest. It’s going to be a long night. I’ve got a couple of things to do, and then I’m going to do the same. I’ll see you this evening.”

[davedove]

Scene 34

Secret Headquarters of the KLF

I found both David and Grant in the briefing area, examining the maps.

“I’m glad I found you both together,” I said to them.

“What is it?” David asked.

“We don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow morning, so I would like to ask you guys for a favor.”

“Sure,” said Grant. “What is it?”

“The portal from my world is being opened every morning at six. We already missed it this morning and we will miss it again tomorrow. I want you to do something.”

“What?” asked David.

“If we don’t come back tomorrow, I want you to see if you can get a message to them. Write up a small explanation and be at the base of the mountain near the rock formation that’s right beside the field road. When the portal appears, see if you can toss your message through. The portal is only open for a few seconds, so you may have to determine its location one day and deliver the message the next.”

“And it will go through the portal?” asked David.

“I don’t know. We don’t know if things can go back through in the other direction. All you can do is try. If it doesn’t work, there’s nothing more you can do.”

“Of course we’ll do it,” said Grant.