Missions of the Retrieval Team - Kiltmen Down

[davedove]

Scene 3


Charleston International Airport


After landing at the airport and securing the jet, my team quickly changed into our working clothes. I strapped on a kilt made with the blue, white, and gold tartan of X Marks the Scot. Additionally, I decided to wear the sporran that the Moderator David had given me on my last visit. It was a most amazing sporran, with a great capacity, so it has often proved useful for the various items I am required to carry for my vocation.

My associates dressed in a somewhat different manner. On our missions they have found that assuming a non-threatening appearance allows them to function with less scrutiny. Thus, they assume the role of my “arm candy” in the public eye. As such, their clothing fits snuggly and showcases their more than attractive physiques. However, although the clothing is snug, it still allows complete freedom of movement should a situation occur. Their purses, while containing the various makeup items found in most women’s purses, also conceal their many specialized tools. I noticed that Ms. Swan even wore a bunny shaped pack to hide her laptop from view.

Only Ms. Hawk wore a loose, knee-length skirt. However, I knew this wasn’t due to any modesty on her part. Instead, the flowing skirt allowed her to conceal some very lethal weaponry. One of her hidden handguns had saved us more than once.

As we made our way to the gate, my associates began to play their role by taking my arms and walking close to me. To the general public, we became the playboy and his lady friends.

Since we didn’t know the exact location of the Great Hall (although Ms. Swan has been working on that,) I assumed that transportation would be provided, just as on my previous visit. As we passed through the gate, my assumption was proved correct.

Waiting for us at the curb was a black limousine, large enough for the entire team and our baggage. There to greet us was Dee, one of the heralds of X Marks the Scot, who I had met previously. He stepped forward and shook my hand.

“So glad you could make it, Mr. Dove. I’m afraid we don’t have time for pleasantries. Mike was adamant that I bring you to him as quickly as possible. If you would get into the car, I will see to your baggage.”

“Aren’t you going to blindfold us like last time?” I asked.

“Oh no, that won’t be necessary. The windows have been blacked out so you won’t be able to see outside, and the doors will be secured so you can’t open them to take a peek. The blindfolds were just a part of the Moderator competition, tradition and all that.”

He turned to open the car door for us, “Now, if you would please step inside, we can be on our way.”

My associates and I climbed into the car and settled in for the ride. There we found the liquor cabinet had been stocked with a selection of single malt scotches. Ms. Hawk poured us each only a small amount, as we wanted to keep our heads clear.

As we made the journey, I saw that Ms. Swan was trying to operate a hand held gaming device. Looking closer, I noticed that it was in reality a GPS unit made to resemble a game. She seemed to be having some difficulty with it.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“It doesn’t seem to be picking up any signal. I can pull up our entire trip from St. John until we leave the airport. Then the record just stops.”

Ms. Falcon leaned in to take a look. “So y'all think ya just lost the signal?”

“Yeah, that’s what I’m thinking. I’ll keep trying until we get to the Hall.”

“Don’t be too surprised,” I told her. “The Moderators have kept the location of the Hall a secret for a long time now. I doubt if their wishes will be thwarted by a small electronic device.”