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

[davedove]

Scene 49

Brasstown Bald, Northern Georgia

We had transferred from the truck into a van on a small road in northern Georgia and bid goodbye to Susie.

Michael pulled the van into the parking lot of the short trail to the summit of Georgia’s highest peak. A small number of vehicles were also parked there. Diane and Ms. Hawk stayed in the van with David, but the rest of us got out and moved to a small picnic table.

As we waited, a small car pulled in and parked across the lot from the van. Grant stepped out of the car, stretched, and casually walked in our direction. When he reached our table, he sat down with us.

“The others should be here soon,” he said.

We sat and made small talk as we waited. Over the next hour, four more cars pulled into the lot and their drivers came over to join us.

“That’s everyone,” Grant said.

“Good,” I answered, “Ms. Raven?”

She picked up the bag she had sitting on the ground beside her and put in on the table. She reached inside and pulled out five small electronic devices.

“These are the decoys,” she said. “I have adjusted each one so that it gives off a modulated signal identical to David’s on the same frequency. Once you get in your cars, all you have to do is pull out the antenna and flip this switch.”

“Once you have activated your devices,” I said, “we will all drive away at the same time. Once we hit the main road, we will begin separating and driving to different destinations. That way, the FBI will have to trace six different signals. My team and I will take David back to the mountain. Now, it’s possible that we will still be followed, but we will just be one possibility out of six. Any questions?”

“No, but I do have one thing to add,” said Grant. “Once you reach your assigned destination, take the device and plant it somewhere, then quickly leave the area. Hopefully, that will give you enough time to get away before the Bureau closes in on the signal.”

He turned to me and extended his hand. “Good luck,” he said.

“Thanks,” I told him, shaking his hand, “You too.”

We all left the picnic table and got into our vehicles. All the cars started and each pulled out of the parking lot.

[davedove]

Scene 50

X Marks Mountain

As we approached the mountain, my radio suddenly came to life.

“Dove, come in, do you read me?” said David’s voice.

“This is Dove,” I answered.

“We have foxes surrounding the coop. Do not come home until after supper. I say again, do not come home until after supper.”

“I understand; wait until after supper.”

“We need to wait until after dark,” I told everyone in the van. “The mountain is being watched.”

“We need to ditch the van then,” said Mike. “We can’t make it to the garage entrance without headlights and those will be seen.”

I looked over to David. He was recovering some as the drugs were working out of his system, but he still seemed weak. “Can you walk?” I asked.

“I suppose I’ll have to, won’t I?” he responded.

I turned back to Mike. “Where will we leave the van?” I asked.

“There is an overlook about a mile from here,” he answered. “Michael and I will take the van there. We’ll let the rest of you out of the van at the base of that mountain. You’ll still have to circle around our mountain though to reach an entry. Julie can show it to you. You won’t have to go all the way around to the vehicle entrance.”

We drove the van around for the couple of hours before dusk. As the sun set, Michael pulled the van to the side of the road. We all climbed out of the door. Diane and Julie helped David while the rest of use readied our weapons.

Mike stepped out of the van briefly and shook my hand. “We’ll go ditch the van on the overlook. It’s going to take us a few hours to get back from there, probably more since it’s night. I know you’re probably going to try to get home tomorrow morning, so if we don’t see you before then, good luck. It was nice working with you.”

“You too Mike, and you as well Michael,” I said into the van.

Mike got back into the van and they pulled away, leaving us in the darkness.

[davedove]

Commercial Break

The Open Sea

The scene zooms in on a small cruise ship. On the bow is painted the ship’s name, Ceilidh.

We hear the narrator’s voice. “Are you tired of the same old cruises? Why not try the world’s first Celtic themed ship, the Ceilidh?”

The scene changes to the ship’s dining room. Several kilted men and their families are enjoying a meal.

“The dining room of the Ceilidh serves not only the best world class cuisine, but also includes many Scottish and Irish dishes prepared by our first class chefs.”

The scene changes to a dark, pub-style bar. Many kilted men are talking and sipping from glasses.

“Sample some of the world’s best single malts at our Highland Bar.”

The scene changes to a large stage, where kilted men and their women are dancing to highland tunes.

“Learn a new Scottish dance.”

The scene changes to the deck. A lone piper is playing as the sun sets.

“Or just sit back and enjoy the pipes.”

The scene changes again. The ship is shown cruising through the waters. The scene zooms in to see a multitude of kilted men standing at the railing with their families. All are waving towards the audience.

“Come cruise on the Ceilidh, a little taste of the Highlands on the open sea.”